Russian Wheat Harvest Is Under Threat: Is The World Headed For Global Hunger?

Russian wheat harvest is under threat: Is the world headed for global hunger?

RT

Russian Agriculture Minister Dmitry Patrushev warned on Friday that the ministry sees risks of the country’s grain harvest target not being reached this year. The amount of grain harvested across Russia so far is lower than this time last year, he said. This could force the ministry to review its plans for grain exports, which could negatively affect the global market for the commodity, the minister added. Shortages of grain have already pushed prices higher across the world and raised concerns of a possible food crisis. 

1. What’s behind the rising grain prices?
   A number of factors have combined to impact the supply of grain to the global market, thus fueling food security concerns. These include the Covid-19 pandemic, the crisis in Ukraine and subsequent sanctions against Russia, as well as environmental factors such as the record heatwave in Europe, which threatens this year’s harvest.

1. How did the problem start?
   Global food security concerns were first raised in 2020 during the pandemic. The health crisis had a devastating impact on the global economy both directly and through government measures aimed at trying to slow the spread of the virus. The disease itself and efforts to contain it are still causing disruptions to the supply of agricultural goods.
   
   1. How are events in Ukraine having an impact?
      The conflict in Ukraine and subsequent sanctions against Russia limited the two countries’ agricultural exports, thus significantly exacerbating the global rise in grain prices that had begun amid the pandemic. Both Russia and Ukraine are major suppliers of grain to the world market.
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