Industry Odisha Bureau, Aug 25: India lifted its wheat export ban on August 24, 2026, effective immediately. The government’s decision prioritises supporting farmer incomes amid depressed domestic wheat prices. According to Food Secretary Sanjeev Chopra, weak domestic prices harm farmer returns significantly.
Allowing wheat exports could provide farmers with additional market outlets for surplus production. The government expects stronger domestic prices may encourage adequate rabi season sowing incentives. The export-policy shift represents a significant reversal from India’s restrictive stance implemented in 2022.
India had banned wheat exports in May 2022 to control domestic price inflation. The Directorate General of Foreign Trade revised wheat’s status from prohibited to free. Export restrictions have also been removed from wheat flour, maida, semolina, and atta. The government had previously allowed wheat exports through a licensing mechanism, which has been simplified.
India’s wheat production reached a record 120.65 million tonnes in 2025–26 crop year. This represents a significant increase from 117.94 million tonnes in the prior year. Higher production has enabled the government to relax export restrictions while maintaining adequate supplies.
The Food Corporation of India maintains nearly 49 million tonnes in buffer stocks. This substantial government wheat reserve provides confidence for domestic supply management going forward. Officials say adequate stocks remain available to meet domestic demand and manage prices.
Earlier in 2026, the government had permitted 60 lakh tonnes of total exports. This comprised 50 lakh tonnes of wheat and 10 lakh tonnes of products. However, only 2.5 lakh tonnes have been exported so far during this year.
Average retail wheat prices stood at ₹31.46 per kilogram on August 24, 2026. Wheat flour prices reached ₹37.3 per kilogram during the same time period. Both commodities remain flat compared with prices recorded in the year-ago period.
The government aims to balance farmer support with continued protection of food security. Allowing wheat exports while maintaining substantial buffer stocks supports farmer price realisation sustainably. This approach seeks to improve farmer incomes ahead of the critical rabi season crop.
