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UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has announced that the Russia-Ukraine war could very quickly trigger a global food crisis that could last for years.
He said the war has exacerbated food insecurity in poorer countries due to rising prices, while some countries could face long-term food shortages if Ukraine’s exports do not return to pre-war levels.
The conflict has cut off supplies from Ukrainian ports, which once exported large quantities of cooking oil, cereals such as corn and wheat. According to the UN, this price situation, compared to a year ago has increased by 30%.
Speaking in New York, Guterres said the conflict and pandemic threaten food security, which will be followed by malnutrition and starvation.
“There is plenty of food in our world right now if we act together. “But if we do not solve this problem today, we will face the spectrum of global food shortages in the coming months.”he further added.
Russia and Ukraine produce 30% of the world’s grain supply, and before the war Ukraine was seen as the world’s bread basket, exporting 4.5 million tonnes of agricultural products a month through its ports, according to the BBC.
Since Russia began its occupation in late February, exports have fallen and prices have risen sharply. The situation worsened when India halted wheat exports on Saturday.
The UN said that about 20 million tons of grain are currently stuck in Ukraine and if this grain goes on the market, the situation will improve significantly.
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