The Government has approved export of 2.5 million tonnes (mt) of wheat, additional 0.5 mt of wheat products, and additional 0.5 mt of sugar to “stabilise domestic markets and ensure remunerative returns to producers”. The additional quantity will be over and above 0.5 mt of wheat products and 1.5 mt of sugar already allowed for export.

“This calibrated decision has been taken after a comprehensive assessment of the current availability and price scenario, reaffirming the Government’s commitment to protecting farmers’ interests,” the Food Ministry said in a statement on Friday.

It has highlighted that wheat stock with private entities during 2025–26 stands at about 7.5 mt, which is nearly 3.2 mt higher than that in the corresponding period last year. The ministry felt this year-on-year increase was comfortable for domestic availability. Besides, total wheat availability in the central pool with the Food Corporation of India (FCI) is projected at 18.2 mt as on April 1, 2026, when the next harvesting season starts. Officials said export permissions will not impact domestic food security requirements.

Wheat acreage in the Rabi 2025-26 season has increased to about 334.17 lakh hectares, compared with 328.04 lakh hectares last year, as farmers are supported by assured MSP and procurement mechanisms. The Government is expecting another robust harvest this year.

“In view of higher stock availability, softening prices, expected higher production, and the need to prevent distress sales during peak arrivals, the decision on exports will help stabilise domestic prices, improve market liquidity, ensure efficient stock rotation, and further strengthen farmers’ income, while ensuring national food security,” a senior official said.

The decision to allow an additional 0.5 mt of sugar will not be available to all on the formula as was earlier devised in the permits issued for 1.5 mt. In the current Sugar Season 2025–26, only “willing sugar mills” will be allowed permits. According to information furnished by the sugar mills to the Food Ministry, about 1,97,000 tonnes of sugar has been exported up to January 31, while 2,72,000 tonnes of sugar has been been contracted for export.

“The additional export quantity of 0.5 mt will be made available to willing sugar mills subject to the condition that at least 70 per cent of their allocated quantity is exported by June 30, 2026. The export quota will be allocated on a pro-rata basis among willing sugar mills, and mills shall submit their willingness within 15 days from the date of issuance of the order. The export quota so allocated shall not be swapped or exchanged with any other sugar mill,” it said.

This decision is expected to facilitate higher sugar exports and help in managing surplus sugar availability in the country, the ministry said.

Published on February 13, 2026