The government has said the decision to ban wheat exports will regulate food prices, strengthen food security in India and countries facing shortages, and that India remains a reliable supplier as it respects all contracts.Speaking at a press conference with Shri Sudhanshu Pandey, Secretary of the Department of Food and Consumer Affairs, and Shri Manoj Ahuja, Secretary of Agriculture, Secretary of Trade, he said all export orders when the letter of credit is issued will be fulfilled. He added that regulating wheat exports through government channels will not only ensure the real needs of our neighbors and food insecure countries but also regulate the expected inflation.
Commenting on the availability of wheat, Shri Subrahmanyam said, “Apart from the food security of India, the Government is committed to ensuring food security for our neighbors and vulnerable countries,” he said.He said the regulatory mandate served three important purposes: “It maintains the country’s food security, helps others in need, and maintains India’s credibility as a supplier,” he said.He said the government’s directive on exports provided a clear direction for the wheat market. “We do not want wheat to go unchecked in areas where it may be harvested or may not work in order to provide food for the vulnerable nations. That is why a window has been opened for the government, ”he said.
Shri Sudhanshu Pandey, secretary of the Department of Food and Distribution, said the country had enough livestock for food.He added that after consultation with the provinces, the Center was reassigned to change wheat and rice rates. For example, regions that get wheat and rice at 60:40 will get 40:40. Similarly, the 75:25 ratio is made at 60:40. When the distribution of rice was zero, they would continue to receive wheat. In all sub-regions of NE and special districts, the distribution has not changed.
As a result of the redistribution, “With this, we have increased wheat availability to about 110-111 LMT more. Adding it to 185 LMT, it becomes 296 LMT almost last year, ”he added.ShriManoj Ahuja, Secretary of Agriculture said the heat waves have affected wheat crops especially in North West India this year, but differences are noticeable compared to last year.“Last year the wheat production figures were 109 LMT in the country. This year in February, we came out with improved production estimates for this year and averaged 111 LMT. Our estimates reflect 105-106 LMT of wheat availability this year and we are similar in price to last year, ”he added.
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