India approves wheat and sugar exports amid surplus stocks, higher acreage and a stable food security outlook.
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, taking a calibrated, farmer-centric step to stabilise domestic markets and ensure remunerative returns for producers.
The decision follows a comprehensive assessment of domestic availability and price trends. Wheat stocks with private entities during 2025–26 are estimated at around 75 LMT, nearly 32 LMT higher than the same period last year, indicating a comfortable supply position. In addition, wheat availability in the central pool with the Food Corporation of India is projected at approximately 182 LMT as of April 1, 2026, ensuring that export permissions will not compromise national food security.
Wheat acreage for Rabi 2026 has also increased to about 334.17 lakh hectares, compared with 328.04 lakh hectares last year. This expansion reflects strong farmer confidence in wheat cultivation, supported by assured minimum support price (MSP) and procurement mechanisms, and points to the likelihood of another robust harvest.
With higher stock availability, softening prices, expectations of higher production and the need to prevent distress sales during peak arrivals, the government said permitting exports of wheat and wheat products will help stabilise domestic prices, improve market liquidity, ensure efficient stock rotation and further strengthen farmers’ incomes while safeguarding food security.
Sugar Export Boost
Alongside wheat, the government has also approved the export of an additional 5 LMT of sugar during the ongoing sugar season 2025–26. Earlier, exports of 15 LMT of sugar had been permitted through an order dated November 14, 2025.
As per data shared by sugar mills, around 1.97 LMT of sugar had been exported up to January 31, 2026, while contracts for about 2.72 LMT have already been signed. The additional export quantity of 5 LMT will be made available to willing sugar mills, subject to the condition that at least 70% of their allocated quota is exported by June 30, 2026.
The export quota will be allocated on a pro-rata basis among eligible mills. Mills must submit their willingness within 15 days of the issuance of the order, and the allocated quota cannot be swapped or exchanged.
The move is expected to facilitate higher sugar exports and help manage surplus availability in the domestic market, providing relief to the sector while maintaining overall supply balance.
Source: PIB
