June 20, 2007

India to import 5 million tonnes wheat for exigencies
 

India is set to import 5 million tonnes of wheat to improve its buffer stock position, rather than for the public distribution system, said Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar.

This move will mark the second year in a row that India imports wheat, following the import of 5.5 million tonnes last year to augment the country's depleted buffer stock.

Pawar said the import process would last from August to December, adding that in late-May, the government had cancelled a tender floated by State Trading Corporation for importing 1 million tonnes of wheat due to high price quotes by suppliers.

India's 2007 wheat production is expected to total 73.7 million tonnes, up from 69.3 million tonnes in 2006.