World food prices hit record high over Ukraine war: FAO
The Hindu
The disruption in export flows resulting from the February 24 invasion and international sanctions against Russia has spurred fears of a global hunger crisis, especially across the Middle East and Africa, where effects are already visible
World food prices hit an all-time high in March as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine sent “shocks” through markets for staple grains and vegetable oils, the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization said on Friday.
The disruption in export flows resulting from the February 24 invasion and international sanctions against Russia has spurred fears of a global hunger crisis, especially across the Middle East and Africa, where the knock-on effects are already playing out.
Russia and Ukraine, whose vast grain-growing regions are among the world’s main breadbaskets, account for a huge share of the globe’s exports in several major commodities, including wheat, vegetable oil and corn.
“World food commodity prices made a significant leap in March to reach their highest levels ever, as war in the Black Sea region spread shocks through markets for staple grains and vegetable oils,” the FAO said in a statement.
The FAO’s food price index, which had already reported a record in February, surged by 12.6 percent last month, “making a giant leap to a new highest level since its inception in 1990”, the UN agency said.
The index, a measure of the monthly change in international prices of a basket of food commodities, averaged 159.3 points in March.
The jump includes new all-time highs for vegetable oils, cereals and meats, the FAO said, adding that prices of sugar and dairy products “also rose significantly”.
Explore the necessity, types, challenges, and potential of bioremediation in India for environmental restoration and public health.
Researchers in India uncover genetic factors linked to early oral cancer onset in tobacco chewers, enhancing cancer prediction and prevention.
Mahindra’s XEV 9S is a modern, family-focused electric SUV with premium design, a spacious tech-rich cabin, refined performance and advanced safety features. Discover variants, pricing and real-world impressions in our detailed review.
Samantha interview: On pickleball, her battles with a rare autoimmune condition and learnings
Experience the thrilling Akkulam Glass Bridge in Thiruvananthapuram, offering stunning views and adventure activities for all ages.
Climate scientists and advocates long held an optimistic belief that once impacts became undeniable, people and governments would act. This overestimated our collective response capacity while underestimating our psychological tendency to normalise, says Rachit Dubey, assistant professor at the department of communication, University of California.
Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla predicts a transformative decade for India’s space exploration and international collaboration.