India Lifts Four-Year Wheat Export Ban to Boost Farmers' Incomes

India has lifted its four-year ban on wheat exports to help boost farmers' incomes amidst low domestic prices. The decision, which came into effect immediately, covers various wheat products including durum variety, flour, and atta. The country's wheat production reached an all-time high of 120.65 million tonnes during the crop year 2025-26.

The government had imposed the export ban in May 2022 to control rising domestic prices. However, with global wheat prices surging following Russia's invasion of Ukraine and a heatwave affecting output, India is now opening up its markets for exports. The move is expected to increase domestic prices, thereby benefiting farmers.

Food and Public Distribution Secretary Sanjeev Chopra explained that allowing exports would encourage good sowing in the forthcoming season and boost farmers' incomes. The central government claimed there were enough stocks of wheat in the country and that it was a step towards increasing wheat production in the coming years.