No target for export of wheat: Govt

New Delhi, Aug 10 (UNI) No target has been fixed by the Government for export of wheat, the Rajya Sabha was informed today.

As regard import of wheat, in addition to 35 lakh MTs already contracted for supply through the State Trading Corporation (STC), additional import of wheat will be resorted to the extent required to maintain the prescribed buffer norms and to meet the commitment under Targeted Public Distribution System and other welfare schemes.

In a written reply, Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Akhilesh Prasad Singh said that no formal demand for export of wheat has been received and the Government has authorised the STC this year to import wheat through open tender process.

On procurement and import of wheat, the Minister said that the stocks of wheat in the Central Pool as on April 1, 2006 was 20,09,000 tonnes.

92.26 lakh tonnes of wheat was purchased by the FCI and Government agencies in the Rabi Marketing Season 2006-07 at the Minimum Support Price (MSP) of Rs 650 per quintal and a bonus of Rs 50 per quintal above the MSP.

Import contracts for 35 lakh tonnes of wheat on Government account have been finalised, and an additional tender for 4 lakh tonnes has been issued.

UNI BBS RP PM1453