Global crisis on food looms large after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine

Russia invaded Ukraine two weeks back and the cost of major agricultural products are going beyond the reach of people. Wheat is an all-important item in the kitchen. The combined supplies from Russia and Ukraine make up nearly 30 percent of global wheat trade. This is now at risk. These two countries are the breadbasket for many countries. These are in the Middle East, South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. Many of them would feel the after effects of ongoing war. Another major problem is availability of fertilizer. This is essential for farmers but it is becoming more expensive. Russia is not exporting it and output in Europe has reduced. This is because of surging price of natural gas, which is a major ingredient in nitrogen-based fertilizers like urea. Global health experts are worried.

Agriculture ministers from the G7 countries would draw up strategies to prevent any food crisis. Egypt imposed ban on the export of wheat, flour, lentils and beans. Indonesia, the world's top producer of palm oil, has implemented export restrictions on it. This item is required for preparing cooking oil, cosmetics and chocolate. The UN's World Food Program revealed that the number of people on the edge of famine has jumped to 44 million from 27 million in 2019. This is a matter of concern. The conflict between Russia and Ukraine would worsen the situation.


Source –

edition.cnn.com dated 12 March 2022

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UAE and Egypt carry out air-strikes against IS militants in Libya

The US government has confirmed that the UAE and Egypt have carried out bombing of the Islamist militia in Libya nzherald.co.nz – this has taken Washington by surprise even as turmoil in the North African country deepens with the Islamists naming a rival premier.
It is now confirmed that the UAE and Egypt were behind last week's two deadly night raids on Islamist positions near Tripoli airport. It is understood that the UAE - which has spent billions on US-made warplanes and advanced weaponry – had provided the military aircraft, aerial refueling planes and crews to bomb Libya, while Cairo offered access to its air bases.
The first of the strikes had targeted militia locations in Tripoli, including a small weapons depot while the second round was to the south of the city – it targeted rocket launchers, military vehicles and a warehouse. The strikes might have been a bid to prevent the capture of the airport by the militants.
These air strikes signal a step towards direct action taken by regional Arab states that had, earlier, been waging proxy wars in Libya, Syria and Iraq in a struggle for power and influence.
Incidentally, the Islamist forces in Libya had alleged at the weekend that Egypt and the UAE were behind the air raids and this appears to have been proved by the confirmation.
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