calendar>>February 14. 2011 Juch 100
Food Shortage Becomes Serious in World
Pyongyang, February 14 (KCNA) -- Grain price has gone up sharply in the international market from the beginning of the year.

The corn price was $243 per ton on February 5, 87.68 percent higher than the same period of last year, while the wheat price jumped 83.16 percent and bean 58.09 percent.

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) said on Feb. 3 that the food price is a record high in the world since 1990.

A reason of the grain price rise is abnormal weather.

The world's major granaries have been affected by drought, torrential rain, severe cold and sultriness.

Hebei, Shandong and other areas of China are suffering from the worst drought in 300 years.

Vast plains in the middle and western part of the Untied States, main corn and wheat producers, have long been damaged by drought, while the eastern area of Australia was struck by flood so that the wheat output is likely to be decreased 50 percent.

Argentina and Brazil, the world's largest bean exporters, have also been hit by severe drought.

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