UNITED NATIONS, June 4. /TASS/. The global community will face a significant challenge due to the suspension of fertilizer exports by key countries, the problem will affect the 2023 harvest, according to Chief Economist of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Maximo Torero.

"If in the next month or two we are not able to get all the fertilizers from key exporting countries, then we will face a significant challenge. And that’s for the next harvest, for 2023, so the main concern for us is 2023," he said.

Russia and Belarus are the main exporters of potash fertilizers.

Earlier, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres announced his intention to try to restore grain exports from Ukraine, as well as fertilizers from Russia and Belarus, in order to alleviate the food crisis. Russia’s Permanent Representative to the UN Vasily Nebenzya noted that Russia is ready to supply fertilizers, but the process is hindered by sanctions, while Kiev’s actions hinder exports of Ukrainian grain.