Government lifts ban on wheat exports, cites farmers’ interests amid depressed local prices
The Indian government has lifted the export ban on wheat and wheat products to support farmers facing depressed domestic prices. Officials stated that the move is intended to encourage future sowing while maintaining sufficient buffer stocks to ensure domestic price stability.
Why it matters
This policy shift impacts global wheat supply chains and domestic food inflation in India, the world's second-largest wheat producer.
The government on Monday (August 24, 2026) lifted the export ban on wheat and wheat products with immediate effect and said the decision is aimed at boosting farmers' income amid depressed domestic prices.
Early this year, the government had allowed the export of 50 lakh tonnes of wheat and 10 lakh tonnes of wheat products.
India, the world's second-largest wheat producer, had banned wheat exports in May 2022 as part of measures to control rising domestic prices.
"The export policy of wheat.... is revised from prohibited to free with immediate effect," according to notifications issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade.
The government has also removed the export ban on wheat flour and other products such as maida, semolina, and wholemeal atta, as per other notifications.
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