There was no scarcity of wheat in India, however the Centre has imposed a ban on its export to test “rampant” abroad gross sales of the grain, Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar has mentioned.
Speaking to reporters after attending a operate right here on Thursday, Tomar mentioned it was the federal government’s obligation to take care of a stability available in the market.
“For us, the nation’s interest comes first. And that is why there was no shortage of wheat in the country. It is the government’s duty to maintain a balance in the market. Hence, we have imposed a ban to check rampant export of the food grain. We have to meet the country’s demand,” the minister mentioned.
On May 14, India, the world’s second greatest producer of the cereal, introduced a ban on wheat exports as part of measures to manage rising home costs amid considerations of output being hit by scorching heatwave.
India’s wheat exports stood at an all-time excessive of seven million tonnes, valuing USD 2.05 billion, in 2021-22 on higher demand of Indian wheat from abroad. Of the whole wheat exports, round 50 per cent went to Bangladesh.
Tomar mentioned India has to additionally take care of the foodgrain wants 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,” he mentioned.
“To discharge all these responsibilities, we have taken the decision (to ban export) by checking our account (stock),” the minister mentioned, responding to a question on the Congress’s allegation that abroad cargo of wheat was stopped with none planning.
Source: www.financialexpress.com”