India Lifts Wheat Export Ban Amid Global Supply Chain Disruptions

The Indian government has lifted its export ban on wheat and its products, effective immediately. This decision comes in response to the global wheat supply chain disruptions caused by the Russia-Ukraine war. India, being the world's second-largest wheat producer, had imposed a ban on wheat exports in May 2022 as part of measures to control rising domestic prices.

The government has also removed the export restrictions on wheat flour and other products like maida, semolina, and wholemeal atta. According to notifications issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade, the export policy for wheat is now revised from 'prohibited' to 'free'. This move is expected to ease the availability of these commodities in the international market.

Food Secretary Sanjeev Chopra had stated earlier that India's wheat production for the 2025-26 crop year is likely to be between 110 and 120 million tonnes, following damage from unseasonal rainfall and hailstorms in key growing states. The Roller Flour Millers' Federation of India has projected a similar output at 110.65 million tonnes for this year.