Digital Desk: Although there was no scarcity of wheat in India, the government has banned its export to curb "rampant" abroad sales, according to Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar.
Mr Tomar told reporters after attending an event here on
Thursday that it was the government's responsibility to keep the market
balanced.
"The national interest comes first for us. As a result,
there was no wheat scarcity in the country. It is the government's
responsibility to keep the market in check. As a result, we've established a
prohibition to prevent the food grain from being exported in large quantities.
We must address the needs of the country "According to the minister.
On May 14, India, the world's second-largest exporter of wheat,
issued a ban on exports as part of attempts to contain soaring domestic prices,
citing concerns that output would be harmed by a blistering heat wave.
In 2021-22, India's wheat exports reached an all-time high of 7
million tonnes, worth USD 2.05 billion, thanks to increased demand for Indian
wheat from abroad. Around half of all wheat exports were sent to Bangladesh.
Mr. Tomar stated that India must also consider the demands of its neighbours in terms of foodgrains.
"Our neighbours look to us for assistance. Many countries around the world are in need of foodgrains, and they are looking to India for assistance. Our neighbouring countries owe us a debt of gratitude "he stated