UN chief warns world must urgently increase food production

The United Nations Secretary-General says the international community can't afford to lose that battle against the global food crisis. Ban Ki-moon wants all countries to increase food production.

Speaking on the second day of the food summit in Rome, Ban Ki-moon said 15 to 20 billion US dollars are needed each year to boost food production to combat hunger.

The UN chief said most of that money will have to come from concerned countries. But organizations such as the World Bank and International Monetary Fund should provide aid.

He called upon world leaders and conference participants to leave Rome with some commitment.

Ban Ki-moon said, "To move ahead collectively with a sense of urgency and purpose to fighting hunger and promoting world food security. To create a partnership of nations, multilateral organizations, civil society and the private sector around a clear plan of action that we need to implement urgently."

On the same day, the World Food Program announced they will offer food aid worth 1.2 billion US dollars to help developing countries which have been severely affected by high food prices.

A Memorandum of Understanding was also signed at the conference to boost food production in Africa's "breadbasket regions". It marks a significant transformation in the way major global agencies work with farmers to help solve Africa's chronic hunger and food problems.

The UN Food and Agriculture Organization points out that over 860 million people on the world are facing the threat of hunger, while high food prices make it worse. And it's African countries that are most affected by the food crisis.