This has been a foul yr for meals costs on the planet’s poorest international locations. Whether their residents eat wheat or rice, three calamities have induced grain provides to dry up: Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and its choice to desert the Black Sea grain initiative; the El Niño climate phenomenon, which has historically induced poor harvests the world over; and Indian home politics.

Spooked by risky foodgrain costs forward of a common election subsequent yr, India’s authorities has banned or taxed exports of most sorts of rice and wheat. While India is a big producer of wheat, it actually dominates the rice market: Its exports symbolize about 40% of the worldwide rice commerce.