Demand for export of wheat products started rising due to record domestic production

22-May-2025 05:17 PM

New Delhi. Wheat production in India has surged to a record high this year, prompting a renewed demand for the export of wheat-based products.

Although government procurement for the central pool has not touched the previous peak, it has still significantly improved compared to the last three years.

Government wheat procurement had reached an all-time high of 433.44 lakh tonnes in 2021, which then dropped sharply to 127.92 lakh tonnes in 2022.

It rebounded to 262 lakh tonnes in 2023 and 266 lakh tonnes in 2024. In 2025, procurement has risen further to about 296 lakh tonnes, and the process is still ongoing.

As a result, the wheat stock in government warehouses has reached a comfortable level, ensuring national food security.

At the same time, flour millers, processors, and private traders have also purchased substantial quantities from farmers to maintain smooth supply in the open market. Given this scenario, the Roller Flour Millers Federation of India has urged the government to consider allowing the export of wheat-based products.

It is important to note that since 2022, there has been a complete ban on the commercial export of wheat products. This was due to poor production and market uncertainty during the 2022–2024 period.

However, the current favorable conditions have led the industry to push for the controlled export of value-added wheat items such as flour, maida, semolina, and bran. Industry experts suggest that exports can be allowed on an experimental basis through a quota system.

The Agriculture and Food Minister has indicated on various platforms that the country's food reserves are full and the market availability is smooth.

While this supports the case for export, fluctuations in wheat market prices may still influence the government’s final decision.