The Russian invasion of Ukraine threatens millions of tiny spring-time sprouts that should emerge from stalks of dormant winter wheat in the coming weeks. If the farmers can't feed those crops soon, far fewer of the so-called tillers will sprout, jeopardizing a national wheat harvest on which millions in the developing world depend.

The wheat was planted last autumn, which, after a brief growing period, fell dormant for the winter. Before the grain returns to life the farmers spread fertiliser. But Ukrainian farmers, who produced a record grain crop last year, say they are now short of fertilizer, pesticides and herbicides. They also can't get enough fuel to power their equipment.

Elena Neroba, a Kyiv-based business development manager at grain brokerage Maxigrain, said Ukraine’s winter wheat yields could fall by 15% compared to recent years if fertilizers aren’t applied now. Some farmers warn the situation could be much worse.

Some Ukrainian farmers said wheat yields could be cut in half, and perhaps by more, which has implications far beyond Ukraine.

Disruptions to agrifood systems due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine could further escalate food insecurity globally. This comes at a time when international food prices are already high & volatile. My policy recommendations: https://t.co/3JBmvzszfc

— FAO Director-General QU Dongyu (@FAODG) March 11, 2022

World food prices hit a record high in February, and have risen over 24% in a year, the UN food agency said last week. Agriculture ministers from the world's seven largest advanced economies are due Friday to discuss in a virtual meeting the impact of Russia's invasion on global food security and how best to stabilize food markets.

Ukraine and Russia are major wheat exporters, together accounting for around a third of world exports — almost all of which passes through the Black Sea.

Ukrainian officials say they are still hopeful the country will have a relatively successful year. Much of that hope rests with farmers in the west of the country. Agriculture Minister Roman Leshchenko on Tuesday said the country was banning the export of various staples, including wheat. He said the government was doing what it can to help farmers.

In the coming weeks, farmers should also start planting other crops, such as corn and sunflowers, but they are struggling to get the seeds they need, said Dykun Andriy, chairman of the Ukrainian Agricultural Council, which represents around 1,000 farmers cultivating five million hectares.