Risk of social unrest in many countries as rice supply is disrupted following India's embargo

MUMBAI: India's ban on rice exports has sent rice prices soaring across the world, risking political uncertainty and social unrest in Asia and Africa.

Rice is a staple food for fifty percent of the world's population

Global rice prices are currently at a fifteen-year high following the ban on rice exports. India accounts for forty percent of the global rice trade.

A report by the United Nations agency has also raised the issue of food security in many countries due to supply disruptions. Rice is the staple food of fifty percent of the world's population.

When the global rice crisis occurred in 2008, 100 million people were at risk. Most of the impact was seen in Africa. In the past too there has been an atmosphere of unrest due to scarcity of food grains.

Rice may be a bigger concern for food safety than wheat, the report noted. Some African countries that rely on rice imports are starting to feel the effects of higher prices.