India Approves Record Wheat Exports Amid Surging Stockpiles
The Indian government has approved the export of 25 lakh metric tonnes (LMT) of wheat and an additional 5 LMT of wheat products. The decision was made after reviewing domestic availability and prices, with the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution stating that permitting wheat exports would help stabilise domestic prices, improve market liquidity, ensure efficient stock rotation, and strengthen farmers' income while maintaining national food security.
The ministry noted that wheat stock availability with private entities during 2025-26 stands at about 75 LMT, nearly 32 LMT higher than in the corresponding period last year. Total wheat availability in the central pool with the Food Corporation of India is projected at around 182 LMT as of April 1, 2026, ensuring that export permissions will not impact domestic food security requirements.
The government also approved the export of an additional 5 LMT of sugar during the current 2025-26 sugar season, taking the total permitted sugar exports to 20 LMT. The decision aims to facilitate higher sugar exports and manage surplus sugar availability in the country, with about 1.97 LMT of sugar having been exported as of January 31, 2026.