By Jenifer James
King News 19th Sept 2024 – The Minister of Trade and Industry has announced a comprehensive series of initiatives aimed at enhancing food security and stabilizing prices for essential goods across the country. This move comes in response to the alarming rise in prices of commodities, which has left many households struggling to afford basic necessities.
In a media briefing on Thursday, Minister Joseph Moum addressed the pressing issue of food shortages, expressing the ministry’s commitment to restoring market stability, “We are actively collaborating with the Ministry of Finance to expedite the issuance of Letters of Credit facilities for the food imports; this will ensure that essential food items are imported efficiently and reach our markets promptly. I want to assure the public that the Ministry of Trade and Industry is fully dedicated to ensuring a steady and accessible supply of essential commodities in our country,” he stated.
According to the Minister, one of the measures governments put in place is to collaborate with the local farmers to enhance production capabilities, “We recognize the importance of local agriculture in achieving food security; our ministry will work closely with local farmers and the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security to enhance production capabilities and support initiatives that promote local food sourcing in the country.” he stressed
Joseph also revealed plans for public awareness campaigns to inform citizens about the measures being implemented to mitigate these challenges. Recognizing the difficulties faced by many families, Joseph emphasized the government’s commitment to resolving food insecurity.
“Our goal is to strengthen and sustain the nation’s food system through collective efforts,” said Joseph.
However, the Deputy Chairperson of the National Chamber of Commerce, John Lual, confirmed that representatives from both the government and the private sector will conduct thorough inspections of markets across the nation.
This initiative aims to foster transparency and accountability in pricing, helping to alleviate the financial burden on consumers, “We are going to assess the prices of food commodities and ensure that these prices come down promptly,” he stated.
The initiatives announced by Minister Joseph signal a determined effort by the government to confront the challenges of food security and inflation head-on. By fostering collaboration and transparency, the government aims to ensure that all citizens can access the food they need at affordable prices, ultimately promoting a more resilient and sustainable food system.