The Government of India has formally allowed the export of 25 lakh tonnes (2.5 million t) of wheat in the current fiscal year, marking a significant shift in policy after a near-four-year export curb that was imposed in 2022.
The export permission was initially decided by the Centre earlier this month and has now been notified by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) in an official gazette, even as the broader wheat export policy remains “prohibited” in principle.
Officials clarified that the move comes against the backdrop of a comfortable domestic stock position and easing price pressures, with stocks held by private players and government reserve agencies well above levels seen in the previous year.
In addition to the 2.5 million t wheat allocation, the DGFT has also permitted exports of an additional 5 lakh t of wheat flour and related products, subject to separate licensing processes.
Government sources say the policy shift aims to stabilise domestic markets, improve liquidity, and ensure remunerative returns to farmers, particularly as new harvests arrive and mandi prices soften.
This step represents India’s first major easing of restrictions on wheat shipments since the ban was imposed — a move seen as part of broader efforts to manage surplus grain supplies responsibly without compromising food security.
The government has also indicated it may consider further export relaxations on a case-by-case basis if global demand and stock conditions permit.
