Govt Removes Export Restrictions On Wheat, Atta and Maida With Immediate Effect

New Delhi, Aug 26 (KNN) The government has lifted its four-year ban on exports of wheat and wheat-based flour products, including atta, maida and semolina, with immediate effect. The move comes amid record domestic production and comfortable wheat supplies, reducing concerns over food security.

The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has changed the export policy for wheat, durum wheat and specified wheat flour products from ‘Prohibited’ to ‘Free’ through two separate notifications.

Restrictions Imposed in 2022

The government had prohibited wheat exports in May 2022 amid concerns over domestic availability and rising prices. Restrictions on wheat flour and related products were extended in August that year.

With domestic supplies improving, 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 move could also help restore India's presence in markets that shifted to other suppliers during the ban.

Farmers, Exporters to Gain

The removal of restrictions is expected to provide farmers and exporters greater access to overseas markets and potentially improve price realisation. It could also help Indian exporters regain markets in neighbouring and import-dependent countries.

Increased exports from India, the world's second-largest wheat producer, could improve availability for import-dependent markets in Asia, Africa and West Asia.

(KNN Bureau)