Wheat export ban to continue, record production expected even after Mawtha

NEW DELHI: The ban on wheat exports will continue until the country feels comfortable with domestic supply to meet food security needs. Wheat production has not been affected due to unseasonal rains. Food Corporation of India (FCI) chairman and managing director Ashok Meena said that even after the rains, the total production of wheat this year will be a record 112 million tonnes.

Export of wheat will not be allowed as far as the government is concerned to ensure food security of the common man. Therefore, the export ban on wheat will continue until the country feels comfortable with the supply.

India, the world's second largest wheat producer, banned wheat exports in May 2022 as part of measures to control rising domestic prices.

He also mentioned that government procurement of fresh wheat crop has started. About 10,727 tonnes of wheat has been procured at the Minimum Support Price (MSP) in Madhya Pradesh.

High wheat production expected this year According to the Agriculture Ministry's second forecast, the government has projected a record wheat production of 112.18 million tonnes in the 2023-24 crop year (July-June). The agriculture ministry has projected a record wheat production taking into account the ups and downs of the weather.

Rainfall is a cause for concern as it affects grain quality. Along with the rain, the temperature has also dropped. Low temperature for full maturity is good for wheat crop. Therefore, expected quantity of wheat production is likely to be achieved. Because of this, the government's target of purchasing three crore 41.5 lakh tonnes of wheat will also be achieved.

This year the income was very high due to the harvesting of short duration crops. Shopping centers will be open across the country. The purchase will start from April 1 in Punjab and Haryana.

Regarding the sale of wheat from the buffer stock under the open market sale scheme to check rising prices of wheat and wheat flour, he said that it has been stopped for the time being as the prices have stabilised.

The government turned a blind eye to the hoarding of pulses to curb inflation

The central government has become active to control the rising price of dal. Secretary, Department of Consumer Affairs Rohit Kumar Singh directed the major pulses importers to ensure that all stocks available with them are regularly disclosed in a transparent manner. They were also advised not to keep any such stock which would hamper the availability of pulses in the local market.

The meeting includes FSSI license holders, APMC registered traders, GST registered traders of pulses etc. States were also requested to obtain information about stocks of pulses from public and private warehouse service providers.