Wheat import by pvt sector touches 5 lakh tonnes

NEW DELHI: Private players have imported 5 lakh tonnes of wheat since late last year to augment supplies for flour millers and biscuit companies after the government decided to allow duty-free imports of the foodgrain, following low production.

"We have already imported 5 lakh tonnes of wheat and this would be supplied to areas such as Bangalore, Vishakhapatnam and Kochi," President of the All India Grain Exporters D P Singh told PTI.

In reply to a query on the decision to ban exports of wheat, Singh described it as a right decision.

"We feel it was a right decision because I think when we need the foodgrain in India," Singh said.

The government, through a notification, has imposed a complete ban on export of wheat besides allowing free imports of maize.

The Directorate General of Foreign Trade in the Commerce Ministry has notified that ban on all varieties of wheat, including durum and seeds, would remain in force till the end of 2007.