Additional 25 LMT wheat exports approved to support farmers, stabilise markets
By Surya S Pillai
The Centre on Monday approved the export of an additional 25 lakh metric tonnes of wheat in a bid to ensure remunerative returns for farmers while maintaining stability in domestic markets.
The decision was made following a comprehensive review of current production, stock availability, and price trends.
Wheat acreage during the Rabi 2026 season has increased to approximately 334.17 lakh hectares, compared to 328.04 lakh hectares last year. This rise reflects strong farmer confidence in wheat cultivation, supported by assured minimum support price (MSP) and robust procurement mechanisms, and indicates the likelihood of another strong harvest.
According to the Second Advance Estimates released by the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare on March 10, wheat production for 2025-26 was estimated at 1,202 LMT.
In view of the comfortable production outlook and higher stock availability, permitting additional exports was considered appropriate.
The government had approved the export of 5 lakh metric tonnes (LMT) of wheat products in January. This was followed by further approval of additional 5 LMT wheat products and 25 LMT wheat in the month of February.
With the latest round of approvals, a total of 50 LMT of wheat and 10 LMT of wheat products have now been permitted to be exported.
The latest move is expected to enhance market liquidity, facilitate efficient stock management and prevent distress sales during the peak arrival season. It will also help stabilise domestic prices and strengthen farmers’ incomes, while ensuring that the country’s food security remains fully safeguarded.
Major destinations for Indian wheat include Bangladesh, Nepal, Iraq, South Korea, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Oman. Wheat production for 2025-26 is high with a projected 334.17 lakh hectares of area sown, increasing confidence in consistent supply.
India had banned wheat exports on May 13, 2022 to control rising domestic prices and ensure food security amid lower output due to a severe heatwave.
The decision also came at a time when global prices were surging after the Russia-Ukraine conflict, raising concerns that private shipments could deplete domestic supplies and fuel food inflation.
Since then, the country has allowed only limited government-to-government shipments on humanitarian grounds, keeping commercial trade largely shut.
This article has been republished from The Tribune.