Export of 5 Million Tonnes of Wheat Unlikely at Current Price Levels
23-Apr-2026 03:24 PM
New Delhi. With the objective of stabilizing domestic market prices and ensuring profitable returns for farmers, the Central Government has doubled the wheat export quota from the 2.5 million tonnes set in February, fixing it now at 5 million tonnes. Industry and trade analysts hold divergent views regarding the feasibility of exporting this entire quota.
While some observers believe that this export target is achievable, Navneet Chitalangia, President of the Roller Flour Millers Federation of India, states that—given the quality of Indian wheat and its uncompetitive pricing—significant wheat exports appear unlikely, at least at current price levels. Wheat from other exporting nations is currently available at lower rates.
According to the Federation's President, the quality of the wheat crop has deteriorated significantly due to the prevalence of storms, unseasonal rains, and hailstorms during the harvesting and post-harvest preparation phases. The grains have become discolored and have lost their natural luster.
Consequently, exporting this wheat is expected to be challenging. Wheat from countries such as Russia, Ukraine, the USA, Canada, the European Union, and Argentina is currently available at relatively lower prices.
Export parity—the point at which exporting becomes economically viable—could be established to some extent only if prices in these competing markets rise while the price of Indian wheat remains stable or softens.
Certain nations in South and Southeast Asia—including Bangladesh and Vietnam—may show interest in purchasing Indian wheat to meet their immediate requirements only if importing it proves to be economically advantageous for them.
Exports of wheat from India to neighboring countries such as Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, and Afghanistan remain a possibility, as freight costs to these destinations would be lower and transit times shorter. The extent of India's wheat exports in the near future will depend largely on how the market scenario unfolds.