A new Asian Development Bank study says Asia's ability to keep food prices under control and ensure long-term regional food security will require the region's farm-to-market supply chains to become more efficient and cost-effective.

Bindu Lohani, an ADB vice president, said Monday that Asia faces a formidable challenge of feeding 5 billion people by 2030.

The study notes that the cost of energy, labor and farm inputs like fertilizer and seeds remain substantial and can quickly translate into higher retail food prices.

The report went on to say that there is no “silver bullet” to address the problem of rising food prices, and no “one size fits all” approach will work, requiring tailored solutions for Asia's widely different zones.