Rice blames India for global food crisis

New Delhi: US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has kicked up a controversy with her comment that the "growing Indian and Chinese appetite is contributing to the global food crisis".

Left parties are calling the remark atrocious and the Indian Government says it's a wrong assessment.

According to Planning Commission Deputy Chairman, Montek Singh Alhuwalia, "I don't agree that there is a global food crisis because of India and China. There is an increase in food production too in both the countries."

"The increase in production and use of biofuels might be the cause why cultivable area is limited," he added.

Meanwhile, CPM leader, Sitaram Yechury said, "It appears that the US would be more comfortable with higher level of hunger in developing countries. Price rise is taking place because of speculation and not consumption."

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