Nearly 26 lakh tonnes of wheat exported so far from govt stock

NEW DELHI: State-owned trading companies MMTC, STC and PEC have so far exported 25.58 lakh tonnes of wheat from the government godowns out of 45 lakh tonnes allowed by the Centre, Food Minister K V Thomas said today.

"The government has allowed export of wheat from central pool stocks through the central public sector undertakings namely STC, MMTC and PEC of the Department of Commerce," he said in a written reply to Rajya Sabha.

"A total of 45 lakh tonnes is to be exported up to June 30 2013, out of which as on March 12, 2013, a quantity of 25.58 lakh tonnes has been exported," he added.

In September 2011, wheat export was permitted under Open General Licence ( OGL) in view of bumper production. Later in June 2012, the government allowed wheat exports from its own godowns to clear surplus stock and create storage space.

The government has allowed export of 45 lakh tonnes wheat from FCI godowns in two tranches through PSUs. Recently, it allowed another 50 lakh tonnes from FCI godowns through private traders.

"Government has decided in-principle to allow export of wheat from central pool stocks through private sector as an additional channel for export.

"This is in view of surplus stocks of wheat in the central pool in Punjab and Haryana, constraints in long-term storage and prospects of the good rabi crop this year," Thomas said.