Putin discusses the global food market situation with Modi

New Delhi: Russian President Vladimir Putin in a telephone conversation with Prime Minister of India – Narendra Modi on Friday talked about the actions of several countries that led to global food problems.

“Putin drew attention to the systemic mistakes made by several countries, which led to the disruption of free trade in food products and provoked a significant increase in their price. Unlawful sanctions against Russia have exacerbated an already difficult situation,” the Kremlin press department said.

At the same time, the Russian president stressed that Russia remains a reliable producer and supplier of grain, fertilizers, and energy. “Vladimir Putin stressed that Russia has been and remains a reliable producer and supplier of grain, fertilizers, and energy carriers, including to Indian partners,” the statement said.

The leaders agreed to continue personal contacts, as well as interaction at other levels, the press service noted.

Russia and Ukraine together export more than a quarter of the world’s wheat, feeding billions of people in the form of bread, pasta, and packaged foods. The countries are also key suppliers of barley, sunflower seed oil, and corn, among other products.

The main crops grown in Russia as measured by the area cultivated are wheat, barley, sunflower seed, oats, potatoes, and rye. The largest share of arable is dedicated to wheat, which with 26.6 million hectares in harvested area in 2009 occupied 21.9% of all arable land in Russia.

(Vinayak)