'EGoM to take decision for allowing wheat exports in next meeting'

NEW DELHI: The empowered group of ministers (EGoM) in the next meeting would be taking the decision to permit wheat exports, said Food Minister KV Thomas.

This reaction came to the statement from Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar that there has been no ban on wheat exports. Since early 2007, Centre had banned wheat exports to strengthen domestic supply and also to curb inflation. EGoM is chaired by Union Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee.

In the July 11 meeting in-principal approval has been given to the proposal of allowing exports. EGoM had postponed the decision after the depressed prices in the international market.

The recommendation to open exports has bagged the support after the shortage of storage capacity. Currently, the government godowns are flowing with 37.8-million tonnes of wheat stock with the help of bumper output.