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The Government has decided to lift the over four-year-old ban on wheat exports, even as shipment of the grain is not viable at current global prices.
The Government had banned wheat exports since early 2007 to boost domestic supply and contain inflation.
“Yes, there is no ban. Wheat exports are allowed,” the Agriculture Minister, Mr Sharad Pawar, told reporters on the sidelines of an ICAR function here.
The Government has not announced the quantity of wheat allowed for exports as global prices are very low, he said.
Last week, the Empowered Group of Ministers on Food headed by the Union Finance Minister, Mr Pranab Mukherjee, gave in-principle approval to lift the ban on wheat exports in the wake of overflowing stocks. Mr Pawar is a member of the group.
At present, the Government godowns have bulging wheat stock of 37.8 million tonnes (mt) in view of bumper output.
Expressing doubts on viability of wheat exports, Mr Pawar said: “I don't think there will be any response. The issue is whether we will be able to sell in the global market at such low international prices”.
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