Centre Considers Allowing Wheat Product Exports With 1 MT Cap
India’s wheat production has remained robust for two consecutive years, providing the backdrop for the government’s reconsideration of export curbs.
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The Centre has begun examining the possibility of reopening exports of wheat-based products, more than two years after imposing a ban to stabilise domestic supplies. The move follows a formal request from flour millers seeking permission to ship items such as atta, maida and sooji, supported by an initial quantitative cap of 1 million tonnes (mt).
In an office memorandum dated November 12, the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution urged the Directorate-General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) to take necessary action as deemed appropriate on the industry’s demand. It also forwarded the proposal to the Commerce Ministry, signalling a softening stance on the export restrictions introduced in 2022.
The Roller Flour Millers’ Federation of India has argued that domestic wheat availability is currently comfortable, with strong production prospects and a surplus in the pipeline. The industry believes that limited exports would not impact local markets and could help millers tap into overseas demand. The Federation suggested that the government start with a 1 mt export quota for wheat products, which have remained under a blanket ban since the global commodity price surge in 2022.
Officials said the final decision will hinge on an assessment of domestic stocks, procurement trends and inflation concerns. If approved, the move would mark a significant easing of India’s wheat export controls amid a more stable supply outlook.
India’s wheat production has remained robust for two consecutive years, providing the backdrop for the government’s reconsideration of export curbs.
In 2024–25, the country harvested a record 117.54 million tonnes (mt) of wheat, supported by favourable weather and higher acreage. For 2025–26, the Centre has set an even higher target of 119 mt, reflecting confidence in crop prospects. Stocks with the Food Corporation of India and state agencies have also improved significantly, easing concerns about domestic availability and strengthening the case for limited exports of wheat-based products.
