India milling group wants wheat duty lowered

An association of Indian wheat flour millers is asking the government to reduce the duty on wheat imports from 40% to 5% to 10% to increase wheat availability in the country, The Indian Express reported. Navneet Chitlangia, president of the Roller Flour Millers’ Federation of India, told reporters at an event in Panaji, Goa, that the government should reconsider the duty after it reassesses the crop size, procurement and the remaining quantity in the market. “Even if 2 million to 3 million tonnes of wheat are imported, then the narrative of India having a low crop size will be ended,” he told reporters. “It needs to be ended because our industry goes through a very difficult time… That’s why we are asking the government that post-procurement, you should rationalize the 40% duty on wheat imports. Bring it down to zero or whatever you want.” India increased the duty on wheat imports from 30% to 40% in April 2019, and it has remained at that level since. Chitlangia said the ...