Makassar, Aug. 14 -- The city government of Makassar in South Sulawesi has called for the optimal use of small urban plots, including converting them into farmland, to create added value.

Makassar Mayor Munafri Arifuddin on Thursday urged all community elements - from neighborhood and community units to government employees - to support national food security efforts and strengthen the agricultural sector amid limited land availability.

"Makassar is an urban area where the demand from high population growth is constant. As a result, many agricultural lands have had to give way to development," he said.

He noted that rice demand in the city has continued to rise alongside its growing population, which is currently estimated at 1.4 milli...