The Russia-Ukraine conflict has triggered food crisis across the globe. India has now stepped in to export almost about 7 million tons of its 107 million tons of wheat that is produced in the country every year. Egypt has now confirmed that it will import a million tons of Indian wheat.

Egypt to import a million tons of Indian wheat amid shortage due to Russia-Ukraine war

In the last 2 years, India has been a part of every global solution. When the pandemic struck, India exported HCQ, when the West hoarded vaccines, India sent life-saving jabs to the world. Now, India is exporting wheat to the world. Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: India offers wheat to the world

The war in Ukraine has triggered a global food crisis with many countries reporting wheat shortages. Can India - the second-largest wheat producer - step in and stabilise the market? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: Can India stabilise the global wheat market?

War oftentimes does not remain limited to warring parties. It creates a domino effect that causes a variety of problems across the world, even in countries far removed from the actual fighting. Ukraine conflict has created a state of alert in Europe but its effects in terms of rising oil prices are being felt across the world.

Another effect Ukraine conflict has had is the 'noodle crisis' in Indonesia, a country half a world away from the actual battle zone.

Ukraine conflict has caused a shortage of the iconic and heavily popular 'Indomie' noodles in Indonesia. Ukraine is the biggest exporter of wheat to Indonesia and activity at Ukrainian ports has considerably slowed down since the Russian invasion. Production of Indomie noodles, which are made from wheat flour has thus taken a hit.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/western-sanctions-might-impact-69-year-old-vladimir-putins-youthful-looks-heres-how-464508">Western sanctions might impact 69-year-old Vladimir Putin's youthful looks. Here's how</a>

The brand Indomie calls itself the first brand to introduce and popularise the concept of instant noodles in Indonesia. It is popular in all segments of Indonesian society. From students on a budget to someone wanting to have a quick snack, these noodles are the solution.

Media reports suggest that stores in the country are rapidly running out of fresh packs and prices of remaining stocks have risen.

According to Indonesia’s National Statistics Bureau, Ukraine exported 3 million tonnes of wheat to Indonesia in the year 2020 alone. A researcher quoted by Al Jazeera said that there were indications that wheat supply to Indonesia was under strain.

“When Russia invaded Ukraine, activities at Ukrainian ports stopped,” said Lestary J Barany, a research assistant at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS).&nbsp;

“Many granaries were located in the east, close to areas occupied by Russian troops. Thus, the threat from the supply side for these materials is becoming more real.”

Barany was quoted by Al Jazeera.

War oftentimes does not remain limited to warring parties. It creates a domino effect that causes a variety of problems across the world, even in countries far removed from the actual fighting.

War oftentimes does not remain limited to warring parties. It creates a domino effect that causes a variety of problems across the world, even in countries far removed from the actual fighting. Ukraine conflict has created a state of alert in Europe but its effects in terms of rising oil prices are being felt across the world. Another effect Ukraine conflict has had is the 'noodle crisis' in Indonesia, a country half a world away from the actual battle zone. Ukraine conflict has caused a shortage of the iconic and heavily popular 'Indomie' noodles in Indonesia. Ukraine is the biggest exporter of wheat to Indonesia and activity at Ukrainian ports has considerably slowed down since the Russian invasion. Production of Indomie noodles, which are made from wheat flour has thus taken a hit. Also Read | Western sanctions might impact 69-year-old Vladimir Putin's youthful looks. Here's how The brand Indomie calls itself the first brand to introduce and popularise the concept of instant noodles in Indonesia. It is popular in all segments of Indonesian society. From students on a budget to someone wanting to have a quick snack, these noodles are the solution. Media reports suggest that stores in the country are rapidly running out of fresh packs and prices of remaining stocks have risen. According to Indonesia’s National Statistics Bureau, Ukraine exported 3 million tonnes of wheat to Indonesia in the year 2020 alone. A researcher quoted by Al Jazeera said that there were indications that wheat supply to Indonesia was under strain. “When Russia invaded Ukraine, activities at Ukrainian ports stopped,” said Lestary J Barany, a research assistant at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS). “Many granaries were located in the east, close to areas occupied by Russian troops. Thus, the threat from the supply side for these materials is becoming more real.” Barany was quoted by Al Jazeera.

Ukraine conflict creates 'noodle crisis' in Indonesia

Russia's invasion of Ukraine is endangering more than only the lives of Ukrainians.

The war is also on course to generate a worldwide increase in severe hunger and even starvation.

Many Middle Eastern countries are concerned about an impending grain shortfall, as Russia and Ukraine jointly account for 30% of world wheat exports.

Russia is the world's greatest wheat exporter, followed by Ukraine in fourth place, and the two countries together account for 19% of global corn exports.&nbsp;

If the battle in Ukraine continues for several weeks longer, Ukrainians will be unable to plant wheat, while Western sanctions will prevent Russia from selling its produce.

As a result, grain prices will continue to climb sharply, generating sharp price increases in bread, milk, meat, and other goods.&nbsp;

Lebanon gets 81 percent of its national wheat consumption from Ukraine and 15 percent from Russia, according to figures from the FAO's 2020 balance sheet.

Egypt imports 60 percent of its wheat from Russia and 25 percent from Ukraine.

Turkey has a similar ratio: Russia accounts for 66% of wheat imports, while Ukraine accounts for 10%.

Several Middle Eastern governments, particularly those of Egypt, Lebanon, Libya, and Turkey, may find it difficult to pay for the rising grain costs and may be compelled to curtail or even eliminate bread subsidies, triggering violent popular protests that could overthrow some of them.&nbsp;

Egypt is scrambling to locate alternative wheat supplies after Russia's invasion of Ukraine placed the country's supply in peril.

Because the country imported nearly 85% of the wheat it required last year from Russia and Ukraine, Abdel Fattah al-government Sisi's will need to find alternate sources of supply as soon as possible.

The Egyptian government had to cancel an international tender for the supply of wheat from France last week because only one tender was received, rather than the statutory minimum of two, and Cairo hastened to call a new tender 48 hours later.&nbsp;

But, in view of the fact that last week the price of wheat reached a 14-year high, there is no doubt that it would have to pay much more for the same quantities.

The price of bread has been a politically explosive issue in Egypt as on several occasions in the past 50 years it triggered angry protests, to which the Police usually responded by firing shots over the heads of demonstrators. Particularly strong protests were staged in March 2017 in Alexandria, Giza and many other areas after the government cut the supply of subsidized bread amid an economic crisis.

Also during the so-called "Bread Intifada" in January 1977 violent protests broke out and the Egyptian security forces killed 70 people and wounded more than 550 protesters, but in the end the government was forced to re-institute the subsidies.

Bread subsidies are considered a red line among Egyptians and people in other countries in the Middle East, as they are a staple for every family in the region. Bread is sold at very low prices, for example, a subsidized flat loaf costs 0.05 Egyptian pounds, less than one US cent, which covers only a small part of the real cost of producing it and the government coffers cover the rest.

Lebanon is facing a huge problem with grain supplies, as it imports more than 80 per cent of the grain it needs from the Black Sea and does not have a strategic stockpile of grains due to the enormous explosion in the port of Beirut in August 2020 which destroyed its only large grain silo.

Furthermore, as its economy has been facing a large-scale, multi-dimensional crisis, including a banking collapse, a liquidity crisis, and sovereign default, it may not be able to pay the skyrocketing prices for the grain it needs.

Turkey's economy has been faltering in the past three years, and the sharp devaluation of the Turkish lira has forced the majority of its estimated 81 million people to increase consumption of wheat-based products at the expense of the protein, increasing in this way the need for grain.

Moreover, the approximately 5 million refugees hosted in Turkey have bread as their main food. All this is coupled with the fact that Turkey is a major producer of pasta, flour, biscuits and semolina. Turkey is now a key player in the international wheat market, as its grain imports have increase to record levels.

In 2021, Turkey imported 64.6 percent of its wheat from Russia and 13.4 per cent from Ukraine.

Watch | Zelensky urges people to continue resistance as Russia builds military columns near Kyiv

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/zelensky-urges-people-to-continue-resistance-as-russia-builds-military-columns-near-kyiv-459691/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Ankara would desperately need to find enough wheat to cover its needs. This year's Ukrainian harvest may be considered lost due to the war and the closing of its Black Sea and Sea of Azov ports, while Russia will find it extremely difficult to export its grain, as major shipping giants including Switzerland-based MSC, Denmark's Maersk and France's CMA CGM have announced last Tuesday that they would halt cargo bookings to and from Russia until further notice.

Currently, the world grain markets are in a paralyzing state of uncertainty. Traders do not want to make deals that may be affected by the sanctions imposed on Russia and may find themselves in trouble either with the sanctions of the international community or their clients. 
 
IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/battle-analysis-russian-tank-armada-vs-ukraine-who-will-win-459067">Battle analysis: Russian tank armada vs Ukraine - who will win?</a>

So, apart from the serious violation of international law and the big humanitarian crisis it created, Russia's invasion of Ukraine will have serious repercussions also on the international grain markets and will affect millions of people who due to steep price rises may be forced to reduce the consumption of bread and thus may be close to famine, as in the case of Yemen. 
 
IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/what-are-czech-hedgehogs-homemade-obstacles-that-can-destroy-russian-tanks-459254">What are Czech hedgehogs?: Homemade obstacles that can destroy Russian tanks</a>

In the end, everything will depend on how long this war will last. Russia could be able to maintain its grain production to the previous levels but would face great difficulties in exporting it, while Ukraine's grain production will disappear from the international markets at least for several months.

(With inputs from agencies)

Russia's invasion of Ukraine is endangering more than only the lives of Ukrainians. The war is also on course to generate a worldwide increase in severe hunger and even starvation.

Russia's invasion of Ukraine is endangering more than only the lives of Ukrainians. The war is also on course to generate a worldwide increase in severe hunger and even starvation. Many Middle Eastern countries are concerned about an impending grain shortfall, as Russia and Ukraine jointly account for 30% of world wheat exports. Russia is the world's greatest wheat exporter, followed by Ukraine in fourth place, and the two countries together account for 19% of global corn exports. If the battle in Ukraine continues for several weeks longer, Ukrainians will be unable to plant wheat, while Western sanctions will prevent Russia from selling its produce. As a result, grain prices will continue to climb sharply, generating sharp price increases in bread, milk, meat, and other goods. Lebanon gets 81 percent of its national wheat consumption from Ukraine and 15 percent from Russia, according to figures from the FAO's 2020 balance sheet. Egypt imports 60 percent of its wheat from Russia and 25 percent from Ukraine. Turkey has a similar ratio: Russia accounts for 66% of wheat imports, while Ukraine accounts for 10%. Several Middle Eastern governments, particularly those of Egypt, Lebanon, Libya, and Turkey, may find it difficult to pay for the rising grain costs and may be compelled to curtail or even eliminate bread subsidies, triggering violent popular protests that could overthrow some of them. Egypt is scrambling to locate alternative wheat supplies after Russia's invasion of Ukraine placed the country's supply in peril. Because the country imported nearly 85% of the wheat it required last year from Russia and Ukraine, Abdel Fattah al-government Sisi's will need to find alternate sources of supply as soon as possible. The Egyptian government had to cancel an international tender for the supply of wheat from France last week because only one tender was received, rather than the statutory minimum of two, and Cairo hastened to call a new tender 48 hours later. But, in view of the fact that last week the price of wheat reached a 14-year high, there is no doubt that it would have to pay much more for the same quantities. The price of bread has been a politically explosive issue in Egypt as on several occasions in the past 50 years it triggered angry protests, to which the Police usually responded by firing shots over the heads of demonstrators. Particularly strong protests were staged in March 2017 in Alexandria, Giza and many other areas after the government cut the supply of subsidized bread amid an economic crisis. Also during the so-called "Bread Intifada" in January 1977 violent protests broke out and the Egyptian security forces killed 70 people and wounded more than 550 protesters, but in the end the government was forced to re-institute the subsidies. Bread subsidies are considered a red line among Egyptians and people in other countries in the Middle East, as they are a staple for every family in the region. Bread is sold at very low prices, for example, a subsidized flat loaf costs 0.05 Egyptian pounds, less than one US cent, which covers only a small part of the real cost of producing it and the government coffers cover the rest. Lebanon is facing a huge problem with grain supplies, as it imports more than 80 per cent of the grain it needs from the Black Sea and does not have a strategic stockpile of grains due to the enormous explosion in the port of Beirut in August 2020 which destroyed its only large grain silo. Furthermore, as its economy has been facing a large-scale, multi-dimensional crisis, including a banking collapse, a liquidity crisis, and sovereign default, it may not be able to pay the skyrocketing prices for the grain it needs. Turkey's economy has been faltering in the past three years, and the sharp devaluation of the Turkish lira has forced the majority of its estimated 81 million people to increase consumption of wheat-based products at the expense of the protein, increasing in this way the need for grain. Moreover, the approximately 5 million refugees hosted in Turkey have bread as their main food. All this is coupled with the fact that Turkey is a major producer of pasta, flour, biscuits and semolina. Turkey is now a key player in the international wheat market, as its grain imports have increase to record levels. In 2021, Turkey imported 64.6 percent of its wheat from Russia and 13.4 per cent from Ukraine. Watch | Zelensky urges people to continue resistance as Russia builds military columns near Kyiv Ankara would desperately need to find enough wheat to cover its needs. This year's Ukrainian harvest may be considered lost due to the war and the closing of its Black Sea and Sea of Azov ports, while Russia will find it extremely difficult to export its grain, as major shipping giants including Switzerland-based MSC, Denmark's Maersk and France's CMA CGM have announced last Tuesday that they would halt cargo bookings to and from Russia until further notice. Currently, the world grain markets are in a paralyzing state of uncertainty. Traders do not want to make deals that may be affected by the sanctions imposed on Russia and may find themselves in trouble either with the sanctions of the international community or their clients. IN PICS | Battle analysis: Russian tank armada vs Ukraine - who will win? So, apart from the serious violation of international law and the big humanitarian crisis it created, Russia's invasion of Ukraine will have serious repercussions also on the international grain markets and will affect millions of people who due to steep price rises may be forced to reduce the consumption of bread and thus may be close to famine, as in the case of Yemen. IN PICS | What are Czech hedgehogs?: Homemade obstacles that can destroy Russian tanks In the end, everything will depend on how long this war will last. Russia could be able to maintain its grain production to the previous levels but would face great difficulties in exporting it, while Ukraine's grain production will disappear from the international markets at least for several months. (With inputs from agencies)

Middle East to suffer from the grain shortage: Russian attack disrupts Ukraine's supply chain

India&nbsp;is&nbsp;set&nbsp;to&nbsp;export&nbsp;a&nbsp;record&nbsp;7&nbsp;million&nbsp;tonnes&nbsp;of&nbsp;wheat&nbsp;this&nbsp;year&nbsp;as a rally in global prices gives the world's second biggest producer of the grain an opportunity to gain market share, a top government official said.

"Indian&nbsp;wheat&nbsp;exports have picked up," Sudhanshu Pandey, the most senior civil servant at the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, told reporters on Saturday.

"By the end of February, we had already&nbsp;exported 6.6&nbsp;million&nbsp;tonnes&nbsp;of&nbsp;wheat. Still one month is left."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/sigh-of-relief-183-indian-citizens-reach-delhi-in-special-flight-under-operation-ganga-459431">Sigh of relief: 183 Indian citizens reach Delhi in special flight under Operation Ganga</a>

In the 2012-13 fiscal&nbsp;year,&nbsp;India&nbsp;shipped a&nbsp;record&nbsp;6.5&nbsp;million&nbsp;tonnes.

A recent rally in international prices has made&nbsp;wheat&nbsp;shipments more lucrative for traders.

Benchmark&nbsp;wheat&nbsp;prices in Chicago have surged by more than 40% this week on fears of supply disruptions due to sanctions on Russia and the war in Ukraine.

Russia and Ukraine together account for 30% of world&nbsp;wheat&nbsp;exports.

Traders last week said&nbsp;India's&nbsp;wheat&nbsp;exports were expected to accelerate with a flurry of enquiries from buyers seeking alternatives to Black Sea shipments.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-official-slams-pak-for-sending-inedible-wheat-says-indias-far-better-reports-459159">Taliban official slams Pak for sending inedible wheat, says India’s far better: Reports</a>

India&nbsp;will also send 50,000&nbsp;tonnes&nbsp;of&nbsp;wheat&nbsp;to Afghanistan, Pandey said, in a bid to help the country facing poverty and hunger since the takeover by the Taliban last&nbsp;year.

New Delhi has already sent 4,000&nbsp;tonnes&nbsp;of the grain to Afghanistan via an infrequently used land route through Pakistan.

India is set to export a record 7 million tonnes of wheat this year as a rally in global prices gives the world's second biggest producer of the grain an opportunity to gain market share, a top government official said.

India is set to export a record 7 million tonnes of wheat this year as a rally in global prices gives the world's second biggest producer of the grain an opportunity to gain market share, a top government official said. "Indian wheat exports have picked up," Sudhanshu Pandey, the most senior civil servant at the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, told reporters on Saturday. "By the end of February, we had already exported 6.6 million tonnes of wheat. Still one month is left." Also read | Sigh of relief: 183 Indian citizens reach Delhi in special flight under Operation Ganga In the 2012-13 fiscal year, India shipped a record 6.5 million tonnes. A recent rally in international prices has made wheat shipments more lucrative for traders. Benchmark wheat prices in Chicago have surged by more than 40% this week on fears of supply disruptions due to sanctions on Russia and the war in Ukraine. Russia and Ukraine together account for 30% of world wheat exports. Traders last week said India's wheat exports were expected to accelerate with a flurry of enquiries from buyers seeking alternatives to Black Sea shipments. Also read | Taliban official slams Pak for sending inedible wheat, says India’s far better: Reports India will also send 50,000 tonnes of wheat to Afghanistan, Pandey said, in a bid to help the country facing poverty and hunger since the takeover by the Taliban last year. New Delhi has already sent 4,000 tonnes of the grain to Afghanistan via an infrequently used land route through Pakistan.

India set to export record 7 million tonnes wheat this year

Taliban’s government in Afghanistan seems to have slammed Pakistan for donating inedible wheat and praised India for sending better quality one, said media reports, citing a Taliban official. &nbsp;

The remark has led to a war of words on Twitter. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-mosque-blast-death-toll-rises-to-56-dozens-injured-458888" hreflang="en">Pakistan mosque blast: Death toll rises to 56, dozens injured</a>

On social media, a video, which showed a Taliban official complaining about the quality of Pakistani wheat, was also being circulated. &nbsp;&nbsp;

"Wheat donated by Pakistan is not edible: Taliban Official," Afghan journalist Abdulhaq Omeri tweeted as he posted a video of the Taliban official. &nbsp;

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Wheat donated by <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Pakistan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Pakistan</a> is not edible . <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Taliban?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Taliban</a> Official <a href="https://t.co/Enpgrco2Ew">pic.twitter.com/Enpgrco2Ew</a>
— Abdulhaq Omeri (@AbdulhaqOmeri) <a href="https://twitter.com/AbdulhaqOmeri/status/1499700593673310208?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 4, 2022</a></blockquote>
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On Twitter, Afghan people were seen thanking India for the "good quality wheat." &nbsp;

"Thank you India for your continued support to the Afghan people. Our public to public-friendly relations will be forever. Jai Hind," Hamdullah Arbab tweeted. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-to-receive-more-than-1-billion-in-aid-from-the-world-bank-funds-to-bypass-taliban-457982" hreflang="en">Afghanistan to receive more than $1 billion in aid from the World Bank</a>

Another user named Najib Farhodis said, "Wheat donated by Pakistan to Afghanistan All Pakistani wheat is worn out and spoiled that cannot be used. India has always helped Afghanistan." &nbsp;

The Taliban official, who made the remarks about poor quality of Pakistani wheat, seems to have been dismissed from his post. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

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Pakistan supplying unhealthy rotten wheat to Taliban in Afghanistan? 
 
What a great friendship between Imran Khan and Sirajuddin Haqqani. <a href="https://t.co/WxIx2suJK0">https://t.co/WxIx2suJK0</a>
— Aditya Raj Kaul (@AdityaRajKaul) <a href="https://twitter.com/AdityaRajKaul/status/1499796288551874563?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 4, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Last month, India had started sending wheat to Afghanistan as humanitarian assistance. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The second convoy of India's humanitarian assistance carrying 2000 MTs of wheat left Attari, Amritsar on Thursday for Jalalabad, Afghanistan, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Taliban’s government in Afghanistan seems to have slammed Pakistan for donating inedible wheat and praised India for sending better quality one, said media reports, citing a Taliban official.

Taliban’s government in Afghanistan seems to have slammed Pakistan for donating inedible wheat and praised India for sending better quality one, said media reports, citing a Taliban official. The remark has led to a war of words on Twitter. Also Read: Pakistan mosque blast: Death toll rises to 56, dozens injured On social media, a video, which showed a Taliban official complaining about the quality of Pakistani wheat, was also being circulated. "Wheat donated by Pakistan is not edible: Taliban Official," Afghan journalist Abdulhaq Omeri tweeted as he posted a video of the Taliban official. Wheat donated by #Pakistan is not edible . #Taliban Official pic.twitter.com/Enpgrco2Ew — Abdulhaq Omeri (@AbdulhaqOmeri) March 4, 2022 × On Twitter, Afghan people were seen thanking India for the "good quality wheat." "Thank you India for your continued support to the Afghan people. Our public to public-friendly relations will be forever. Jai Hind," Hamdullah Arbab tweeted. Also Read: Afghanistan to receive more than $1 billion in aid from the World Bank Another user named Najib Farhodis said, "Wheat donated by Pakistan to Afghanistan All Pakistani wheat is worn out and spoiled that cannot be used. India has always helped Afghanistan." The Taliban official, who made the remarks about poor quality of Pakistani wheat, seems to have been dismissed from his post. Pakistan supplying unhealthy rotten wheat to Taliban in Afghanistan? What a great friendship between Imran Khan and Sirajuddin Haqqani. https://t.co/WxIx2suJK0 — Aditya Raj Kaul (@AdityaRajKaul) March 4, 2022 × Last month, India had started sending wheat to Afghanistan as humanitarian assistance. The second convoy of India's humanitarian assistance carrying 2000 MTs of wheat left Attari, Amritsar on Thursday for Jalalabad, Afghanistan, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said. (With inputs from agencies)

Taliban official slams Pak for sending inedible wheat, says India’s far better: Reports

Iran has offered to transfer Indian wheat to Afghanistan. The proposal was made by Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian during his telephonic conversation with India's Minister of External Affairs S Jaishankar. The conversation took place on Saturday (January 8) and came as India sent 3rd humanitarian support to Afghanistan after Taliban captured power in August 2021.

Afghanistan was the key focus during the talks, both Indian and Iranian readouts confirmed. Iranian readout said that Iran foreign minister "stressed the need to form an inclusive government in the country" and while referring to India's humanitarian aid to Afghanistan, announced "measures and cooperation by Iran to transfer this aid in the form of wheat, medicine... to the country".

Last week, India sent 2 batches of humanitarian aid to the country.&nbsp;First one was sent on&nbsp;January 1st and the second was sent on January 7th. The aid consisted of medical assistance. November 2021 saw India delivering 1.6 tons of medical assistance to Afghanistan through World Health Organization (WHO).

Tweet by EAM Jaishankar on the talks said, "discussed the difficulties of Covid, challenges in Afghanistan, prospects of Chabahar and complexities of the Iranian nuclear issue."

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A wide ranging conversation with my Iranian colleague, FM <a href="https://twitter.com/Amirabdolahian?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Amirabdolahian</a> . 
 
Discussed the difficulties of Covid, challenges in Afghanistan, prospects of Chabahar and complexities of the Iranian nuclear issue.
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1479827448963293186?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 8, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Future supplies to Afghanistan will be made via Chabahar port. The port has huge Indian investment. It was on December 24, 2018 that Indian company, India Ports Global Limited, a subsidiary of India Ports Global Chabahar Free Zone (IPGCFZ) took over operations of the Chabahar port. Since December 2018 the port has handled 160 vessels, 14,420 TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units) and 3.2 million tons of bulk and general cargo. Before the fall of Kabul, India has been sending relief to Afghanistan on a regular basis via the Chabahar port.

India has committed to providing 50,000 MT of wheat, essential lifesaving medicines and Covid Vaccines to Afghan people. One of the proposals to send the supplies had been via Pakistan. While Islamabad has publicly stated it will allow movement of supplies, no transfer has started even as New Delhi and Islamabad continue to discuss the modalities of transfer.

Iran has offered to transfer Indian wheat to Afghanistan. The proposal was made by Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian during his telephonic conversation with India's Minister of External Affairs S Jaishankar.

Iran has offered to transfer Indian wheat to Afghanistan. The proposal was made by Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian during his telephonic conversation with India's Minister of External Affairs S Jaishankar. The conversation took place on Saturday (January 8) and came as India sent 3rd humanitarian support to Afghanistan after Taliban captured power in August 2021. Afghanistan was the key focus during the talks, both Indian and Iranian readouts confirmed. Iranian readout said that Iran foreign minister "stressed the need to form an inclusive government in the country" and while referring to India's humanitarian aid to Afghanistan, announced "measures and cooperation by Iran to transfer this aid in the form of wheat, medicine... to the country". Last week, India sent 2 batches of humanitarian aid to the country. First one was sent on January 1st and the second was sent on January 7th. The aid consisted of medical assistance. November 2021 saw India delivering 1.6 tons of medical assistance to Afghanistan through World Health Organization (WHO). Tweet by EAM Jaishankar on the talks said, "discussed the difficulties of Covid, challenges in Afghanistan, prospects of Chabahar and complexities of the Iranian nuclear issue." A wide ranging conversation with my Iranian colleague, FM @Amirabdolahian . Discussed the difficulties of Covid, challenges in Afghanistan, prospects of Chabahar and complexities of the Iranian nuclear issue. — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) January 8, 2022 × Future supplies to Afghanistan will be made via Chabahar port. The port has huge Indian investment. It was on December 24, 2018 that Indian company, India Ports Global Limited, a subsidiary of India Ports Global Chabahar Free Zone (IPGCFZ) took over operations of the Chabahar port. Since December 2018 the port has handled 160 vessels, 14,420 TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units) and 3.2 million tons of bulk and general cargo. Before the fall of Kabul, India has been sending relief to Afghanistan on a regular basis via the Chabahar port. India has committed to providing 50,000 MT of wheat, essential lifesaving medicines and Covid Vaccines to Afghan people. One of the proposals to send the supplies had been via Pakistan. While Islamabad has publicly stated it will allow movement of supplies, no transfer has started even as New Delhi and Islamabad continue to discuss the modalities of transfer.

Iran offers to transfer Indian wheat to Afghanistan

After vaccines were delivered on the first day of the New Year 2022, India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced that wheat would be provided to Afghanistan in the "coming weeks."

The MEA, in a statement, said, "In coming weeks, we will be undertaking the supply of wheat and the remaining medical assistance. In this regard, we are in touch with UN agencies and others to finalise the modalities for transportation. "

India has committed to providing the Afghan people with 50,000 MT of wheat, life-saving medications, and COVID vaccines.

Overland Pakistan was one of the options for delivering the supplies.

Despite the fact that Islamabad has publicly announced that it will facilitate supply flow, no transfer has yet taken place, even as New Delhi and Islamabad continue to debate the logistics of the transfer.

Meanwhile, India has been sending humanitarian aid to Afghanistan via Iran's Mahan air as commercial cargo since the Taliban took control in August of last year.

The second batch of 500,000 doses of COVID vaccination (COVAXIN) was shipped from New Delhi to Afghanistan and was handed over to the Indira Gandhi Hospital in Kabul.

In the next few weeks, another batch of 500,000 pills will be delivered.

The ministry of external affairs in a release said, "The government of India has committed to providing humanitarian assistance to the Afghan people consisting of food grains, one million doses of the COVID vaccine and essential life-saving drugs."

Last month, India sent 1.6 metric tonnes of medicine to Afghanistan via Kam airway, the first such consignment under the Taliban regime. The support comes even as India and Afghanistan's Taliban government have no formal ties, but New Delhi has publicly accepted that it has held talks with the group--one in Doha and another in Moscow. The Taliban has also admitted to having discussions with the Indian government.

When the first supplies came, the Taliban welcomed them. Abdul Qahar Balkhi, spokesperson of the Taliban foreign ministry, said, "We appreciate the arrival of two&nbsp;tonnes of Indian-assisted medicine to Indira Gandhi Children's Hospital in Kabul."

The same flight saw many Afghan Hindus and Sikhs coming to India, while 85 Afghan nationals stuck in India were reaching back to their homeland.

After vaccines were delivered on the first day of the New Year 2022, India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced that wheat would be provided to Afghanistan in the "coming weeks.

After vaccines were delivered on the first day of the New Year 2022, India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced that wheat would be provided to Afghanistan in the "coming weeks." The MEA, in a statement, said, "In coming weeks, we will be undertaking the supply of wheat and the remaining medical assistance. In this regard, we are in touch with UN agencies and others to finalise the modalities for transportation. " India has committed to providing the Afghan people with 50,000 MT of wheat, life-saving medications, and COVID vaccines. Overland Pakistan was one of the options for delivering the supplies. Despite the fact that Islamabad has publicly announced that it will facilitate supply flow, no transfer has yet taken place, even as New Delhi and Islamabad continue to debate the logistics of the transfer. Meanwhile, India has been sending humanitarian aid to Afghanistan via Iran's Mahan air as commercial cargo since the Taliban took control in August of last year. The second batch of 500,000 doses of COVID vaccination (COVAXIN) was shipped from New Delhi to Afghanistan and was handed over to the Indira Gandhi Hospital in Kabul. In the next few weeks, another batch of 500,000 pills will be delivered. The ministry of external affairs in a release said, "The government of India has committed to providing humanitarian assistance to the Afghan people consisting of food grains, one million doses of the COVID vaccine and essential life-saving drugs." Last month, India sent 1.6 metric tonnes of medicine to Afghanistan via Kam airway, the first such consignment under the Taliban regime. The support comes even as India and Afghanistan's Taliban government have no formal ties, but New Delhi has publicly accepted that it has held talks with the group--one in Doha and another in Moscow. The Taliban has also admitted to having discussions with the Indian government. When the first supplies came, the Taliban welcomed them. Abdul Qahar Balkhi, spokesperson of the Taliban foreign ministry, said, "We appreciate the arrival of two tonnes of Indian-assisted medicine to Indira Gandhi Children's Hospital in Kabul." The same flight saw many Afghan Hindus and Sikhs coming to India, while 85 Afghan nationals stuck in India were reaching back to their homeland.

India to send wheat to Afghanistan in coming weeks: MEA

Recent figures by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) have revealed that global food prices have hit the highest level in over a decade after rising by more than 30 per cent in the last year. The cost of cereals and vegetable oils have surged all across the globe, figures have revealed.&nbsp;

The FAO Food Price Index surged for the third month in October as there was a 3 per cent increase from the previous month.

Vegetable oil prices hit a record high after rising by almost 10 per cent in the same month. Oil prices increased because of rises in the cost of palm, soy, sunflower and rapeseed oils.&nbsp;

Labour shortages are contributing to the price surge.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-china-likely-to-reopen-consulates-shut-in-2020-says-report-426931">Also read |&nbsp;US-China likely to reopen consulates shut in 2020, says report</a>

The price of wheat soared by almost 40 per cent in the last 12 months after major exporters, including Canada, Russia and the US had poor harvests.

Shipping disruptions pushed up milk prices as the cost of dairy products rose by almost 16 per cent over the last year.

Brigit Busicchia from Macquarie University has said that speculation on global markets is also contributing to price volatility.&nbsp;

"Since the 1990s, the deregulation of commodity futures trading has made it possible for institutional investors to enter this market on a large scale," she said.&nbsp;

Recent figures by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) have revealed that global food prices have hit the highest level in over a decade after rising by more than 30 per cent in the last year.

Recent figures by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) have revealed that global food prices have hit the highest level in over a decade after rising by more than 30 per cent in the last year. The cost of cereals and vegetable oils have surged all across the globe, figures have revealed. The FAO Food Price Index surged for the third month in October as there was a 3 per cent increase from the previous month. Vegetable oil prices hit a record high after rising by almost 10 per cent in the same month. Oil prices increased because of rises in the cost of palm, soy, sunflower and rapeseed oils. Labour shortages are contributing to the price surge. Also read | US-China likely to reopen consulates shut in 2020, says report The price of wheat soared by almost 40 per cent in the last 12 months after major exporters, including Canada, Russia and the US had poor harvests. Shipping disruptions pushed up milk prices as the cost of dairy products rose by almost 16 per cent over the last year. Brigit Busicchia from Macquarie University has said that speculation on global markets is also contributing to price volatility. "Since the 1990s, the deregulation of commodity futures trading has made it possible for institutional investors to enter this market on a large scale," she said.

Global food prices record 10-year high as wheat prices soar by 40%

“Human identity is no longer defined by what one does but what one owns,” this harrowing truth about our existence was pronounced by former US President Jimmy Carter in one of his public addresses almost four decades ago.

Humans are wired to get dissatisfied -- especially in a world fraught with distractions and things that offer speedier, quicker, faster results -- one tends to get bored easily. With so many options available, our hunger to own more expands exponentially. Unfortunately, at the core of this saddening reality, an ugly truth stares right back – more of us are intrinsically unhappy even while working in fancy multinationals, clad in couture and commuting by fanciest of cars.

This ever-growing sense of dissatisfaction seems to have an answer in a growing school of thought which, according to me, makes total sense. Now is the time to adopt ‘minimalism’ like never before.

Look around and all that the eye can meet is clutter. Our mind, on an average, produces as many as 70,000 thoughts in a day – most of it just fans unnecessary anxiety and stress. We have enough food but we want more, we have a comfortable house but we want a bigger one, another car and of course, the latest iPhone.

Matt D’Avella’s documentary on minimalism&nbsp;becomes a must watch for all of us as it introduces to the virtue of having less and why having less is more. The short film features a young duo, Joshua Fields Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus, who quit their six-figure, fancy jobs in the United States and packed their lives in just about two suitcases to live with as little as possible. The duo calls itself 'The Minimalists' and goes around the country talking about their book and the importance of embracing the movement that emphasises de-cluttering lives and embracing simplicity.

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<h5>When our standard of living is improving by the day, why is that we still want more? Why are we so restless and why do we feel like not getting enough?</h5>
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The documentary, 'Minimalism: A documentary about the important things,' raises a valid point – when our standard of living is improving by the day, why is that we still want more? Why are we so restless and why do we feel like not getting enough? All the flashy things that are out there, we don’t really need those things for survival; they have been marketed to us for years, to trick us into believing that we need those things.

What is the true meaning of being successful? Experts suggest that over decades the idea of the ‘Big American Dream’ has come around to have completely different connotations. America was once seen as a land of enormous opportunities for one and all. A nation where one starts at rock-bottom, work hard and do well. With time, the idea became more materialistic in nature – increasingly about getting a six-figure job, that is how success is measured today across the globe, sadly.&nbsp;

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<h5>The concept of 'minimalism'&nbsp;rests in the fact that one should be able to justify the existence of things in life.</h5>
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The concept of minimalism&nbsp;rests in the fact that one should be able to justify the existence of things in life. Ask yourself, does this item, commodity or even a relationship add any value to life? If the answer is in negative then, “I should be willing enough to part with it, to let it go,” Joshua notes in the documentary.

It is interesting to see how an art movement, essentially an American visual arts movement of the mid-twentieth century, gained prominence to actually inspire a movement with a potential to make our lives better and instil meaning and substance.

Minimalism&nbsp;can be applied to every aspect of life, think out loud to yourself – is your closet too cluttered, do you really need all those pairs of shoes or the latest version of that pricey smartphone? Do you have quality and meaningful relationships with anyone in the crowd that you call ‘friends’? Is your daily routine meaningful and adds value to your existence?

Always remember, we cannot be happy with having too little, having too much is never going to bring contentment, you and I seek that fine balance of having just about enough and maintaining that equilibrium for life -- that is minimalism, your key to happiness.&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

“Human identity is no longer defined by what one does but what one owns,” this harrowing truth about our existence was pronounced by former US President Jimmy Carter in one of his public addresses almost four decades ago.

“Human identity is no longer defined by what one does but what one owns,” this harrowing truth about our existence was pronounced by former US President Jimmy Carter in one of his public addresses almost four decades ago. Humans are wired to get dissatisfied -- especially in a world fraught with distractions and things that offer speedier, quicker, faster results -- one tends to get bored easily. With so many options available, our hunger to own more expands exponentially. Unfortunately, at the core of this saddening reality, an ugly truth stares right back – more of us are intrinsically unhappy even while working in fancy multinationals, clad in couture and commuting by fanciest of cars. This ever-growing sense of dissatisfaction seems to have an answer in a growing school of thought which, according to me, makes total sense. Now is the time to adopt ‘minimalism’ like never before. Look around and all that the eye can meet is clutter. Our mind, on an average, produces as many as 70,000 thoughts in a day – most of it just fans unnecessary anxiety and stress. We have enough food but we want more, we have a comfortable house but we want a bigger one, another car and of course, the latest iPhone. Matt D’Avella’s documentary on minimalism becomes a must watch for all of us as it introduces to the virtue of having less and why having less is more. The short film features a young duo, Joshua Fields Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus, who quit their six-figure, fancy jobs in the United States and packed their lives in just about two suitcases to live with as little as possible. The duo calls itself 'The Minimalists' and goes around the country talking about their book and the importance of embracing the movement that emphasises de-cluttering lives and embracing simplicity. When our standard of living is improving by the day, why is that we still want more? Why are we so restless and why do we feel like not getting enough? × The documentary, 'Minimalism: A documentary about the important things,' raises a valid point – when our standard of living is improving by the day, why is that we still want more? Why are we so restless and why do we feel like not getting enough? All the flashy things that are out there, we don’t really need those things for survival; they have been marketed to us for years, to trick us into believing that we need those things. What is the true meaning of being successful? Experts suggest that over decades the idea of the ‘Big American Dream’ has come around to have completely different connotations. America was once seen as a land of enormous opportunities for one and all. A nation where one starts at rock-bottom, work hard and do well. With time, the idea became more materialistic in nature – increasingly about getting a six-figure job, that is how success is measured today across the globe, sadly. The concept of 'minimalism' rests in the fact that one should be able to justify the existence of things in life. × The concept of minimalism rests in the fact that one should be able to justify the existence of things in life. Ask yourself, does this item, commodity or even a relationship add any value to life? If the answer is in negative then, “I should be willing enough to part with it, to let it go,” Joshua notes in the documentary. It is interesting to see how an art movement, essentially an American visual arts movement of the mid-twentieth century, gained prominence to actually inspire a movement with a potential to make our lives better and instil meaning and substance. Minimalism can be applied to every aspect of life, think out loud to yourself – is your closet too cluttered, do you really need all those pairs of shoes or the latest version of that pricey smartphone? Do you have quality and meaningful relationships with anyone in the crowd that you call ‘friends’? Is your daily routine meaningful and adds value to your existence? Always remember, we cannot be happy with having too little, having too much is never going to bring contentment, you and I seek that fine balance of having just about enough and maintaining that equilibrium for life -- that is minimalism, your key to happiness. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Amid Covid chaos and protests, India's farmers eye record wheat crop

After recent rains, the dam on Kevin Tongue's property near Tamworth in New South Wales is more than three metres deep. Looking back to 2018, the dam had been empty for months during one of the worst droughts on record, decimating his wheat and barley crop.

From bone-dry to lush greenery, rainfall brings respite for Australian farmer

India's wheat production could jump to a second consecutive annual record in 2020 as the wettest monsoon in 25 years is set to help farmers in expanding the area under the winter-sown crop while also boosting yields, industry officials said.

But that higher production would add to India's already swelling inventories, potentially forcing the world's second-biggest wheat producer to ramp up procurement of the grain from farmers and provide incentives for overseas sales to support local prices.

"The area under wheat and yields would rise due to good rainfall. We can certainly produce more than last year's record production," said Gyanendra Singh, director at the state-run Indian Institute of Wheat and Barley Research.

India grew 102.19 million tonnes of wheat in 2019.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india.../rural-economy-might-face-setback-as- untimely-rains-hit-indias-summer-crops-262498">country received monsoon rains</a> during the June-September season that were 10 per cent&nbsp;above average and the rainfall continued during October and November, increasing soil moisture levels required for crop sowing. 
Rainfall also lifted the water level in India's key reservoirs to 86 per cent&nbsp;of capacity compared to 61 per cent&nbsp;a year ago and a 10-year average of 64%, according to government data.

Only one wheat crop is grown in India each year, with planting starting in late October and harvesting in March.

Farmers are inclined to expand the area under wheat as its prices are more stable than any other crop due to government buying, said Harish Galipelli, head of commodities and currencies at Inditrade Derivatives &amp; Commodities in Mumbai.

New Delhi sets <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../oecd-hails-india-reforms-pegs-62-growth-in- 2020-264158">minimum support prices </a>(MSP) for nearly two dozen crops to set a benchmark, but state agencies mainly buy rice and wheat at those prices. For 2020, India has lifted the price at which it buys locally produced new-season wheat by 4.6&nbsp;per cent to 19,250 rupees ($268.22) a tonne.

"After the hike in MSP, wheat planting has become even more attractive for farmers," Galipelli said.

For the time being, dealers say wheat exports from India next year would be difficult because of their comparatively high cost.

With the new MSP setting, export prices would be above $300 a tonne on a free-on-board basis, while supplies from the competing countries are available below $250 a tonne, said one Mumbai-based dealer with a global trading firm.

"India could easily produce more than 100 million tones but could not export even 1 million tonnes unless the government provides subsidy for exports," the dealer said.

India exported 226,225 tonnes of wheat in the 2018/19 fiscal year that ended on March 31, compared to a record 6.5 million tonnes in 2012/13, according to government data.

Higher production and negligible exports could force the government to increase procurement from farmers to ensure prices stay at or above the MSP, said Galipelli at Inditrade.

Government wheat stocks stood at a record 37.4 million tonnes as of November&nbsp;1, up 13 per cent&nbsp;from a year ago.

India's wheat production could jump to a second consecutive annual record in 2020 as the wettest monsoon in 25 years is set to help farmers in expanding the area under the winter-sown crop while also boosting yields, industry officials said.

India's wheat production could jump to a second consecutive annual record in 2020 as the wettest monsoon in 25 years is set to help farmers in expanding the area under the winter-sown crop while also boosting yields, industry officials said. But that higher production would add to India's already swelling inventories, potentially forcing the world's second-biggest wheat producer to ramp up procurement of the grain from farmers and provide incentives for overseas sales to support local prices. "The area under wheat and yields would rise due to good rainfall. We can certainly produce more than last year's record production," said Gyanendra Singh, director at the state-run Indian Institute of Wheat and Barley Research. India grew 102.19 million tonnes of wheat in 2019. The country received monsoon rains during the June-September season that were 10 per cent above average and the rainfall continued during October and November, increasing soil moisture levels required for crop sowing. Rainfall also lifted the water level in India's key reservoirs to 86 per cent of capacity compared to 61 per cent a year ago and a 10-year average of 64%, according to government data. Only one wheat crop is grown in India each year, with planting starting in late October and harvesting in March. Farmers are inclined to expand the area under wheat as its prices are more stable than any other crop due to government buying, said Harish Galipelli, head of commodities and currencies at Inditrade Derivatives & Commodities in Mumbai. New Delhi sets minimum support prices (MSP) for nearly two dozen crops to set a benchmark, but state agencies mainly buy rice and wheat at those prices. For 2020, India has lifted the price at which it buys locally produced new-season wheat by 4.6 per cent to 19,250 rupees ($268.22) a tonne. "After the hike in MSP, wheat planting has become even more attractive for farmers," Galipelli said. For the time being, dealers say wheat exports from India next year would be difficult because of their comparatively high cost. With the new MSP setting, export prices would be above $300 a tonne on a free-on-board basis, while supplies from the competing countries are available below $250 a tonne, said one Mumbai-based dealer with a global trading firm. "India could easily produce more than 100 million tones but could not export even 1 million tonnes unless the government provides subsidy for exports," the dealer said. India exported 226,225 tonnes of wheat in the 2018/19 fiscal year that ended on March 31, compared to a record 6.5 million tonnes in 2012/13, according to government data. Higher production and negligible exports could force the government to increase procurement from farmers to ensure prices stay at or above the MSP, said Galipelli at Inditrade. Government wheat stocks stood at a record 37.4 million tonnes as of November 1, up 13 per cent from a year ago.

India may get record wheat production in 2020 due to wettest monsoon in 25 years

India will be sending a consignment of 75,000 metric tons of wheat to Afghanistan in November 2019 as part of its humanitarian gesture. The consignment will be sent via the Chabahar port and the supply will commence from Kandala port next month.

India first sent a consignment of wheat via Chabahar in 2017 with a supply of 1.1 million tonnes. This move also paved the way for commencing the operation at the Chabahar port to improve Afghanistan's connectivity.

At the 37th anniversary of the Afghan Red Crescent Society (SRCS), Indian envoy to Afghanistan Vinay Kumar spoke about the financial assistance being provided by New Delhi for treatment of Afghan children suffering from Congenital Heart Disease and commended the "outstanding work of ARCS and its volunteers in providing humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan affected by the conflict and natural disasters''.&nbsp;

According to Vinay Kumar, in the last four years, around 2000 Afghan children in the age group of four months to 18 years have received India’s assistance of US$ 4 million.

From infrastructure to humanitarian aid to building institutions, India is engaging with Afghanistan according to the country's development priorities.&nbsp;

New Delhi on Tuesday completed the replacements for all four Mi-24V helicopters that it had given to Afghanistan in 2015/2016. While two helicopters were given earlier this year, the other two were handed over to Afghan National Security Forces (ANDSF) on Tuesday.

India will be sending a consignment of 75,000 metric tons of wheat to Afghanistan in November 2019 as part of its humanitarian gesture. The consignment will be sent via the Chabahar port and the supply will commence from Kandala port next month.

India will be sending a consignment of 75,000 metric tons of wheat to Afghanistan in November 2019 as part of its humanitarian gesture. The consignment will be sent via the Chabahar port and the supply will commence from Kandala port next month. India first sent a consignment of wheat via Chabahar in 2017 with a supply of 1.1 million tonnes. This move also paved the way for commencing the operation at the Chabahar port to improve Afghanistan's connectivity. At the 37th anniversary of the Afghan Red Crescent Society (SRCS), Indian envoy to Afghanistan Vinay Kumar spoke about the financial assistance being provided by New Delhi for treatment of Afghan children suffering from Congenital Heart Disease and commended the "outstanding work of ARCS and its volunteers in providing humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan affected by the conflict and natural disasters''. According to Vinay Kumar, in the last four years, around 2000 Afghan children in the age group of four months to 18 years have received India’s assistance of US$ 4 million. From infrastructure to humanitarian aid to building institutions, India is engaging with Afghanistan according to the country's development priorities. New Delhi on Tuesday completed the replacements for all four Mi-24V helicopters that it had given to Afghanistan in 2015/2016. While two helicopters were given earlier this year, the other two were handed over to Afghan National Security Forces (ANDSF) on Tuesday.

India to send 75,000 metric tons of wheat to Afghanistan, also providing assistance to children

India will gift 75,000 metric tonnes of wheat to Afghanistan in November, announced Ambassador Vinay Kumar on Wednesday.

The Indian envoy made these announcements while speaking at the 37th anniversary of the Afghan Red Crescent Society's (ARCS) Special Week.

India sent its maiden cargo of wheat to Afghanistan through the Chabahar port in Iran, bypassing Pakistan, in October 2017. The Indian government has supplied 1.1 million tonnes of wheat for the people of Afghanistan on a grant basis.

The envoy also spoke about cooperation between India and ARCS including financial assistance for the treatment of Afghan children suffering from congenital heart disease.

"During the last four years, around 2000 Afghan children in the age group of 4 months to 18 years have been treated with India's assistance of USD 4 million," he said.

India will gift 75,000 metric tonnes of wheat to Afghanistan in November, announced Ambassador Vinay Kumar on Wednesday. The Indian envoy made these announcements while speaking at the 37th anniversary of the Afghan Red Crescent Society's (ARCS) Special Week.

India will gift 75,000 metric tonnes of wheat to Afghanistan in November, announced Ambassador Vinay Kumar on Wednesday. The Indian envoy made these announcements while speaking at the 37th anniversary of the Afghan Red Crescent Society's (ARCS) Special Week. India sent its maiden cargo of wheat to Afghanistan through the Chabahar port in Iran, bypassing Pakistan, in October 2017. The Indian government has supplied 1.1 million tonnes of wheat for the people of Afghanistan on a grant basis. The envoy also spoke about cooperation between India and ARCS including financial assistance for the treatment of Afghan children suffering from congenital heart disease. "During the last four years, around 2000 Afghan children in the age group of 4 months to 18 years have been treated with India's assistance of USD 4 million," he said.

India to gift 75,000 metric tonnes of wheat to Afghanistan: Indian Ambassador to Afghanistan Vinay Kumar

Bangladesh is scrapping an international tender to import 50,000 tonnes of wheat, citing higher prices, two officials from the state grains procurement agency said on Sunday.

Agrocorp International made the lowest offer of $297.20 a tonne, including CIF liner out, in the tender, which was issued late last month by the Directorate General of Food, the procurement agency.

"We are cancelling the tender as the offer is high considering global wheat prices," said a senior official at the Directorate General of Food.

Another official at the agency said the tender could be reissued within a short time, confirming the scrapping of the tender.

Three other trading houses competed for the tender. SSOE offered $297.96 a tonne, Aston $297.89 and Phoenix Commodities $308.43 a tonne.

The state grains buyer received the lowest offer of $291.93 a tonne CIF liner out from trading house Swiss Singapore Overseas in its latest tender, closed last week.

Agrocorp International, however, secured a previous tender, quoting the lowest offer of $270.89 a tonne C&amp;F liner out, in which it is supplying Russian wheat.

Bangladesh has turned to the Black Sea region for wheat because supply from India has dwindled as it meets growing domestic demand.

The south Asian country imports around 6 million tonnes of wheat, making it one of the world's biggest importers of the grain. Bangladesh's output has stagnated at around 1 million tonnes.

Bangladesh is scrapping an international tender to import 50,000 tonnes of wheat, citing higher prices, two officials from the state grains procurement agency said on Sunday.

Bangladesh is scrapping an international tender to import 50,000 tonnes of wheat, citing higher prices, two officials from the state grains procurement agency said on Sunday. Agrocorp International made the lowest offer of $297.20 a tonne, including CIF liner out, in the tender, which was issued late last month by the Directorate General of Food, the procurement agency. "We are cancelling the tender as the offer is high considering global wheat prices," said a senior official at the Directorate General of Food. Another official at the agency said the tender could be reissued within a short time, confirming the scrapping of the tender. Three other trading houses competed for the tender. SSOE offered $297.96 a tonne, Aston $297.89 and Phoenix Commodities $308.43 a tonne. The state grains buyer received the lowest offer of $291.93 a tonne CIF liner out from trading house Swiss Singapore Overseas in its latest tender, closed last week. Agrocorp International, however, secured a previous tender, quoting the lowest offer of $270.89 a tonne C&F liner out, in which it is supplying Russian wheat. Bangladesh has turned to the Black Sea region for wheat because supply from India has dwindled as it meets growing domestic demand. The south Asian country imports around 6 million tonnes of wheat, making it one of the world's biggest importers of the grain. Bangladesh's output has stagnated at around 1 million tonnes.

Bangladesh to cancel tender to import 50,000 tonnes of wheat

Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat today refused to comment on Congress chief Rahul Gandhi's statement that farmers in BJP-ruled states like Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan were in distress.

Taking a dig at Rahul Gandhi, the Union Minister of State for Agriculture said that it would "not be appropriate" to comment on the statement of a person "who doesn't know the difference between wheat and paddy crops".

Mr Shekhawat was replying to a query on Mr Gandhi's allegation about agrarian distress in several parts of the country.

"I am a farmer, an agriculturists' leader and their representative in the Central government. So I know the condition of the agricultural sector better," he told reporters on the sidelines of a function in Indore.

"It would not be appropriate to comment on the statements of a person who doesn't know the difference between wheat and paddy crops, who doesn't know the difference between a lamb and the offspring of a goat," the minister added.

The minister claimed that farmers were getting the right price for their products and this had strengthened the agricultural sector.

Speaking on the October 2 police action on protesting farmers marching towards Delhi, the minister said that the government would fulfil their legitimate demands but added that farmers were being "instigated" to reap the political benefit in view of the upcoming Assembly polls.

Farmers marching towards Delhi as part of the Bharatiya Kisan Union's (BKU) protest call over demands ranging from farm loan waiver to reduction in fuel prices were stopped at the Delhi-Uttar Pradesh border on October 2 with police using water cannons to disperse them.

Mr Shekhawat stated that the government was trying to increase the export of soyabean and other agricultural products seeing an opportunity in the ongoing US-China trade tussle.

"In view of the ongoing China-US trade war, there is a huge opportunity for agrarian economies like India. So our government is making efforts to promote the export of agriculture-based products," he said.

Mr Shekhawat said previous Congress governments betrayed farmers as well as those in the food processing industry.

This, he claimed, had led to an increased dependence on import of edible oil. "To reduce this dependence, our government increased the import duty on edible oil four times. We also increased the minimum support price of oilseeds so that farmers get the right price of their produce and more farmers get attracted to such crops," he said.

Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat today refused to comment on Congress chief Rahul Gandhi's statement that farmers in BJP-ruled states like Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan were in distress.

Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat today refused to comment on Congress chief Rahul Gandhi's statement that farmers in BJP-ruled states like Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan were in distress. Taking a dig at Rahul Gandhi, the Union Minister of State for Agriculture said that it would "not be appropriate" to comment on the statement of a person "who doesn't know the difference between wheat and paddy crops". Mr Shekhawat was replying to a query on Mr Gandhi's allegation about agrarian distress in several parts of the country. "I am a farmer, an agriculturists' leader and their representative in the Central government. So I know the condition of the agricultural sector better," he told reporters on the sidelines of a function in Indore. "It would not be appropriate to comment on the statements of a person who doesn't know the difference between wheat and paddy crops, who doesn't know the difference between a lamb and the offspring of a goat," the minister added. The minister claimed that farmers were getting the right price for their products and this had strengthened the agricultural sector. Speaking on the October 2 police action on protesting farmers marching towards Delhi, the minister said that the government would fulfil their legitimate demands but added that farmers were being "instigated" to reap the political benefit in view of the upcoming Assembly polls. Farmers marching towards Delhi as part of the Bharatiya Kisan Union's (BKU) protest call over demands ranging from farm loan waiver to reduction in fuel prices were stopped at the Delhi-Uttar Pradesh border on October 2 with police using water cannons to disperse them. Mr Shekhawat stated that the government was trying to increase the export of soyabean and other agricultural products seeing an opportunity in the ongoing US-China trade tussle. "In view of the ongoing China-US trade war, there is a huge opportunity for agrarian economies like India. So our government is making efforts to promote the export of agriculture-based products," he said. Mr Shekhawat said previous Congress governments betrayed farmers as well as those in the food processing industry. This, he claimed, had led to an increased dependence on import of edible oil. "To reduce this dependence, our government increased the import duty on edible oil four times. We also increased the minimum support price of oilseeds so that farmers get the right price of their produce and more farmers get attracted to such crops," he said.

Rahul Gandhi doesn't know difference between wheat and paddy: Minister

The government on Wednesday raised the price at which it buys new-season wheat from local farmers by 105 rupees or 6 per cent, Union Minister of Agriculture &amp; Farmers Welfare said on Wednesday, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi tries to defuse discontent among farmers ahead of elections in 2019.

The revised purchase price of 1,840 rupees ($25.09) per 100 kg for 2019 compares with 1,735 rupees a year ago, minister Radha Mohan Singh said.

India, the world's second-biggest rice and wheat producer, buys the grain from local farmers at state-set prices to build stocks to run a major food welfare programme.

Earlier, Reuters had reported that India was set to raise the support price of wheat by 6 per cent on Wednesday due to growing farmer discontent.

The government also raised the support price of chickpea and rapeseed to 4,620 and 4,200 rupees respectively, per 100 kg, Singh added.

The government on Wednesday raised the price at which it buys new-season wheat from local farmers by 105 rupees or 6 per cent, Union Minister of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare said on Wednesday, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi tries to defuse discontent among farmers ahead of elections in 2019.

The government on Wednesday raised the price at which it buys new-season wheat from local farmers by 105 rupees or 6 per cent, Union Minister of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare said on Wednesday, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi tries to defuse discontent among farmers ahead of elections in 2019. The revised purchase price of 1,840 rupees ($25.09) per 100 kg for 2019 compares with 1,735 rupees a year ago, minister Radha Mohan Singh said. India, the world's second-biggest rice and wheat producer, buys the grain from local farmers at state-set prices to build stocks to run a major food welfare programme. Earlier, Reuters had reported that India was set to raise the support price of wheat by 6 per cent on Wednesday due to growing farmer discontent. The government also raised the support price of chickpea and rapeseed to 4,620 and 4,200 rupees respectively, per 100 kg, Singh added.

Government raises wheat buying price by 6% ahead of 2019 elections

India has dropped a plan to double a wheat import tax to 40 percent, two government sources said, in a sign it expects imports to make up for a shortfall in domestic production for the third year in a row.

As late as a few weeks ago, the food, trade and finance ministries were considering hiking the tax to 40 percent to ensure that local prices remained steady and millions of domestic farmers got good returns for their harvest.

The government tries to keep local wheat prices steady until at least May/June, by when farmers would have sold their wheat crop. The grain is grown only once in a year in India, with plantings in October and harvests from March.

The three concerned ministries have decided against raising the tariff, for now, the two government officials told Reuters.

The officials, who are directly involved in decision making, declined to be identified because they are not authorised to speak to the media.

Traders said the decision to avoid hiking the import tax implied that the crop could be lower than forecast.

&ldquo;We can now infer that production will be less than expected, and in my view, it&rsquo;s going to somewhere between 91-92 million tonnes,&rdquo; said Tejinder Narang, a New Delhi-based analyst who advises some leading global trading companies.

In February, the farm ministry forecast that this year&rsquo;s harvest would reach 97.11 million tonnes against a target of 98.51 million tonnes. Local media quoted two government officials as saying output would even cross 100 million tonnes.

Wheat demand in India, the world&rsquo;s second-biggest producer and consumer of the grain, is estimated at about 100 million tonnes, with consumption rising by 1-1.5 percent a year.

Traders said it was too early to accurately pin down India&rsquo;s wheat imports this year, but most said they believed it could be between 2-4 million tonnes with the rest of the demand being met by stocks.

Indian flour millers imported nearly 2 million tonnes of wheat last year and 6.5 million tonnes in 2016.

Purchases by India could buoy the benchmark Chicago price that hovered just above the prior session&rsquo;s one-month low on Wednesday.

Most import cargoes are booked by flour millers near port cities in the southern parts of India, as they find it cheaper to buy from Australia, Russia and Ukraine.

Imported wheat is mostly blended with Indian flour to make pizzas and pasta.

The officials, who are directly involved in decision making, declined to be identified because they are not authorised to speak to the media

India has dropped a plan to double a wheat import tax to 40 percent, two government sources said, in a sign it expects imports to make up for a shortfall in domestic production for the third year in a row. As late as a few weeks ago, the food, trade and finance ministries were considering hiking the tax to 40 percent to ensure that local prices remained steady and millions of domestic farmers got good returns for their harvest. The government tries to keep local wheat prices steady until at least May/June, by when farmers would have sold their wheat crop. The grain is grown only once in a year in India, with plantings in October and harvests from March. The three concerned ministries have decided against raising the tariff, for now, the two government officials told Reuters. The officials, who are directly involved in decision making, declined to be identified because they are not authorised to speak to the media. Traders said the decision to avoid hiking the import tax implied that the crop could be lower than forecast. “We can now infer that production will be less than expected, and in my view, it’s going to somewhere between 91-92 million tonnes,” said Tejinder Narang, a New Delhi-based analyst who advises some leading global trading companies. In February, the farm ministry forecast that this year’s harvest would reach 97.11 million tonnes against a target of 98.51 million tonnes. Local media quoted two government officials as saying output would even cross 100 million tonnes. Wheat demand in India, the world’s second-biggest producer and consumer of the grain, is estimated at about 100 million tonnes, with consumption rising by 1-1.5 percent a year. Traders said it was too early to accurately pin down India’s wheat imports this year, but most said they believed it could be between 2-4 million tonnes with the rest of the demand being met by stocks. Indian flour millers imported nearly 2 million tonnes of wheat last year and 6.5 million tonnes in 2016. Purchases by India could buoy the benchmark Chicago price that hovered just above the prior session’s one-month low on Wednesday. Most import cargoes are booked by flour millers near port cities in the southern parts of India, as they find it cheaper to buy from Australia, Russia and Ukraine. Imported wheat is mostly blended with Indian flour to make pizzas and pasta.

India drops plan to raise wheat import tax, indicating output deficit

A vessel carrying the first shipment of food aid in three weeks docked today at the rebel-controlled Red Sea port of Saleef in western Yemen, a United Nations official said.

Abeer Etefa, a spokesperson for the World Food Programme for the Middle East and North Africa region, said some 25,000 tonnes of wheat will be offloaded early tomorrow.&nbsp;

She said&nbsp;that &quot;strong winds&quot; were preventing the offloading from taking place today.

Saleef port is around 70 km north of the key port of Hodeida, also on the Red Sea and in rebel hands.

Hodeida port is the main conduit for UN-supervised deliveries of food and medicine and vital to UN efforts as it is closest to the majority of people in need.

Earlier this month, a Saudi-led coalition battling Iran- backed Huthi rebels imposed a blockade on Yemeni ports and airports in response to a missile fired by the Huthis that was intercepted near Riyadh airport.

The UN humanitarian affairs office had said yesterday that it had been given clearance by the coalition that has been fighting the rebels since 2015 to resume flights into Sanaa.

But it added that desperately needed shipments of food and medicines to Hodeida remained blocked.

Today, a ship did dock at Hodeida, but the WFP&#39;s Etefa said it did not belong to the UN aid agency, and that it might be a &quot;commercial&quot; vessel.

The deputy head of Hodeida port, Yahya Sharafeddine, confirmed to AFP over the phone that it was indeed a &quot;commercial&quot; ship not linked to WFP aid.

&quot;The ship in Hodeida is for traders. The one in Saleef is for WFP,&quot; he said.

UN officials have warned that Yemen could face the world&#39;s largest famine in decades unless the crippling blockade by the coalition is lifted.

A UN plane carrying desperately needed vaccines landed in the rebel-held Yemeni capital Sanaa yesterday after coalition forces partly lifted the blockade, after warnings that thousands of people could die.

The coalition intervened to prop up Yemen&#39;s government after the Iran-backed Huthis drove it from Sanaa.

The devastating war has since killed some 8,600 people, while a further 2,000 have died of cholera.

Yemen is highly dependent on imported wheat for its basic needs, and aid groups have warned that humanitarian deliveries cover only a small portion of what is required.

The UN says more than 11 million children in war-torn Yemen are in desperate need of humanitarian aid.

Abeer Etefa, a spokesperson for the World Food Programme for the Middle East and North Africa region, said that some 25,000 tonnes of wheat will be offloaded early tomorrow

A vessel carrying the first shipment of food aid in three weeks docked today at the rebel-controlled Red Sea port of Saleef in western Yemen, a United Nations official said. Abeer Etefa, a spokesperson for the World Food Programme for the Middle East and North Africa region, said some 25,000 tonnes of wheat will be offloaded early tomorrow. She said that "strong winds" were preventing the offloading from taking place today. Saleef port is around 70 km north of the key port of Hodeida, also on the Red Sea and in rebel hands. Hodeida port is the main conduit for UN-supervised deliveries of food and medicine and vital to UN efforts as it is closest to the majority of people in need. Earlier this month, a Saudi-led coalition battling Iran- backed Huthi rebels imposed a blockade on Yemeni ports and airports in response to a missile fired by the Huthis that was intercepted near Riyadh airport. The UN humanitarian affairs office had said yesterday that it had been given clearance by the coalition that has been fighting the rebels since 2015 to resume flights into Sanaa. But it added that desperately needed shipments of food and medicines to Hodeida remained blocked. Today, a ship did dock at Hodeida, but the WFP's Etefa said it did not belong to the UN aid agency, and that it might be a "commercial" vessel. The deputy head of Hodeida port, Yahya Sharafeddine, confirmed to AFP over the phone that it was indeed a "commercial" ship not linked to WFP aid. "The ship in Hodeida is for traders. The one in Saleef is for WFP," he said. UN officials have warned that Yemen could face the world's largest famine in decades unless the crippling blockade by the coalition is lifted. A UN plane carrying desperately needed vaccines landed in the rebel-held Yemeni capital Sanaa yesterday after coalition forces partly lifted the blockade, after warnings that thousands of people could die. The coalition intervened to prop up Yemen's government after the Iran-backed Huthis drove it from Sanaa. The devastating war has since killed some 8,600 people, while a further 2,000 have died of cholera. Yemen is highly dependent on imported wheat for its basic needs, and aid groups have warned that humanitarian deliveries cover only a small portion of what is required. The UN says more than 11 million children in war-torn Yemen are in desperate need of humanitarian aid.

First food aid in weeks docks at rebel-held Yemen port: WFP

Consumer Affairs Minister Ram Vilas Paswan today termed the rise in onion and tomato prices as &#39;seasonal factor&#39;, saying the situation will normalise in a week or so on improved supplies of the fresh crop.

In the national capital, retail onion prices are ruling as high as Rs 51 per kg and those of tomato at Rs 80. At Mother Dairy outlets, onion is being sold at Rs 47 per kg and tomato Rs 70, according to the trade data.

However, all India average retail price of onion is Rs 33 and tomato Rs 45, showed the official data.

&#39;The price rise in onion and tomato is a seasonal issue. The rates will come down in a week or so as arrival of the new crop improves&#39;&nbsp;Paswan told the media after taking unity pledge to mark the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.

Barring these veggies, prices of other essential commodities like rice and wheat are ruling stable, he added.

Stating that the new crop of kharif onion has started arriving in mandis, Consumer Affairs Secretary Avinash Srivastav said the fresh crop is being harvested in Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh.

Onion prices are under pressure because of 25 per cent reduction in area covered under the early kharif crop of onion. But the kharif and late kharif crop acreage is better and production is expected to be good, he said.

Now, both early kharif and kharif crop of onion is arriving in the mandis while the late kharif crop will begin from January. The quantity of arrival will gradually improve in coming days, he added.

With regard to tomato, a senior consumer affairs ministry official said the prices of tomato have firmed up in the national capital and other parts because of supply disruption owing to rains in Karnataka, one of the leading producers.

Farmers in Karnataka have not been able to harvest and transport the vegetable because of rains. However, the supply and price situation is likely to improve in the next 10-15 days, he added. 
&nbsp;

Retail onion prices are ruling as high as Rs 51 per kg and those of tomato at Rs 80.

Consumer Affairs Minister Ram Vilas Paswan today termed the rise in onion and tomato prices as 'seasonal factor', saying the situation will normalise in a week or so on improved supplies of the fresh crop. In the national capital, retail onion prices are ruling as high as Rs 51 per kg and those of tomato at Rs 80. At Mother Dairy outlets, onion is being sold at Rs 47 per kg and tomato Rs 70, according to the trade data. However, all India average retail price of onion is Rs 33 and tomato Rs 45, showed the official data. 'The price rise in onion and tomato is a seasonal issue. The rates will come down in a week or so as arrival of the new crop improves' Paswan told the media after taking unity pledge to mark the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. Barring these veggies, prices of other essential commodities like rice and wheat are ruling stable, he added. Stating that the new crop of kharif onion has started arriving in mandis, Consumer Affairs Secretary Avinash Srivastav said the fresh crop is being harvested in Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh. Onion prices are under pressure because of 25 per cent reduction in area covered under the early kharif crop of onion. But the kharif and late kharif crop acreage is better and production is expected to be good, he said. Now, both early kharif and kharif crop of onion is arriving in the mandis while the late kharif crop will begin from January. The quantity of arrival will gradually improve in coming days, he added. With regard to tomato, a senior consumer affairs ministry official said the prices of tomato have firmed up in the national capital and other parts because of supply disruption owing to rains in Karnataka, one of the leading producers. Farmers in Karnataka have not been able to harvest and transport the vegetable because of rains. However, the supply and price situation is likely to improve in the next 10-15 days, he added.

Rise in onion and tomato is a seasonal factor: Paswan

Grain millers in Bangladesh are boosting their wheat purchases from Russia and Ukraine as cargoes from key exporter India fade due to a supply squeeze in that country.

Bangladesh has booked about 800,000 tonnes of wheat from the Black Sea region for shipment between mid-July and October, up from around 550,000-600,000 tonnes in the same period last year, two trade sources said.

Strong demand from South Asia&#39;s top wheat importer and other key buyers could help buoy benchmark futures, which have been recovering from a 10-year low of $3.99-1/4 a bushel hit earlier this month due to pressure from plentiful global production.

&quot;India is out of the market, Bangladesh buyers are taking larger volumes of feed wheat as well as milling grade wheat from Russia and Ukraine,&quot; said one Singapore-based trader.

&quot;It is all about prices, most Bangladeshi millers take the cheapest origin.&quot;

Buyers paid $155-$168 a tonne, free on board, for Black Sea feed wheat with about 10.5-per cent protein content, the sources said. They declined to be identified as they were not authorised to speak with media.

For milling wheat with 11.5- to 12.5-per cent protein, importers have paid $165-$180 a tonne FOB, they said.

India has been exporting wheat to Bangladesh for the last few years, but its recent crops have been hit by a severe drought linked to the El Nino weather pattern and by unseasonable rains.

Bin-busting

Russia and Ukraine, two of the Black Sea region&#39;s leading wheat producers, have seen bin-busting grain production.

Ukraine&#39;s 2016 grain harvest is likely to be around 3 million tonnes bigger than the year before at around 63 million tonnes, agriculture ministry official Leonid Sukhomlin said earlier this week.

And Russia is facing a lack of grain storage as it remains on track to produce the largest cereal crop in post-Soviet history, said the head of Russia&#39;s Grain Union. 
 
But analysts warned against relying too heavily on shipments from the Black Sea.

&quot;Worldwide, many countries are depending on Russia to supply much of their wheat and that is risky,&quot; said one agricultural commodities analyst. &quot;There could be delays.&quot;

Much of the Middle East and North Africa has heavily booked wheat shipments from the Black Sea region, taking advantage of lower prices.

Traders said there is already a delay of 10-12 days for ships waiting to load wheat at Russian ports.

Bangladesh has also booked about 200,000 tonnes of higher quality Canadian milling wheat, the sources said.

The South Asian nation has ramped up its wheat purchases from Russia and Ukraine by almost 33%

Grain millers in Bangladesh are boosting their wheat purchases from Russia and Ukraine as cargoes from key exporter India fade due to a supply squeeze in that country. Bangladesh has booked about 800,000 tonnes of wheat from the Black Sea region for shipment between mid-July and October, up from around 550,000-600,000 tonnes in the same period last year, two trade sources said. Strong demand from South Asia's top wheat importer and other key buyers could help buoy benchmark futures, which have been recovering from a 10-year low of $3.99-1/4 a bushel hit earlier this month due to pressure from plentiful global production. "India is out of the market, Bangladesh buyers are taking larger volumes of feed wheat as well as milling grade wheat from Russia and Ukraine," said one Singapore-based trader. "It is all about prices, most Bangladeshi millers take the cheapest origin." Buyers paid $155-$168 a tonne, free on board, for Black Sea feed wheat with about 10.5-per cent protein content, the sources said. They declined to be identified as they were not authorised to speak with media. For milling wheat with 11.5- to 12.5-per cent protein, importers have paid $165-$180 a tonne FOB, they said. India has been exporting wheat to Bangladesh for the last few years, but its recent crops have been hit by a severe drought linked to the El Nino weather pattern and by unseasonable rains. Bin-busting Russia and Ukraine, two of the Black Sea region's leading wheat producers, have seen bin-busting grain production. Ukraine's 2016 grain harvest is likely to be around 3 million tonnes bigger than the year before at around 63 million tonnes, agriculture ministry official Leonid Sukhomlin said earlier this week. And Russia is facing a lack of grain storage as it remains on track to produce the largest cereal crop in post-Soviet history, said the head of Russia's Grain Union. But analysts warned against relying too heavily on shipments from the Black Sea. "Worldwide, many countries are depending on Russia to supply much of their wheat and that is risky," said one agricultural commodities analyst. "There could be delays." Much of the Middle East and North Africa has heavily booked wheat shipments from the Black Sea region, taking advantage of lower prices. Traders said there is already a delay of 10-12 days for ships waiting to load wheat at Russian ports. Bangladesh has also booked about 200,000 tonnes of higher quality Canadian milling wheat, the sources said.

Bangladesh looks to Black Sea region for wheat as India supply dwindles

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