Govt allows exports of 25 lakh tonnes of wheat; case-by-case window for higher limit kept open

The government on Tuesday permitted export of 25 lakh metric tonnes (LMT) of wheat and an additional 5 LMT of wheat flour and related products.

The decision was taken earlier this month, but the directorate general of foreign trade (DGFT) notified it on February 24.

The notification clarified that exports beyond this permitted quantity may also be allowed on a case-by-case basis, based on permission granted by the government to meet food security needs of other countries and on specific requests from their governments.

The DGFT also allowed export of an additional 5 LMT of wheat flour and related products, including atta, maida, semolina and wholemeal atta, over and above the quantity already permitted earlier.

"The export of wheat flour and related products shall continue to remain prohibited. However, export of an additional 5 LMT (lakh tonnes) of wheat flour and related products is allowed," the DGFT said in a separate notification.

The government first announced its decision to allow exports of wheat and wheat products on February 13, citing comfortable domestic supplies and the need to ensure remunerative returns to farmers.

The decision followed an assessment of current stock positions and price trends.

The wheat availability with private entities during 2025–26 is estimated at about 75 LMT, nearly 32 LMT higher than the corresponding period last year, according to the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution.

The total wheat availability in the central pool with the Food Corporation of India (FCI) is projected at around 182 LMT as on April 1, 2026, indicating that exports will not affect domestic food security, the ministry said.

Wheat acreage in Rabi 2026 has also increased to about 334.17 lakh hectares compared to 328.04 lakh hectares last year, reflecting strong farmer confidence in wheat cultivation supported by assured MSP and procurement mechanisms, and signalling the likelihood of another robust harvest.

“In view of higher stock availability, softening prices, expected higher production and the need to prevent distress sales during peak arrivals, the Government’s decision to permit export of 25 LMT of wheat and 5 LMT wheat products will help stabilise domestic prices, improve market liquidity, ensure efficient stock rotation, and further strengthen farmers’ income while national food security,” the ministry said.