Global meltdown to have a negative impact on food security

by ASHOK B SHARM

Food security usually becomes the casualty in the event of any crisis, be it financial or political. It is not unusual for the recent global financial crisis to invite concerns from ogranisations like FAO and other food policy groups.

The global meltdown in the financial and equity markets follows hard on the heels of soaring food price and energy crisis caused primarily on account of intensified bio-fuel programme. The global commodity prices, though still ruling high, has marked a dip due to good harvest in the current season. According to the latest issue of FAO’s Crop Prospects and Food Situation report, global grain production this year is forecast to increase 4.9% to a record 2,232 million tonne. However, some 36 countries are still in need of external assistance as a result of crop failures, conflict or insecurity or continuing local high prices, the report noted. ....