Government lifts wheat export ban as low prices weigh on farmers

India, the world's second-largest wheat producer, had banned wheat exports in May 2022 to control rising domestic prices.The Food Corporation of India has nearly 49 million tonnes of wheat in its buffer stock. (File Photo)The government on Monday lifted the ban on exports of wheat and wheat products with immediate effect, citing low domestic prices and the need to improve farmers’ earnings.The Directorate General of Foreign Trade changed the export policy for wheat from “prohibited” to “free”. Separate notifications removed restrictions on exports of wheat flour, maida, semolina and wholemeal atta.India, the world’s second-largest wheat producer, had banned wheat exports in May 2022 to control rising domestic prices.Earlier this year, the government permitted exports of 50 lakh tonnes of wheat and 10 lakh tonnes of wheat products through licences. Only 2.5 lakh tonnes of the permitted 60 lakh tonnes have been shipped so far. Food Secretary Sanjeev Chopra said removing the ban would support domestic prices and encourage farmers to sow more wheat during the coming rabi season.“The export ban has been lifted in the interest of farmers. Domestic wheat prices are depressed currently. Allowing exports will increase market prices, encourage good sowing in the coming rabi season and help farmers receive better prices,” Chopra told PTI. He said the country had adequate stocks to meet domestic demand and prevent a sharp increase in consumer prices.India produced a record 120.65 million tonnes of wheat during the 2025–26 crop year, up from 117.94 million tonnes in the previous year.The Food Corporation of India has nearly 49 million tonnes of wheat in its buffer stock.The all-India average retail price of wheat stood at Rs 31.46 per kg on Monday, while wheat flour was selling at an average of Rs 37.30 per kg. Both prices were broadly unchanged from a year earlier.Chopra said exporters would no longer need to obtain the licences required under the earlier quota-based system.- EndsPublished By: Aprameya RaoPublished On: Aug 24, 2026 22:51 IST