A quantity of 7.65 lakh tonnes of imported wheat out of 30 lakh tonnes contracted would reach Indian ports by the end of this month. With the arrival of 1.59 lakh tonnes of wheat expected by August 12, 2006 the cumulative arrival of imported wheat by the end of this week will be 4.37 lakh tonnes. The Ministry has taken necessary steps for importing 3.5 lakh tonnes of wheat in addition to 30 lakh tonnes already contracted for import.
It has also been reported that private contractors have contracted for import of 15 lakh tonnes of wheat to be delivered shortly at Mumbai and Chennai ports.
The position relating to sugar is comfortable as this year’s production is expected to be about 229 lakh tonnes as against 192 lakh tonnes last year. The Government proposes to release two lakh tonnes more of non-levy sugar for September 2006 compared to 13 lakh tonnes released for August 2006.
SBK:AMT:CP:wheat(8.8.2006)
(Release ID :19652)