World food prices surge

The latest data indicate that the situation with the world food supply continues to be worrisome phenomenon. The situation in Africa and the Middle East are particularly vulnerable; so also people in other countries where the prices of grains have gone up abruptly. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations report suggest that World food prices will increase in the coming months Moreover the World Bank has urged governments to shore up programmes that protect their most vulnerable populations. The report showed that producers are responding to high prices by trying to raise output but are having a hard time catching up with rising demand. However, the current crisis serves as a timely wake up call for governments, multilateral organizations, and donors to refocus on agriculture. Various national and international bodies have called for a second Green Revolution to feed the world in the face of a growing population and shrinking land base for agricultural uses.
Dr.C.Murukadas, The Economic Times, 31 August, 2012