World food prices hit nearly four-year high as logistics disruptions and El Nino persist
GS3Economy · S&T · Environment · Security· MSP, procurement, PDS & food security· Prelims·
Global food security and price volatility: a GS3 agriculture and international relations case study.
Why in news
The UN's Food and Agriculture Organization reported that world food prices hit a nearly four-year high in September due to logistics disruptions and El Niño weather patterns.
Background
The FAO Food Price Index averaged 136.0 points in September. Prices for sugar reached an 18-month high and wheat reached a three-year peak due to disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz and Black Sea.
Facts for Prelims
- BodyFAO: Food and Agriculture Organization is a specialized agency of the United Nations
- FactFAO Food Price Index reached an average of 136.0 points in September
- PlaceStrait of Hormuz and Black Sea identified as key locations for logistics disruptions
Prelims practice question
With reference to the FAO Food Price Index and global food prices, consider the following statements:
- The Strait of Hormuz and Black Sea were not identified as key locations for logistics disruptions.
- The FAO Food Price Index averaged 136.0 points in September.
- Wheat prices reached a five-year peak due to logistics disruptions.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- (a)2 only
- (b)1 and 3 only
- (c)2 and 3 only
- (d)1, 2 and 3
Show answer
Answer: (a) 2 only — Statement 2 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect: They were identified as key locations for logistics disruptions. Statement 3 is incorrect: Wheat reached a three-year peak.
For Mains
Q. Analyze how geopolitical disruptions in maritime corridors and climate change phenomena like El Niño contribute to global food insecurity and price volatility.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Supply chain vulnerability: Concentration of global grain trade in the Black Sea and Strait of Hormuz
- Climate-induced volatility: Impact of El Niño on agricultural yields and global commodity pricing
- Inflationary pressure: Transmission of high commodity prices to domestic consumer food inflation
Keywords: Food Price Index · Logistics disruptions · El Niño · Commodity volatility · Food security
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This note is generated automatically from SatyaDheesh's news feed and mapped to the UPSC CSE syllabus. Check facts against the original report or PIB before using them in an answer.