UN says better seeds and fertilisers needed

United States: More and better seeds, fertilisers, irrigation and transport facilities are needed to combat food shortages around the world, a UN economic forum concluded.

After meetings last week in New York, the United Nations Economic and Social Council, or Ecosoc, outlined a plan to help millions of people who are struggling to get enough to eat amid soaring food prices.

Skyrocketing prices and food shortages affect the health and survival of millions around the world, Ecosoc President Leo Merores told the special meeting of the 52-member forum.

In the past two years, world prices of basic food commodities have risen steeply, a report on the Ecosoc's website said, with rice prices more than doubling since late January this year.

In the short term, the UN council aims to help farmers meet production needs for the next growing season, Merores said.

He also said there should be a renewed urgency in concluding the Doha round of trade negotiations.