PM Barre Says Somalia Can Achieve Food Self-Sufficiency as He Launches New Agriculture Institute

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre has said that Somalia has the potential to become self-sufficient in food production, urging farmers, investors and government institutions to rally behind a renewed national push to strengthen the agricultural sector.

Speaking at the foundation-laying ceremony for the new National Agricultural Research Institute in Mogadishu, Barre said the facility would help build a cadre of Somali experts capable of driving sustained growth in agriculture, the sector he described as the backbone of the national economy.

“Our land is highly suitable for farming and has sufficient water resources. Somalia can achieve self-sufficiency if agricultural production is properly developed,” Barre said. “The government is committed to building an economy grounded in agriculture and livestock.”

He said global food insecurity had forced some countries to restrict crop exports, making it critical for Somalia to invest in its own production and reduce reliance on imports.

Barre praised the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation for organizing farmers and cooperatives, but said more effort was needed to expand knowledge and improve farming practices. He urged Somali entrepreneurs to redirect investments toward domestic food production, calling the sector one of the country’s strongest economic opportunities.

“Somalia occupies a strategic global position, and many nations are ready to invest here, especially in agriculture and livestock,” he added.