Australian wheat finds ready market in India

Australia, the world's largest wheat exporter, is targeting the growing number of Indians eating noodles and pasta made from superior quality durum grain.

"With the rising demand for speciality foods like pasta in India, the market for durum wheat is likely to grow in the coming years. We see India as a potential buyer," Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry General Manager Russell Phillips told PTI.

Thanks to sufficient foodgrain production, India did not import wheat in 2007-08. But because of changing food preferences in a fast-growing economy, the demand for speciality products is increasing.

Besides, more and more fast food chains selling items made from superior wheat are also creating additional demand for durum grain, grown only in a few states like Madhya Pradesh.

While Australia predominantly produces white-grained wheat, well-suited for making Arabic flat breads, noodles and European style rolls, its durum wheat is good for pasta.

India had imported 1.6 million tonnes of wheat from Australia in 2006-07, almost after a gap of six years, while in 2007-08, the country is estimated to have produced 78.40 million tonnes of wheat.

Australia has changed its marketing policy ending monopoly of a single trader.

"Now any number of exporters can sell wheat abroad provided they fulfil the requirement of accreditation from Wheat Export Australia," Phillips said.

Phillips was here to share Australia's new wheat marketing arrangement with Indian traders.

Australian wheat production is forecasted to be up by 82 per cent at 23.7 million tonnes in 2008-09.