Asia’s collective development agenda provides a valuable opportunity to address global challenges such as food security, a critical issue for many countries in the region. The theme of South Africa’s 2025 G20 presidency, ‘Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability,’ emphasizes food security, aligning with the priorities of Asian nations for food self-sufficiency and sustainable development.
Food insecurity remains a pressing concern in Asia, home to the largest share of the global population facing hunger. Despite sufficient global food production, between 713 and 757 million people experienced hunger in 2023. These figures highlight setbacks in achieving Sustainable Development Goals 1 and 2, which aim to eradicate poverty and hunger, respectively. Hunger disrupts health systems, impedes education, lowers productivity, and deepens inequalities, creating cycles of poverty in many developing Asian economies.
Asia is a diverse region with significant differences in economic development, resource availability, and policy priorities. Wealthier economies play a central role in shaping regional food security strategies, as they are at the forefront of technological innovations, trade agreements, and financial mechanisms that influence agricultural markets and supply chains. Countries like Japan and South Korea actively promote global agricultural cooperation, while Singapore’s advanced urban farming technologies serve as a model for sustainable food production in land-scarce areas.
The historical tension between trade-based and self-sufficiency-based approaches to food security has significantly influenced Asia’s policy landscape. China, as a middle-income country and a major global player, exemplifies this tension. While China’s focus on food sovereignty has led to investments in agricultural modernization, it remains a major importer of staples like soybeans and corn.
Trade has traditionally been crucial for stabilizing food supplies, particularly during crises. Advocates of trade-based approaches argue that protectionist measures can exacerbate food insecurity by distorting markets and reducing efficiency. However, the 2008 global food crisis underscored the risks of over-reliance on global markets, prompting many Asian nations to pursue food sovereignty.
The ASEAN+3 Emergency Rice Reserve (APTERR) exemplifies regional cooperation in combining self-sufficiency with trade-based resilience. By pooling resources and coordinating policies, APTERR ensures emergency food supplies while preserving the benefits of trade integration.
Agriculture is a central component of economic and social stability in Asia, contributing significantly to GDP and employment. Food insecurity disproportionately affects vulnerable populations in countries like Indonesia, India, the Philippines, and Pakistan. Addressing these disparities requires targeted investments in agricultural productivity, infrastructure, and climate resilience.
Indonesia provides a useful case study in advancing food security. President Prabowo Subianto has introduced ambitious reforms targeting food self-sufficiency within four years. The establishment of the National Food Agency (Bapanas) in 2021 reflects a commitment to streamlining food policies. Investments in land intensification, irrigation, logistics networks, and farmer financing are central to Indonesia’s food security strategy. The country’s 2025 budget includes a US$8.6 billion allocation for food security, with investments in food infrastructure, strategic reserves, and agricultural technology modernization aimed at reducing import reliance and strengthening food sovereignty.
Food diversification is another key strategy, reducing dependency on traditional staples and building resilience against supply shocks. Social programs like Indonesia’s free nutritious meal initiative are critical for improving nutrition, which enhances children’s learning, boosts workforce productivity, and supports long-term economic growth. These initiatives align with broader development goals, such as Indonesia’s Golden Indonesia 2045 vision.
Other countries in Asia, such as India, Vietnam, and Thailand, have made similar strides in modernizing agriculture and addressing food insecurity. India is embracing digital agriculture and precision farming, while Vietnam focuses on supply chain efficiency, and Thailand promotes sustainable farming practices. Wealthier nations are contributing through technological innovation and financial support, facilitating knowledge transfer and capacity-building across the region.
Despite progress, challenges persist. Climate change threatens crop yields and growing seasons, and urbanization encroaches on arable land. Infrastructure gaps hinder the efficient distribution of food. Addressing these issues requires a multifaceted approach, incorporating climate-smart agriculture, technological innovation, and regional collaboration.
Organizations like ASEAN are playing a vital role in fostering cooperation. Mechanisms such as the ASEAN Food Security Reserve and APTERR are strengthening regional food resilience and emergency preparedness. By sharing best practices and mobilizing resources, these platforms enhance Asia’s capacity to address food insecurity.
Asia’s engagement in global forums like the G20 further strengthens its food security agenda. Through initiatives such as the Agricultural Market Information System and the G20 Meeting of Agricultural Chief Scientists, Asia can leverage innovation and data-driven decision-making to create more sustainable food systems.
Food security is not only a policy goal but a fundamental human right and a cornerstone of sustainable development. Through platforms like the G20 and enhanced South-South cooperation, Asian nations can lead by example, investing in agricultural modernization, fostering regional partnerships, and leveraging global platforms to contribute to a more inclusive and resilient global food system.
