Russia-Ukraine conflict threatens food security of Africa, Asia and Middle

Rome: The United Nations has warned that a severe food grain crisis could develop in the countries from Africa, Asia and the Middle East given the Russia-Ukraine conflict, causing an increase of nearly 20% in the prices of food grains. If the conflict between these two countries extends, the seasonal crops in Ukraine will fail. However, there is uncertainty about whether Russia will export food grain given the sanctions imposed against it. The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) has pointed to the possible crisis. Analysts had warned a few days ago that riots would be sparked in the Middle Eastern countries for food grains due to the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Moreover, Russia and Ukraine are referred to as the ‘Bread Basket’ of the world. Russia and Ukraine are leading wheat, legumes, corn, and sunflower producers. Nearly 14% of the global legume exports are from these two countries. Farming is heavily affected in both countries by the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The sanctions on Russia have affected exports of food grain from the country. Whereas, the attacks on Ukraine have caused huge damage to the agricultural land.

Against this background, the warning issued by FAO becomes significant. FAO chief Qu Dongyu said that there could be an increase of nearly 20% in the food grain prices worldwide given this conflict. Emerging countries from Africa, Asia and the Middle East are hugely dependent on the wheat exported from Russia and Ukraine. FAO warned that given the situation created by the conflict, food grain availability could be affected, which may spark a shortage of food grain in these countries.

The FAO also pointed out that exports have already been curtailed given the Ukraine conflict. Besides, the repercussions are already being felt in the international markets.