November 16, 2006

India's 2006 wheat imports more than 50 percent of 5.5 tonnes total

India's wheat import arrivals at ports so far in 2006 are estimated at over 2.8 million   tonnes, more than half the total 5.5 million tonnes purchased by the government through State Trading Corp (STC), a food ministry official said Wednesday (Nov 15).

India has recently witnessed a surge in deliveries of wheat, leading to congestion at many ports. More than 400,000 tonnes of wheat is estimated to be lying at ports, yet to be lifted by the government and transported to warehouses.

The food ministry official said an estimated 1.03 million tonnes wheat is currently at sea on the way to Indian ports.

"The total wheat delivered, on high seas and being loaded at ports or origin is estimated at around 4.3 million tonnes," he said.

The official said the government is optimistic of receiving all imported wheat by end of February 2007 despite concerns of tight international supplies from countries such as Ukraine and Australia.