Govt unlikely to lift ban on wheat export

NEW DELHI: The government on Tuesday ruled out lifting the ban on wheat export because it would like to adopt a conservative approach in allowing shipments despite record production in 2007-08.

���We have some commitments towards a few countries so have to take a conservative approach on allowing export of wheat in general food and agriculture minister,��� Sharad Pawar told reporters here after a function to mark the foundation day of the Agricultural Scientists Recruitment Board.

When pointed out that a large quantity of wheat is lying in the open due to a space crunch in warehouses, Mr Pawar said the government would also have to consider the domestic situation before lifting the ban.

The government had banned the export of wheat in 2006 when it had to import 55 lakh tonne to meet domestic demand and keep prices under control. It also allowed import at zero duty.

Mr Pawar noted that the situation is conducive for increasing the area under wheat so that production could be raised. ���Last year there was a record crop of 78.4 million tonne and we desire to cross that,��� he said.

When asked if the delay in sugarcane crushing in Uttar Pradesh would affect wheat sowing, Mr Pawar said, ���I would speak to the authorities there as we want additional area under wheat.���

The weather conditions, moisture content, temperature and seed availability are favourable for a bumper wheat crop, he said, adding that if sufficient fertiliser is made available to farmers in time the country would establish a new record.

Mr Pawar also said the government would soon announce the minimum support prices (MSPs) of rabi crops including wheat.