Syria faces a potential food crisis after the worst drought in 36 years slashed wheat production by around 40%, squeezing the country’s cash-strapped government, which has been unable to secure large-scale purchases. Around three million Syrians could face severe hunger, the United Nations’ World Food Programme told Reuters in written answers to questions, without giving a timeframe. Over half of the population of about 25.6 million is currently food insecure, it added. In a June report, the U.N.’s Food and Agriculture Organization estimated, opens new tab that Syria faced a wheat shortfall of 2.73 million metric tons this year, or enough to feed around 16 million people for a year. The situation poses a challenge to President Ahmed al-Sharaa, whose government is seeking to rebuild Syria after a 14-year civil war that saw the toppling of long-time ruler Bashar al-Assad in December. Wheat is Syria’s most important crop and supports a state-subsidised bread programme – a vital part of everyday life. Yet Sharaa’s government has been slow to mobilise international support for big grain purchases. Reuters spoke to a Syrian official, three traders, three aid workers and two industry sources with direct knowledge of wheat procurement efforts, who said more imports and financing were needed to alleviate the impending shortage.

Full report : Historic drought, wheat shortage to test Syria’s new leadership.