India will not allow wheat export even if the government procurement exceeds the target of 31.3 million tonnes (mt) as the priority is to bolster stocks and restore normal allocation through ration shops, said a top official.
The Centre had banned wheat exports in May 2022 to control prices, after a slight fall in the domestic production and a sharp decline in the official procurement for the central pool. But it continued exporting on humanitarian grounds and for diplomatic reasons to friendly countries on government-to-government requests, though in limited quantities.
“We know the wheat production is better this year as is procurement. But, our priority still is to replenish buffer stocks to a comfortable level so that we can sell at least 6-7 million tonnes, if required, in other pen markets,” said a top government official.