WFP tops worry about food export restrictions due to spread of infections April 10, 19:08
As the spread of the new coronavirus on a global scale worsens, there is a growing movement in various countries to restrict the export of food such as wheat and rice. In an interview with NHK, the head of the World Food Program (WFP) expressed great concern about this, saying that export restrictions could cause food prices to soar and cause a food crisis, especially in developing countries.
Due to the spread of the new coronavirus, countries such as India and Russia, the world's leading grain producers, have announced that they will limit the export of wheat and rice to "increase domestic stockpiling."
These measures have spread to Southeast Asia and Eastern European countries, and are increasingly watched as protectionist movements over food.
In response, WFP Secretary-General Beasley, who provides food aid in 80 countries, told NHK on the Internet yesterday, "If food producers restrict exports, they will raise global grain prices. It should be recognized that this will have a significant impact on countries that rely on food imports, "he urged producers to avoid restricting exports.
He pointed out that if food distribution is stagnant and more people are undernourished, especially in developing countries, more people will be more susceptible to infectious diseases such as the new coronavirus.
"If the distribution network is cut off and the global recession does not raise enough funds for our support activities, 150,000 people may die in a day." We called on the leaders to cooperate.