New Delhi, Apr 13 (BNP): The Government of India has lifted restrictions on wheat exports after a gap of four years, opening the door for increased international demand as several countries line up to purchase Indian wheat.
Pic Credit: Pexel
Countries including Egypt, Indonesia, Myanmar, and Bangladesh have shown strong interest in importing wheat from India. The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) is expected to soon issue export quotas to facilitate shipments.
Officials and trade experts believe geopolitical uncertainties, along with adequate domestic stocks, are supporting export opportunities this year. India had earlier allowed limited exports, including around 2.5 million tonnes of grain and an additional 0.5 million tonnes of processed wheat in February.
Export prices to Bangladesh are estimated at around $275–$280 per tonne, which traders say remains competitive and profitable even after including freight costs.
India’s wheat production has remained strong, supported by record output and sufficient government reserves. The Food Corporation of India (FCI) currently holds about 22 million tonnes of wheat, well above the buffer requirement of 7.46 million tonnes, helping maintain stability in domestic markets where average prices stand at around ₹30.81 per kg.
For the 2025–26 season, wheat production is projected to rise to around 120 million tonnes, according to the Agriculture Ministry, aided by expanded cultivation area. However, officials have noted that unseasonal rains have caused some crop damage, particularly affecting wheat quality in certain regions.
Despite these challenges, India remains the world’s second-largest wheat exporter after China, and the government is targeting procurement of 30 million tonnes this year from key producing states such as Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh.
The move is expected to strengthen India’s position in global grain markets while ensuring adequate domestic supply remains stable.
