Food Security Prioritization Amid West Asia Crisis

Amidst rising geopolitical tensions, industry experts urge the government to focus on food security in diplomatic dialogues. Increasing logistics and input costs are threatening supply chains. Proposed solutions include policy support, diversified sourcing, and enhanced logistics to stabilize India's agricultural ecosystem.

Amid escalating geopolitical tensions in West Asia, Indian agricultural industry experts have called on the government to prioritize food security in its diplomatic efforts. They emphasize the disruptive impact of rising logistics and input costs on the supply chain.

Speaking at a roundtable hosted by the Bengal Chamber of Commerce and Industry, leaders from the agri-sector highlighted growing concerns over the volatility in India's food economy. Chief Executive of Rice Villa, Suraj Agarwal, pointed out that disruptions in key maritime routes have extended shipping timelines and inflated costs, affecting the import and export of essential commodities.

Experts including former Union Agriculture Secretary Siraj Hussain and Suresh Motwani from Solidaridad underscored the risks to crop production and inflation pressures from soaring input costs. The proposed action plan calls for enhanced logistics, increased domestic production, and robust policy measures to safeguard India's food supply amid global uncertainties.

(With inputs from agencies.)