The government in its recent statement on India’s wheat export ban said that the ban on wheat export and its products will continue and will be considered only when the new crop arrives in April next year. In this context, the government has completely rejected the demand for export of wheat and its products. Food Minister Prahlad Joshi stated that There are currently no plans to allow the export of wheat products like flour, refined flour, and semolina. At the annual general meeting of the Roller Flour Millers Federation of India held in Delhi, Joshi said that the industry should focus on increasing the cultivated area to meet the growing demand for wheat. He said, “You are demanding exports. We will consider them, but our top priority is food security.”
India’s Wheat Export Ban Will Continue till Further Order
The government further said that the government will consider easing restrictions on the export of wheat products, however he also said that the decision of India’s wheat export ban has been taken in context to ensure food security. The decision to ease restrictions will be taken after the new crop arrives in April next year. The flour milling industry had requested the government to permit the shipments of at least 1 million tons of flour, refined flour, and semolina as it will benefit the global market while also ensuring domestic needs are met.
The industry on the export ban argues that this will provide better prices to farmers and strengthen India’s image as a reliable supplier. Although Indian wheat prices are less competitive in the global market, export of wheat products could be opened to the NRI community. Notably, in 2022 also India banned the export of wheat and its products citing concerns about declining production, declining government procurement, and rising inflation. According to the Ministry of Agriculture, a record wheat production of 117.5 million tons is projected for 2024-25.