Charlie Edwards at Demos points us towards news from the BBC:
The authorities in Pakistan have deployed paramilitary troops to guard wheat supplies around the country amid fears of a massive shortfall. The government has blamed hoarders and smugglers for the problem. Wheat is a staple food in Pakistan and shortages have led to large scale rioting in the past.
Flour shortfalls initially pushed up market prices. Later flour ran out on the open market when officials fixed prices and warned against violations. Now Pakistan’s national disaster management authority has deployed thousands of paramilitary troops at wheat stores.
Other BBC coverage notes that last week Afghanistan appealed for international help to combat a wheat shortage, while Bangladesh has warned it faces a crisis over rice supplies.
Here (again) is a link to my briefing note from December on international implications of rising food prices. Food prices will be one of this year’s standout issues. Donors and multilateral agencies are not looking well prepared…
