India Lifts Four-Year Ban on Wheat Exports

Dragon Media News Desk

India has lifted its four-year ban on exports of wheat and wheat products, citing adequate domestic stocks and record production, while seeking to improve returns for farmers.

According to a notification issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade, the export policy for wheat has been changed from “prohibited” to “free” with immediate effect. Restrictions on exports of wheat products, including flour, refined flour and semolina, have also been removed.

India imposed the wheat export ban in May 2022 to contain rising domestic prices and protect food security. Limited exports had continued in some cases through government approvals, but unrestricted commercial shipments remained suspended.

Official estimates indicate that India produced about 120.65 million tonnes of wheat during the 2025-26 crop year, around 2.3 percent more than in the previous year.

Food and Public Distribution Secretary Sanjeev Chopra said domestic wheat prices were currently subdued and that allowing exports could help strengthen prices, improve farmers’ incomes and encourage planting in the coming season.

The government had already allowed limited wheat exports earlier in 2026. The latest decision removes the broader restriction and allows Indian traders to return more fully to the international wheat market.

India is one of the world’s largest wheat producers. Its return to unrestricted exports after four years could increase global supply and influence international wheat prices.