In this globalised world, people can easily purchase food produced in different countries. This has raised the question of whether governments should aim to produce food for their entire population and reduce food imports. In my opinion, I largely agree that countries should strengthen domestic food production, although complete self-sufficiency may not always be realistic.
On the one hand, governments play an important role in supporting domestic industries, including agriculture. By encouraging local food production, countries can ensure food security and protect farmers from intense international competition. For example, in Taiwan, agricultural farms are generally smaller in scale compared to those in major exporting countries, which makes local products less competitive in terms of price. With appropriate financial support and policies, farmers are better able to maintain stable production and meet domestic demand.
On the other hand, it is also true that people should have the freedom to choose imported food. Some countries lack sufficient land or suitable climate to produce all types of food efficiently. In such cases, food imports help stabilise supply and prevent shortages. Moreover, international trade allows consumers to access a wider variety of food at reasonable prices.
In conclusion, while it may not be practical for countries to completely avoid food imports, governments should prioritise domestic food production to ensure food security and support local farmers.