Opening the silos: India approves 3 million tonnes of wheat and product exports

Summary

The Government of India has approved the export of 25 lakh metric tonnes (LMT) of wheat and 5 LMT of wheat products — a total of 30 LMT (3 million tonnes) — along with an additional 5 LMT of sugar for the 2025–26 season. The decision follows an assessment of comfortable domestic stock levels and rising private inventories.

NEW DELHI, Feb 13 — The Government of India has approved exports of 25 LMT of wheat and 5 LMT of wheat products, according to an official statement. The combined volume of 30 LMT equals approximately 3 million tonnes.

The government has also permitted an additional 5 LMT of sugar exports for the 2025–26 season.

The decision follows a review of domestic supply conditions during the peak arrival season.

Wheat: higher stocks and expanded acreage

According to official data, private wheat stocks are currently estimated at 75 LMT — about 32 LMT higher than the corresponding period last year.

The Food Corporation of India projects wheat stocks in the central pool to reach 182 LMT by April 1, 2026. Officials said this level is expected to remain above prescribed buffer norms.

Wheat acreage for the 2026 rabi season stands at 334.17 lakh hectares, reflecting an increase compared with previous years.

The export window is intended to facilitate stock rotation and support orderly market conditions during the harvest period.

Sugar: additional quota cleared

In addition to wheat exports, the government has approved an extra 5 LMT of sugar exports, building on the 15 LMT permitted earlier for the current season.

Under the allocation framework:

• Export quotas are distributed on a pro-rata basis.
• Mills must export at least 70% of their allocated quantity by June 30, 2026.
• Quotas are non-transferable.

The structure is designed to ensure timely export execution.

Why this matters

India is among the world’s largest producers of wheat and sugar, and export policy adjustments can influence both domestic prices and international trade flows.

For farmers, export permissions during peak arrivals may help moderate downward pressure on local mandi prices.

For sugar mills, additional quotas can improve inventory turnover and support cash flow management.

For markets, the move signals that policymakers view domestic stock levels as sufficient to permit calibrated exports while maintaining buffer requirements.

FAQs

Q1: Will these exports raise domestic atta prices?

Officials maintain that projected central pool stocks of 182 LMT and private stocks of 75 LMT indicate adequate domestic availability.

Q2: Why is the 70% export threshold required?

The condition is intended to ensure that mills execute their allocations within the specified timeframe.

Q3: Has the wheat export ban been fully lifted?

No. The approval covers a specified volume of 30 LMT rather than a complete removal of export restrictions. The government continues to monitor price and availability conditions.