India Lifts Wheat Export Ban Amid Record Domestic Production
The Indian government has lifted its four-year ban on wheat and wheat-based flour exports with immediate effect, citing record domestic production and comfortable supplies. This decision was made through two separate notifications by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), changing the export policy for wheat, durum wheat, and specified wheat flour products from 'Prohibited' to 'Free'. The restrictions were imposed in May 2022 amid concerns over domestic availability and rising prices.
The government allowed a cumulative 5 million tonnes of wheat and 1 million tonnes of wheat products to be exported under a permit system in February and April this year. However, industry representatives said actual exports remained below 3 lakh tonnes for wheat and 1 lakh tonnes for wheat products.
The removal of restrictions is expected to provide farmers and exporters greater access to overseas markets and potentially improve price realization. It could also help Indian exporters regain markets in neighboring and import-dependent countries.