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The Government of India has approved major wheat and sugar exports after reviewing stock levels and production outlook, aiming to stabilize markets, manage surplus supplies, protect food security, and ensure better returns for farmers during the 2025–26 season.
Centre opens export window for wheat and sugar to stabilise markets (Image Source: Internet)
New Delhi: The Government of India has approved the export of 25 lakh metric tonnes (LMT) of wheat along with an additional 5 LMT of wheat products, in a move aimed at supporting farmers and maintaining market stability. The announcement was made through an official release by the Press Information Bureau on February 13, 2026. The decision comes after a detailed review of domestic stock levels, price trends, and expected production.
According to the government, wheat stocks held by private traders during 2025–26 stand at approximately 75 LMT, which is about 32 LMT higher than the same period last year. This significant increase indicates that the country is currently in a comfortable supply position.
Additionally, wheat availability in the central pool managed by the Food Corporation of India (FCI) is projected to reach around 182 LMT as of April 1, 2026. This stock level is considered sufficient to meet domestic food security requirements even after allowing the approved export quantities. The government has emphasized that food security obligations under public distribution and welfare schemes will remain unaffected.
The area under wheat cultivation during the Rabi 2026 season has expanded to approximately 334.17 lakh hectares, compared to 328.04 lakh hectares in the previous year. This rise in acreage reflects strong farmer confidence, largely supported by assured Minimum Support Price (MSP) procurement mechanisms.
With higher acreage and favorable stock levels, the government expects another robust harvest. In this context, permitting exports is seen as a calibrated measure to prevent distress sales by farmers during peak arrival months and to ensure they receive better market prices.
The government believes that allowing wheat exports will help stabilize domestic prices, improve liquidity in agricultural markets, and facilitate efficient stock rotation. With adequate supply and softening price trends, the move is designed to balance farmer interests with market stability. Officials describe the decision as farmer-centric, aimed at strengthening incomes without compromising national food security.
Alongside wheat exports, the government has also approved an additional 5 LMT of sugar exports for the ongoing Sugar Season 2025–26. Earlier, 15 LMT had already been permitted for export. However, as of January 31, 2026, only about 1.97 LMT had actually been exported, while contracts for around 2.72 LMT had been signed.
To ensure effective implementation, sugar mills must export at least 70% of their allocated quota by June 30, 2026. The quota will be distributed on a pro-rata basis among interested mills, and allocations cannot be swapped or transferred. Mills are required to submit their willingness within 15 days of the official order.
The additional sugar export window is expected to help manage surplus availability in the domestic market while supporting mill operations and farmer payments. Overall, the government’s twin decisions on wheat and sugar exports aim to maintain price stability, ensure adequate domestic supply, and enhance farmer earnings through better market opportunities.
