India to export 20 lakh tonnes of wheat

As per 4th Advance Estimate of the Department of Agriculture and Cooperation released on 9.7.2008, the country registered record production of 215.56 million tonnes of foodgrains (rice, wheat and coarsegrains).

In view of comfortable situation of wheat stock in Central Pool, it has been decided to allow export of upto 20 lakh tonnes of wheat from Central Pool, on diplomatic basis to friendly countries. The Ministry of External Affairs will make payment to FCI, at economic cost.

The consumption of sugar has been rising with rise in population and income levels whereas production of sugar in the country is cyclic in nature. Two to three years of high production are followed by two-to-three years of low production. The import of sugar, in the years of low production of sugar depend upon the production level likely to be achieved in the sugar season and the stocks available in the country at that time.

The Central Government, vide notification dated 31.07.2007 has dispensed with the requirement of obtaining a release order for export of sugar upto 30.09.2008 which has now been extended upto 31.12.2008 or till further orders, whichever is earlier in case of exports under Open General License (O.G.L.) and till further orders in case of exports under Advance Authorization Scheme.

The demand and supply projection of wheat for 2008-09 and 2009-10 are as under:-

In 2008-09 the demand is expected to be 72.72 million tonnes and the supply will be 75.67 million tonnes. In 2009-10, the demand will be 74.26 million tonnes and the supply will be 76.45 million tonnes. As per these projections, the requirement of wheat can be met from the domestic resources.

Source : Press Information Bureau

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