New Delhi

The government on Friday approved the export of 25 lakh tonnes of wheat, along with an additional 5 lakh tonnes each of wheat products and sugar, citing a comfortable stock position and the need to stabilise domestic markets while ensuring remunerative returns to farmers.

The decision was taken after a comprehensive review of availability and prices, reaffirming the government’s commitment to safeguarding farmers’ interests, the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution said in a statement.

Wheat stocks with private trade during 2025–26 are estimated at around 75 lakh tonnes—about 32 lakh tonnes higher than the corresponding period last year—indicating ample supplies, it said.

As of April 1, 2026, wheat availability in the central pool with the Food Corporation of India is projected at about 182 lakh tonnes, ensuring that the export permission will not affect domestic food security, the ministry added.

Wheat acreage during the Rabi 2026 season has increased to around 334.17 lakh hectares from 328.04 lakh hectares last year, reflecting strong farmer confidence backed by assured minimum support price (MSP) and procurement mechanisms, and pointing to the likelihood of another robust harvest.

In view of higher stocks, easing prices, expected higher production and the need to prevent distress sales during peak arrivals, the move is expected to stabilise prices, improve market liquidity, ensure efficient stock rotation and enhance farmers’ incomes while safeguarding national food security.

To facilitate sugar exports, the government has also allowed an additional 5 lakh tonnes of sugar exports by willing mills during the current 2025–26 sugar season.

Earlier, exports of 15 lakh tonnes of sugar were permitted on November 14, 2025. As per information provided by mills, about 1.97 lakh tonnes had been exported up to January 31, 2026, while another 2.72 lakh tonnes had been contracted for export.

The additional sugar export quota will be available to willing mills, subject to the condition that at least 70 per cent of their allocated quantity is exported by June 30, 2026. The quota will be allocated on a pro-rata basis, with mills required to submit their willingness within 15 days of the order.

READ MORE: When Zafar Sareshwallah offered namaz in RSS headquarters

The allocated quota will not be transferable among mills. The ministry said the decision would help manage surplus sugar availability and support higher exports.