Shortage of food grains in the world: Will the US struggle to ensure export of vital food grains out of Ukraine be effective?

After the attack of Russia on Ukraine, a number of countries are facing the acute shortage of some food items as vegetable oil, wheat and other vital food grains.

Russia has closed all ports and transportation routs of Ukraine, while 30% of the world’s wheat lies under the shadow of war.

In the meantime, CNN reported that the Biden administration is working with its European allies to try to develop routes to get Ukrainian wheat and food items out of the this country after Russia blocked Ukrainian ships from departing with grain which is vital for food supplies around the world, particularly in Africa and the Middle East.

Two US and four European diplomats said that there is no silver bullet to solve the complicated challenge, and officials are considering a wide range of options to get the food exports safely out by rail, sea and air which are possible scenarios that are being studied and devised whether Russia consents or not.

According to diplomats the challenge will be a major focus for US Secretary of State Antony Blinken when he chairs a discussion on the matter at the United Nations in New York on Wednesday and Thursday.

Amid concerns about a global food shortage, prices of wheat, grain, corn, soybeans and vegetable oil have soared in recent weeks due to Russia’s invasion.

But there is no simple solution available with major obstacles to all modes of transport as the war shows no sign of letting up.

According to the US Department of State, before the war, wheat supplies from Russia and Ukraine accounted for almost 30% of global trade as Ukraine is the world’s fourth-largest exporter of corn and the fifth-largest exporter of wheat.

The United Nations World Food Program that combats global food insecurity, buys about half of its wheat from Ukraine each year and has warned of dire consequences if the Ukrainian ports are not opened up.