Imports

India, though an importer of foodgrains till late seventies and occasionally thereafter, did not import wheat and rice on Government account in the last 5 years.

Exports

While the country exported small quantities from the Central Pool as humanitarian assistance to friendly countries during the eighties and nineties, exports for commercial purposes in true sense began in 2000-01.  The efforts have brought good results and more than 342.39 lakh Tonnes of wheat and rice has been exported to more than 50 countries.  Major importers of Indian foodgrains have been Bangladesh, Iraq, Indonesia, Vietnam, Yemen, Nigeria, UAE, Poland, Malaysia, Senegal, Saudi Arabia and Sudan among others.

The country has also emerged as significant supplier of foodgrain for humanitarian assistance to friendly countries and over the last three years around 30,578 MTs of wheat and 54460 MTs of rice has been exported for this purpose.  Besides 10 lakh Tonnes of wheat under the World Food Programme has been approved for Afghanistan, which is to be converted into biscuits and supplied to that country.  2,28,066 MTs of wheat have been supplied so far for this purpose.

Presently, foodgrains from the Central Pool stocks are not being released for export purposes.

The following officers may be contacted for information regarding above, if required: