Government Ends Ban on Wheat Exports After More Than 3 Years

The government has cleared limited wheat and sugar exports after reviewing production outlook and stock positions, signalling confidence in domestic availability ahead of the new procurement season. 

Wheat Export Ban Lifted with Quota Limit 

As per news reports, the Centre has approved exports of 2.5 million tonnes of wheat along with an additional 500,000 tonnes of wheat-based products.  

This marks the lifting of the wheat export ban imposed on May 13, 2022, after more than 3 years, while restrictions on wheat products had already been partially eased earlier. 

The decision comes as wheat production in the 2026–27 marketing season is projected to exceed the previous record of nearly 118 million tonnes. Sown area has reached about 33.41 million hectares, which is 107% of the normal coverage and over 6% higher than last year’s corresponding period. 

Central pool wheat availability is projected at about 18.2 MT as of April 1, 2026, while traders estimate closing stock near 20 MT against a buffer requirement of 7.5 MT. 

Extra Sugar Export Window Opened 

Along with wheat, the government has permitted an additional 500,000 tonnes of sugar exports in the current 2025–26 sugar season, over and above the earlier approved quota of 1.5 mt. The new quota is available to mills that export at least 70% of their allocated quantity by June 30. 

Industry data shows that only about 190,000 tonnes had been exported by January-end, with another 270,000 tonnes contracted so far, leaving room under earlier approvals. 

Read More: Export Preparedness Index Highlights India’s $8–10 Trillion Export Ambition by 2047! 

Conclusion 

With output and inventories running above buffer norms, the government has opted for calibrated wheat and sugar exports, though global price dynamics may determine how much actually ships out. 

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