Goa, March 3, 2025:
The Rollers Flour Millers' Federation of India (RFMFI), the apex body representing flour millers, urged the Indian government on Monday to establish a dedicated Wheat Board to streamline policies, expand market opportunities, and promote essential research activities in the wheat industry.
Speaking at the two-day industry conclave, "The Future of Milling – Vision 2030 and Beyond," held in Goa, RFMFI President Navneet Chitlangia highlighted the significance of the flour milling sector. "Our industry is more than just an economic sector; it is the backbone of the food supply chain, a crucial employment generator, and an essential force in ensuring national food security," he emphasized.
Call for a Dedicated Wheat Board
Drawing parallels with successful organizations like the Spices Board and Tea Board, Chitlangia advocated for the formation of a Wheat Board. "A dedicated Wheat Board would offer essential policy guidance, facilitate research, and open new avenues for market expansion, benefiting all stakeholders involved in wheat production and distribution," he explained.He further underscored the necessity of a stable and predictable wheat policy framework to mitigate market volatility. Key areas of concern highlighted included export-import regulations, buffer stock management, and the effectiveness of the Open Market Sale Scheme (OMSS).
Import Duty Revision Essential, Says Federation
Additionally, the RFMFI President urged the government to reassess the current import duty on wheat, currently standing at over 40%, once the ongoing procurement season concludes in June 2025. According to Chitlangia, "With an import duty exceeding 40%, wheat imports are currently unfeasible. A reassessment post-procurement season, informed by accurate harvest data, is crucial to maintaining a balanced demand-supply equation."Wheat, cultivated predominantly during India's Rabi (winter-sown) season, will see harvesting commence later this month. For the 2023-24 crop year (July-June), India produced approximately 1,132 lakh tonnes (113.2 million tonnes) of wheat.
Flour Milling Industry Conclave: A Platform for Innovation and Growth
The ongoing conclave in Goa has attracted over 600 delegates from across India and abroad. Discussions during the event are focusing on critical themes such as food security, climate resilience, infrastructure policy, global best practices in wheat storage and logistics, technological innovation in milling, market expansion, value addition, and the industry's digital transformation.The Rollers Flour Millers' Federation of India, established in 1940 under the Companies Act, continues to represent and advocate for the interests of India's flourishing flour milling industry.
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