India Lifts Wheat Export Ban Amid Record Production and Weak Domestic Prices

India has lifted its four-year ban on wheat exports, citing record production and weak domestic prices. The Directorate General of Foreign Trade revised the export policy for wheat from 'prohibited' to 'free', allowing different varieties including durum wheat, flour, maida, semolina, and wholemeal atta to be exported.

The decision is aimed at supporting farmers by raising domestic prices and improving returns. Food Secretary Sanjeev Chopra said the ban had been lifted in the interest of farmers, as domestic wheat prices are currently depressed. He added that allowing exports will increase market prices, encourage good sowing in the coming rabi season, and help farmers receive better prices.

India has produced a record 120.65 million tonnes of wheat during the 2025-26 crop year, up from 117.94 million tonnes a year earlier. The country also holds nearly 49 million tonnes in buffer stocks, indicating that sufficient surplus is available for exports.