India considers easing wheat product export ban amid record harvest

India’s agriculture ministry has estimated wheat production at a record 117.5 million tonnes for the MY 2024/25, a 3.7% increase from the previous year. This significant surplus has prompted the government to consider relaxing the ban on exports of wheat products such as flour and semolina. Food Minister Pralhad Joshi announced this during the 85th annual general meeting of the Roller Flour Millers’ Federation of India (RFMF) on September 24, 2025.

Joshi stated that export decisions involve multiple ministries, but the government will “positively” review industry proposals while prioritizing domestic food security. As the world’s second-largest wheat producer after China, India imposed a ban on wheat and wheat product exports in 2022 due to concerns over food security, a smaller harvest, and rising inflation. The record harvest now offers an opportunity to potentially liberalize exports.

Flour millers have urged the government to increase buffer stock norms from the current 7.5 million tonnes at the start of the season on April 1 to a level equivalent to the annual requirement of 18.4 million tonnes for the Public Distribution System (PDS). According to RFMF President Navneet Chitlangia, this would stabilize market prices and reduce volatility. However, expanding buffer stocks could increase the government’s subsidy burden and strain storage capacities.

Recent floods in northern states, particularly Punjab, pose additional challenges for India’s agricultural sector. Chitlangia noted that silt from floods in at least five districts has not yet been cleared, potentially delaying wheat sowing. This could impact the timeline for the new agricultural cycle, requiring urgent measures to restore field fertility.

The projected harvest and potential easing of export restrictions signal India’s ambition to strengthen its position in the global agricultural market. The government aims to balance food security for its population with the economic benefits of exports, which could help stabilize prices and support farmers in the long term.

Tags: export, wheat, India, flour, restrictions