New Delhi: Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar has said there was no shortage of wheat in the country, but the Central government has imposed a ban on its export to check “rampant” overseas sales of the grain. Tomar, who was speaking to reporters after attending a function in Madhya Pradesh’s Gwalior city on Thursday, said it was the government’s duty to maintain a balance in the market, PTI reported.
“For us, the nation’s interest comes first. And that is why there was no shortage of wheat in the country,” Tomar said.
Asserting it is the “government’s duty to maintain a balance in the market”, he added: “Hence, we have imposed a ban to check rampant export of the food grain. We have to meet the country’s demand.”
India, the world’s second biggest producer of the cereal, had earlier on May 14 announced a ban on wheat exports.
This step was initiated as a part of measures to control the rising domestic prices amid concerns of output being hit by the scorching heatwave.
The country’s wheat exports stood at an all-time high of seven million tonnes, valuing USD 2.05 billion, in 2021-22 on better demand of Indian wheat from overseas.
Of the total wheat exports, around 50 percent went to Bangladesh.
The Union Agriculture Minister further said India has to also look after the foodgrain needs of its neighbours.
“Our neighbouring countries depend on us. Many countries in the world need foodgrains and they are looking at India. We have a responsibility to our neighbouring countries,” Tomar said.
Responding to a poser on the Congress’ allegation that overseas shipment of wheat was stopped without any planning, he said: “To discharge all these responsibilities, we have taken the decision (to ban export) by checking our account (stock).”