AN OVERVIEW OF THE OUTCOMES OF THE G-20 AGRICULTURE MINISTERS' MEETING

The international system works in a collective mechanism on certain issues wherein countries form groups to tackle an emergency or crisis.

- KRUPA SUSAN VARGHESE

Group of 20 (G20) was formed to address economic problems in the system. Formed in 1999, it has extended its aims from financial stability to all fields like food security, environmental security, and so on. It has helped countries to invest for development. Coordination among the members of the group to achieve progress in economic stability and sustainable development is one of its focus areas.

FOCAL THEME

Under the present outbreak of the Coronavirus, it is difficult for various international forums and groups to perform in accordance with their aims. Nevertheless, groups such as the G20 have not refrained from extending an arm to discuss the future implications of this pandemic in the international system, especially in terms of food security. A virtual meeting of all agriculture ministers was held on 21 April 2020, organised by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia which discussed various issues that could affect the post-COVID world. The major focus in the discussion panel was regarding the food security crisis which is likely to follow extended lockdowns and social distancing in many countries. This will lead the world into a state of limited supplies for the future until the production bases and supply chains are reinvigorated. Limited supplies from the agricultural sector will threaten the stockpiles, which could create food insecurity as in countries like Eastern Africa that are affected by the locust invasion. Food security does not only mean the availability of food but the poor quality and lack of nutritional food lead people into misery.

ACCESSIBILITY, AVAILABILITY AND AFFORDABILITY – FOOD SECURITY