Global Rice News

The Famine Early Warning Systems Network (FEWS NET) closely monitors the prices of staple foods in countries that are vulnerable to food insecurity. Their Price Bulletin provides valuable information on monthly prices in selected urban centers, allowing users to compare current trends with both five-year average prices and prices from the previous year. This information is crucial for understanding and addressing the issue of food insecurity.

In Central Asia, wheat is the primary staple food, but rice serves as an important substitute. Kazakhstan is a major exporter of wheat in the region, while Pakistan is largely self-sufficient and only exports in exceptionally good years, primarily to Afghanistan and other Asian countries. Saryagash Station in Kazakhstan plays a significant role in supplying wheat exports to Afghanistan and neighboring countries.

In Afghanistan, the city of Kabul serves as a central hub, supplying the provinces and acting as a transit point between different regions. Jalalabad acts as a cross-border market with Pakistan and supplies the eastern part of the country. Mazar-e-Sharif is responsible for supplying the northern provinces and can also serve the southern provinces in a prosperous year. Kandahar supplies the southwestern part of Afghanistan.

Meanwhile, Lahore in Pakistan is a key market for regional trade, especially with Afghanistan. Pakistan itself is a major player in rice production, accounting for around 70 percent of regional rice production. Their rice is exported to both regional and international markets, making them an important contributor to the global rice industry.

It is evident that monitoring and understanding staple food prices is crucial in assessing the food security situation in these regions. The Price Bulletin provided by FEWS NET plays a crucial role in this regard, enabling decision-makers to make informed choices and take appropriate actions to tackle food insecurity and its associated challenges.

Source: Source