Satellite imagery reveals the impact of the war on Ukraine’s wheat production, contributing to higher food prices and potential hunger.
Ukraine, one of the world’s top wheat exporters, is facing a significant decline in wheat production due to the ongoing war, with harvests expected to fall by at least 35% compared to normal years. Satellite imagery has shown the severity of the situation, as conflict in key wheat-growing regions of eastern Ukraine hampers agricultural activities.
The country, which produced around 33 million tonnes of wheat last year, is now projected to produce only 21 million tonnes in 2022—a 23% decrease compared to the average of the past five years. As a result, Ukraine has banned exports of grains to safeguard its own food supply, and transport disruptions caused by the Russian blockade of its Black Sea coast are further complicating the situation.
This drastic reduction in wheat production has already contributed to a 20% spike in global wheat prices, exacerbated by rising energy and fertilizer costs. While prices have slightly adjusted, analysts predict they may rise again due to continued disruptions, as well as drought and heat conditions in other major wheat-producing countries like the US and India. The war’s broader implications for global food security and prices are increasingly concerning.
