March 22, 2002

EXPORT OF WHEAT

    During 2000-01and 2001-2002 (till 28.2.2002), 16.24 lakh MTs (approx.) and 31.76 lakh MTs of wheat has been respectively exported out of stocks offered from the central pool.

    US $ 461.51 million approximately have been earned from export of wheat by PSUs/Agencies during the above period.

    In view of excess stocks of wheat in the central pool, alongwith other Welfare/income generation schemes, FCI has been permitted to offer wheat for export to PSUs/Agencies/Private parties at a price fixed by the Government from time to time.

    The measures initiated by the Government to boost exports inter alia include the following:-

    wheat has been offered from the central pool for export purposes;

    exporters have been allowed to lift stocks from the depots of FCI according to their choice;

    an empowered Standing Committee on Exports has been set up to take expeditious decisions on matters relating to export of foodgrains regularly; and

    in order to offer a stable price regime, the Government has decided to fix the offer price for export of wheat and rice from the central pool for a period of 3 months with an additional month given for lifting of stocks and to announce the prices 45 days in advance before the commencement of the concerned quarter.

    This information was given in the Lok Sabha today by the Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Shri Ashok Pradhan in a written reply.