Pawar favours wheat, rice & sugar exports

Agriculture minister Sharad pawar on Wednesday said the government should seriously consider allowing exports of wheat, rice and sugar, keeping in mind the bumper production of these crops.

The minister said wheat production is likely to touch 84 million tonnes, exceeding the current estimate by 2.5 million tonnes, due to conducive weather conditions. “I cannot support anything. I said that our stock position is good whether it is rice, wheat or sugar. I think this is the time when the government has to give a serious thought and allow certain exports,” he said when asked if he supported exports of wheat, rice and sugar. As on January 1, Food Corporation of India had 47 million tonnes of wheat and rice in its godowns, compared with the buffer norm of 25 million tonnes.

Pawar favoured wheat exports to cash in on high prices and the short supply in global markets. It has also been reported that China’s wheat production may decline due to drought conditions.