Kamal Ghorui
New Delhi: The govt may consider allowing export of wheat as the stock of the foodgrain with Food Corporation of India is now almost double of the required buffer and the prospect of a bumper harvest this year.As per govt data, the overall wheat sown area this year is at a record 33.4 million hectare, 3% higher than last year. There is a prospect of another bumper crop this year, following a record 118 million tonne (MT) of wheat production in 2024-25.TOI has learnt that deliberations over the issue of allowing wheat export at an inter-ministerial committee are underway and a decision would be taken soon. The govt had imposed a ban on wheat export in May 2022 following less production.At present, FCI holds wheat stock of 25.9 MT against the required buffer of 13.8 MT for Jan 1. “So, there is no issue so far as meeting the domestic demand is concerned. There is enough wheat available in the domestic market. It won’t be an issue, if we allow export of some quantity of the foodgrain,” said a govt official.Earlier this month, the govt eased the ban on wheat product exports by permitting limited, regulated shipments of wheat flour and related processed products. The govt has capped such exports at five lakh tonnes.
