World Could Witness Extreme Food Crisis in the Upcoming Days due to Lockdown Says UN, WTO Head

Amid the global crisis over COVID-19, a shocking report reveals that the world may face extreme food shortage in the coming days. As per the latest report, the world may face extreme food shortage if the authorities fail to diligently manage the coronavirus outbreak, said the head of three global leaders, including the World Trade Organization, World Health Organization, and the United Nations. 

While the world is witnessing a lockdown across the globe, the food supply chain has suffered a severe disruption. On the other hand, this is also aggravated by panic buying and hoarding of essentials, which has demonstrated the fragility of supply chains in many countries. 

Food Crisis across the Globe amid COVID-19 Outbreak

"Uncertainty about food availability can spark a wave of export restrictions, creating a shortage on the global market," said the joint text signed on Wednesday by Qu Dongyu, head of the UN's Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, director-general of the World Health Organization (WHO), and Roberto Azevedo, director of the World Trade Organization (WTO). 

Moreover, it also stated, "In the midst of the COVID-19 lockdowns, every effort must be made to ensure that trade flows as freely as possible, especially to avoid food shortages”. 

"When acting to protect the health and wellbeing of their citizens, countries should ensure that any trade-related measures do not disrupt the food supply chain," the statement further added. 

"Such disruptions including hampering the movement of agricultural and food industry workers and extending border delays for food containers, result in the spoilage of perishables and increasing food waste," said the three leaders. 

They also mentioned the need to protect employees engaged in food production, processing and distribution, both for their health and that of others, as well as to maintain food supply chains.