Government Clears Export of 25 LMT Wheat, 5 LMT Sugar More
New Delhi: The Union government today approved the export of 25 lakh metric tonnes (LMT) of wheat along with an additional 5 LMT of wheat products, citing comfortable domestic availability and the need to support farmers through better price realisation. The decision, taken after a review of current stock levels and market conditions, is aimed at balancing domestic food security with opportunities for overseas sales.
According to the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, the country is holding significantly higher wheat stocks in the current marketing year compared to last year. Wheat availability with private trade during 2025–26 is estimated at around 75 LMT, which is nearly 32 LMT more than in the corresponding period of the previous year. In addition, total wheat stocks in the central pool with the Food Corporation of India are projected at about 182 LMT as on April 1, 2026. Officials said this level of availability provides a sufficient buffer to meet domestic food security requirements even after permitting exports.
The government also pointed to an expansion in wheat cultivation during the current rabi season. Wheat acreage for Rabi 2026 has increased to approximately 334.17 lakh hectares, up from 328.04 lakh hectares last year. This rise in area under cultivation has been attributed to sustained farmer confidence supported by minimum support price operations and procurement mechanisms, and it signals the likelihood of a strong harvest in the coming months.
With higher stocks, easing market prices and expectations of increased production, authorities said allowing wheat exports would help prevent distress sales during the peak arrival period. The move is expected to stabilise domestic prices, improve market liquidity, ensure efficient stock rotation and support farmers’ incomes without compromising national food security.
Alongside wheat, the government has also decided to permit the export of an additional 5 LMT of sugar during the ongoing Sugar Season 2025–26. Earlier, on November 14, 2025, exports of 15 LMT of sugar had already been allowed for the same season. However, data submitted by sugar mills shows that only about 1.97 LMT had actually been exported up to January 31, 2026, while around 2.72 LMT had been contracted for export.
Under the new decision, the additional 5 LMT export quantity will be made available to sugar mills that are willing to participate, subject to specific conditions. Mills must export at least 70 per cent of their allocated quota by June 30, 2026. The export quota will be distributed on a pro-rata basis among eligible mills, and each mill will be required to submit its willingness within 15 days from the issuance of the order. The government has also clarified that the quota allotted to a mill cannot be swapped or exchanged with another unit.
Officials said the expanded sugar export window is intended to help manage surplus sugar availability in the domestic market and encourage higher overseas shipments. By easing stock pressure, the measure is expected to contribute to better inventory management for mills while maintaining stability in domestic supply.
The combined decisions on wheat and sugar exports were announced after an assessment of domestic stock levels, availability and market conditions, the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food, and Public Distribution said.
– global bihari bureau
