According to government data, close to 11.8 to 12 crore children in India rely on midday meals for their nutrition. "Price rises since the conflict began have been modest, driven mainly by higher oil prices and cushioned by ample global cereal supplies," FAO chief economist Maximo Torero said in a statement. "Those choices will hit future yields and shape our food supply and commodity prices for the rest of this year and all of the next," he added. Global maize prices edged up as ample global supply offset concerns over fertiliser costs, and indirect support from greater ethanol demand prospects linked to higher energy prices. Vegetable oil prices increased 5.1 per cent, marking the third consecutive monthly rise.

Source: The Telegraph April 03, 2026 17:50 UTC