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Informist, Monday, Mar. 3, 2025

MUMBAI – The Roller Flour Millers' Federation of India has urged the government to set up a 'Wheat Board' for promoting research activities and all-round development of farmers as well as processing industries. The federation has also asked the government to allow exports of the grain, which were banned in May 2022 to control firm domestic prices. 

"In this year's budget, the government has announced establishment of Makhana Board which is a very good decision for the growth of this super food product. We urge the government to consider setting up a similar board for wheat," Navneet Chitlangia, president, Roller Flour Millers' Federation of India, said at the International Wheat Milling Conclave in Goa on Monday. "A dedicated Wheat Board would provide essential research, policy guidance, and market expansion opportunities."

The federation also urged the government to allow exports of wheat flour and bran to boost industry capacity and market reach. "The current policy restricts exports only against imports, limiting opportunities to a few large corporations. A more open export policy would boost industry capacity and market reach substantially," said Dharmendra Jain, the federation's senior vice president.

"Wheat imports are currently unfeasible at existing duty structure. A reassessment post-procurement season, based on actual harvest data, is essential to maintain a balanced demand-supply equation," Jain added. To end market volatility and speculation, the government must reduce the 40% import duty on wheat after this year's procurement season ends in June, he added. The Centre has set the wheat procurement target at 31 million tonnes for 2025-26 rabi marketing season starting April. In 2024-25, the government bought 26.6 million tonnes of wheat against the target of 30 million tonnes-32 million tonnes.

Further, the federation also demanded a reduction of Goods and Services Tax on machines used for milling purposes. "Currently, the GST on milling machinery is at 18%, which significantly adds to project costs, as the final products (wheat flour and wheat bran) are largely exempt from GST, preventing any refund claims. We urge the government to revert to the earlier rate of 5% to support industry expansion and modernization," said Rohit Khaitan, vice president of the federation.  End

Reported by J. Navya Sruthi

Edited by Tanima Banerjee

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