PRESIDENT BATTULGA: “PRODUCTION AND SUPPLY OF DOMESTIC FOOD CONSUMPTION MUST BE A SUBJECT OF NATIONAL SECURITY POLICY”
President of Mongolia Khaltmaagiin Battulga has set a goal for Mongolia to become self-sufficient in terms of food supply, and organized the National Food Security Forum on September 12.
On September 23, President Battulga paid visit to Misheel Expo Center which is hosting the ‘Green Days of Autumn’ food fair to get acquainted with the productions of national food producers. He called residents of Ulaanbaatar for consuming foods, such as potatoes, vegetables, honey and fruits, produced at home. The President bought some products, as well.
The Mongolian President said in his short interview with media, “Mongolia has vast territory and healthy soil. Our country is capable of supplying 100 percent of domestic consumption of vegetables, and furthermore, is able to even export them.”
“The first nationwide event organized at my initiative was about food security. Food producers had positive impressions about the forum and approved my policy. While I was working as the Minister for Food and Agriculture, a large number of entities enjoyed business loans in support of greenhouse farming. The loan has been giving its yield ever since. Unfortunately, term of loan repayment is very short, a little over three years, to be specific. If we can lengthen the term of loan repayment for new greenhouse farming businesses, complete supply of national consumption and exports of vegetables will become possible,” he said.
The President said his visit to the exhibition has a special meaning. “Food issue has become vulnerability for Mongolia. Production and supply of domestic food consumption must be a subject of national security policy,” he concluded.
The President of Mongolia was accompanied by Chief of Staff of his Office Z.Enkhbold and related officials from the Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Light Industry and the Municipality.