World might face food crisis due to Ukraine war: UN

The Russia-Ukraine war could soon cause a food crisis around the world that may last for years_ the United Nations (UN) has warned.

Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said_ the war had worsened food insecurity in poorer countries due to rising prices. If Ukraine's exports are not restored to pre-war levels_ some countries could face long-term famines_ he added.

The war has cut-off supplies from Ukraine's ports_ which once exported huge amounts of cooking oil as well as grains like maize and wheat.

This has reduced the global supply and caused inflation almost in every country. Global food prices are almost 30 per cent higher than the same time of 2021_ according to the UN.

UN chief warned that the only effective solution to the crisis was reintegrating food production of Ukraine_ as well as fertilizer produced by Russia and Belarus_ back into the global market.

He also said he was in "intense contact" with Russia and Ukraine_ as well as the United States and the European Union_ in an effort to bring food exports to normal levels.

The World Bank has announced extra funding worth $12 billion for projects addressing global food insecurity. The move will bring the total amount available for such projects to more than $37 billion over the next 15 months.

The war engaged Russia and Ukraine produce 30 per cent of the world's wheat supply and Ukraine was seen as the world's bread basket before the war_ exporting 4.5 million tonnes of agricultural product every month.