Kabul - The government of Afghanistan and the United Nations on Wednesday appealed for more than 404 million dollars in aid to feed 4.5 million Afghans who are in desperate need as a result of the worldwide rise in food prices, poor harvests and drought.

Based on a UN report, last year Afghanistan was able to produce over 90 per cent of its own food, but the country's wheat harvest this year is expected to be 36 per cent lower than in 2007.

The harvest for this year is forecast to be around two-thirds of the domestic requirements. Around 2 million tons of grain will have to be imported.

The appeal for over 404 million dollars seeks to ensure the food security of 450,000 urban and rural households that have been hit hardest by worldwide food price hikes, the United Nations mission in Kabul and the Afghan government said in a joint statement.

Bo Asplund, the United Nations Humanitarian Coordinator and Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General said, "There is an urgent need to provide life-saving assistance to Afghanistan's people, the needs are great and the time is limited."

With the support of the international community, it is possible to prevent millions of Afghans being pushed into food insecurity, avoid displacement of families and protect them against malnutrition, Asplund added.

"We urge donors to step forward with commitments of support that will enable us to provide essential food, water and health services to vulnerable groups over the next twelve months," said the UN official.

Meanwhile, Afghan Vice President Mohammad Karim Khalili said drought, conflict and a poor harvest have compounded the problems for Afghan people and there is a need of international community support to prevent further suffering.

Kalili further said, "The timing and need for this appeal should not be underestimated. Millions of Afghanistan's most vulnerable families are at risk unless we act now," Kalili said.

Funds from the appeal will also be used to provide safe drinking water, promote good hygiene in drought-affected communities and improve disease control where it is weak.

A significant part of the money received will be for the next agricultural cycle to help increase productivity and avoid a prolonged relief situation. (dpa)