Government of India Approves Wheat and Sugar Exports to Support Farmers and Stabilize Markets

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Dated: 14.02.2026

Government of India Approves Wheat and Sugar Exports to Support Farmers and Stabilize Markets

The Government of India has taken a significant step towards supporting farmers and stabilizing domestic markets by approving the export of wheat, wheat products, and sugar. This decision, announced on February 13, 2026, reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring remunerative returns for producers while maintaining national food security.

Wheat Exports: A Farmer-Centric Move 

The government has approved the export of 25 Lakh Metric Tonnes (LMT) of wheat along with an additional 5 LMT of wheat products. This decision comes after a thorough assessment of the current availability and price scenario in the country. The move is aimed at stabilizing domestic prices, improving market liquidity, and preventing distress sales during peak arrivals.

Key Highlights of Wheat Export Decision: 

Increased Wheat Stock Availability:
- Wheat stock availability with private entities during 2025–26 stands at approximately 75 LMT, which is 32 LMT higher than the previous year.
- Total wheat availability in the central pool with the Food Corporation of India (FCI) is projected at 182 LMT as of April 1, 2026, ensuring that exports will not impact domestic food security.
Higher Wheat Acreage:
- Wheat acreage in Rabi 2026 has increased to 334.17 lakh hectares compared to 328.04 lakh hectares last year, indicating strong farmer confidence in wheat cultivation.
Benefits to Farmers and Markets:
- The export decision will help stabilize domestic prices, ensure efficient stock rotation, and strengthen farmers’ income.
- The government’s assured Minimum Support Price (MSP) and procurement mechanisms have further encouraged farmers to cultivate wheat.

Sugar Exports: Managing Surplus and Supporting Sugar Mills 

In addition to wheat exports, the government has also approved the export of an additional 5 LMT of sugar during the current Sugar Season 2025–26. This is in addition to the 15 LMT of sugar export already permitted earlier in November 2025.

Key Highlights of Sugar Export Decision:

Current Export Status:
- As of January 31, 2026, only 1.97 LMT of sugar has been exported, with 2.72 LMT contracted for export by sugar mills.
Conditions for Additional Export Quota:
- The additional 5 LMT export quota will be allocated to willing sugar mills, provided they export at least 70% of their allocated quantity by June 30, 2026.
- The quota will be distributed on a pro-rata basis among interested sugar mills, and mills must submit their willingness within 15 days of the order issuance.
- The allocated quota cannot be swapped or exchanged between sugar mills.
Impact on Sugar Industry:
- This decision is expected to facilitate higher sugar exports and effectively manage surplus sugar availability in the country.

A Balanced Approach to Food Security and Market Stability

The government’s calibrated approach ensures that the export permissions will not compromise domestic food security. With higher stock availability, softening prices, and expected robust production, the export of wheat and sugar is a strategic move to balance market dynamics and support farmers.

Conclusion

The approval of wheat and sugar exports is a testament to the Government of India’s farmer-centric policies and its commitment to ensuring a stable and prosperous agricultural sector. By addressing surplus production and stabilizing prices, these measures will not only benefit farmers but also contribute to the overall economic growth of the country.

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Source: Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution

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