Govt allows wheat exports, raises sugar quota to manage surplus supplies

The government has approved exports of 25 lakh metric tonnes (LMT) of wheat along with an additional 5 LMT of wheat products, the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution said on Friday, citing comfortable domestic supplies and the need to ensure remunerative returns to farmers.

The decision follows an assessment of current stock positions and price trends, the ministry said.

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.

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, it added.

Wheat acreage in the ongoing Rabi 2026 season has also risen to about 334.17 lakh hectares, compared to 328.04 lakh hectares last year, reflecting strong farmer confidence supported by assured minimum support price and procurement mechanisms.

“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.

The government has also allowed export of an additional 5 LMT of sugar during the current Sugar Season 2025–26 to willing mills.

Earlier, exports of 15 LMT of sugar had been permitted in November 2025.

The ministry stated that only about 1.97 LMT of sugar had been exported till January 31, 2026, while around 2.72 LMT has been contracted for shipment so far.

The additional sugar export quota will be available to mills subject to the condition that at least 70% of their allocated quantity is exported by June 30, 2026, it added.

The quota will be allotted on a pro-rata basis among willing mills, which must convey their intent within 15 days of the order. The allocated quota cannot be swapped or exchanged.

“This decision is expected to facilitate higher sugar exports and help in managing surplus sugar availability in the country,” the release said.