India had banned wheat and wheat product exports in 2022 as a heat wave crimped domestic production, while bumper exports depleted available stocks, causing a price surge. Subsequent years of high temperatures kept the demand and supply situation in tight balance, prompting the Centre to initiate price control measures.
Since the ban on wheat and wheat products, some Indian companies have set up units in the Middle East and Canada to cater to the Indian diaspora, while supplies from countries like Pakistan, Nepal, and Bangladesh partially occupied the market space vacated by India.
“The overseas Indians will now be able to again taste the aata made from Indian wheat varieties,” said Chitalangia.
The area under wheat cultivation more than doubled year-on-year as of November 7, per official data. Above normal monsoon, which helped replenish groundwater reserves, is expected to boost rabi crop yield, including wheat.To be sure, small quantities of wheat products continue to be exported under the advance authorisation scheme, under which exports of aata, maida, and suji made from imported wheat is permitted.Chitlangia said the new initiative will enable the Indian milling industry to resume its presence in international markets where Indian atta is valued for its authentic flavour and high quality.
