distribution by analyzing samples collected by quality control officers. A total of 1548 foodgrain
samples for physical parameters, 667 for protein determination, 664 for falling number in wheat
samples were analyzed during 2017-18.
Export and Import of Foodgrains
Export Policy of Rice and Wheat
The Government has allowed free export of non-basmati rice by private parties from
privately held stocks from 2011. State Trading Enterprises (STEs) including M/s NCCF and
NAFED are also permitted to export privately held stocks on non-basmati rice. Export of wheat
was also allowed from the same year. Export of non-basmati rice and wheat is permitted through
Custom EDI ports. Export is also permitted through the non-EDI Land Custom Stations (LCS)
on Indo-Bangladesh and Indo-Nepal Border subject to registration of quantity with DGFT.
Export of rice of seed quality and other [rice in husk (paddy or rough) other than seed quality] is
permitted under licence.
Export of Wheat and Rice
A quantity of 86.46 lakh MT of non-basmati rice and 2,25,208 lakh MT
of wheat was exported under “free export” category during 2017-18.
Status of Export on Government Account
The Government also permits export of wheat and rice to various friendly countries on
diplomatic basis/humanitarian aid on the recommendations of the Ministry of External Affairs.
Import of Rice and Wheat
No import of wheat and rice has been made for Central Pool stock during 2017-18.
However, a quantity of 16,49,725 MT of wheat and 2,122 MT of non-basmati rice was imported
by private traders/millers during 2017-18.
Sugar
Sugar Production
India is the largest consumer and the second largest producer of sugar in the world. The
production of sugar during the current sugar season 2017-18 is estimated to be about 322.00 lakh
MT.
Sugarcane Pricing Policy
With the amendment of the Sugarcane (Control) Order, 1966 in 2009, the concept of
Statutory Minimum Price (SMP) of sugarcane was replaced with the ‘Fair and Remunerative
Price (FRP)’ for 2009-10 and subsequent sugar seasons. The cane price announced by the central
government is decided on the basis of the recommendations of the Commission for Agricultural
Costs and Prices (CACP) after consulting the state governments and associations of sugar
industry. The amended provisions of the Sugarcane (Control) Order, 1966 provides for fixation
of FRP of sugarcane having regard to the following factors:- (a) cost of production of sugarcane;
(b) return to the growers from alternative crops and the general trend of prices of agricultural