INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
This year, food prices rose in economically challenged nations due to three significant events.First, Russia acted in Ukraine
Third, India made new domestic rules.Before its upcoming elections, India was worried
They saw grain prices changing a lot
To control this, India made some choices.They placed limits or extra charges on rice and wheat exports
Some rice types now have a 20% export charge.Others have a set export price
These decisions have worldwide effects
People everywhere are feeling them.According to a United Nations group, rice got pricier
In September, rice prices were 28% higher than last year
Prices reached their highest in 15 years.In 2008, rice prices also went up
Then, countries, including India, limited their exports
(Photo Internet reproduction)They were worried about rising living costs before an election.India wants to help other developing countries
They aim to be different from Western countries or China.But some decisions impact others
For example, India stopped some rice exports
This affected many African countries.These countries had bought a lot of rice from India in 2022
As a result, living costs in places like Nigeria and Ghana increased.If countries keep food only for themselves, problems can arise
In 2007-2008, there was a food shortage.Many African countries faced problems
People there struggled to find and buy food
Their decisions have larger effects
The Indian government chose to control prices.They did this instead of helping their people understand and adjust.Such choices can also hurt
