October 16, 2006

India may not import wheat in 2007/08

India may not import wheat next marketing year if there is a bountiful grain harvest, Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar said Friday (Oct 13).

"We're hoping not to import wheat next (marketing) year, as recent rains are expected to benefit the local crop," Pawar said on the sidelines of a conference.

So far in 2006, India's federal government has already placed orders for importing 5.5 million tonnes of wheat. One-third of the deliveries have taken place, while the rest are expected to be completed by February 2007.

The minister said the recent halt in wheat exports by Ukraine is unlikely to affect supplies to India.

"We had placed our orders well in advance. I don't think it will affect us," said Pawar.

Around five shipments carrying more than 200,000 tonnes of imported wheat from Ukraine, mostly on private account, are expected to be delayed, as the country is currently not issuing licenses for exports.

Meanwhile, Pawar said the imported wheat being delivered at Indian ports meets the country's quality norms.

"Only one cargo failed to clear the quality test," he said.