The invasion of Ukraine by Russia on February 24 brought many problems to the agenda. The most discussed of these problems was the food issue. Because Russia and Ukraine, known as the 'bread basket' of the world, represent 30% of global wheat production and one-third of all world exports are supplied from these two countries. The massive cessation of grain and seed exports due to the war had a global impact by accelerating the rise in grain prices.
Especially, excessive price increases in fertilizers will affect animal feed production in Brazil and Argentina, which is expected to lead to increases in meat and milk prices all over the world. According to the statement made by the World Trade Organization, food prices may increase by 37% this year.
UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) revealed how serious the picture is, using the expression that 8-13 million additional people worldwide will face malnutrition if food exports from Ukraine and Russia are stopped permanently. World Bank President David Malpass, who said that the food crisis will affect the poorest part of the world the most, just like the pandemic crisis, stated that the income of this segment for basic needs such as food and education will decrease. Malpass also warned that the inability of developing countries to pay their debts accumulated during the pandemic could lead to a "crisis within a crisis".
Considering that 25 countries in the world are dependent on wheat, 24 countries on coal, 16 countries on gas, 10 countries on oil, Russia and Ukraine, and at least 390 critically important enterprises in the world are suppliers in Russia, it is inevitable that the war will have a global impact. In this context, he points out that difficult days are near for Turkey, whose production is highly dependent on foreign sources.
Source:
https://www.trhaber.com/ekonomi/the-economist-ten-tuyler-urperten-kapak-dunya-kitlesel-acliga-h47685.html
https://www.gazeteduvar.com.tr/gida-krizi-nasil-gececek-makale-1563501
