The Centre has approved the export of 25 lakh metric tonnes (LMT) of wheat and an additional 5 LMT of wheat products after reviewing domestic availability and prices, the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution said in a statement on Friday.
Citing higher stock availability, softening prices, expected higher production and the need to prevent distress sales during peak arrivals, the ministry said permitting wheat and wheat product exports would help stabilise domestic prices, improve market liquidity, ensure efficient stock rotation and strengthen farmers’ income while maintaining national food security.
Wheat stock availability with private entities during 2025–26 stands at about 75 LMT, nearly 32 LMT higher than in the corresponding period last year, indicating a comfortable supply position, it said.
Total wheat availability in the central pool with the Food Corporation of India is projected at around 182 LMT as of April 1, 2026, ensuring that export permissions will not impact domestic food security requirements, the statement added.
Wheat acreage in the Rabi 2026 season increased to about 334.17 lakh hectares from 328.04 lakh hectares last year, reflecting strong farmer confidence supported by assured minimum support price and procurement mechanisms.
The government also approved the export of an additional 5 LMT of sugar during the current 2025–26 sugar season, taking the total permitted sugar exports to 20 LMT. Earlier, it had allowed exports of 15 LMT of sugar under an order dated Nov. 14, 2025.
As of Jan. 31, 2026, about 1.97 LMT of sugar had been exported, while around 2.72 LMT had been contracted for export, according to information furnished by sugar mills.
The additional 5 LMT sugar export quota will be made available to willing sugar mills, subject to the condition that at least 70% of their allocated quantity is exported by June 30, 2026. The quota will be allocated on a pro-rata basis, mills must submit their willingness within 15 days of the order, and the allocated quota cannot be swapped or exchanged with other mills.
The government said the decision would help facilitate higher sugar exports and manage surplus sugar availability in the country.
