04 March 2025, Goa: Roller Flour Millers’ Federation of India (RFMFI) has urged the Government to set up a ‘Wheat Board’ for promoting research activities in this area and all-round development of farmers as well as processing industries.
To boost industry capacity and market reach, the federation also urged the government to allow exports of wheat flour and bran. The current policy restricts exports only against imports for whole wheat flour and restricts the export of wheat bran with permit requirement from DGFT which have been stopped since several months.
The Roller Flour Millers’ Federation of India is organising a two-day International Wheat Milling Conclave – The future of milling: Vision 2030 and beyond” in Goa on March 3-4, 2025.
Wheat, which is grown in Rabi season (sown in winters), is an important foodgrain. The growth of entire ecosystem associated with the wheat crop is essential for ensuring India’s food security. Harvesting of wheat crop generally starts from March-end.
“In this year’s budget, the Government has announced establishment of Makhana Board which is a very good decision for the growth of this super food product. We urge the Government to consider setting up a similar board for Wheat,” Mr. Navneet Chitlangia, President, Roller Flour Millers’ Federation of India said.
“A dedicated Wheat Board would provide essential research, policy guidance, and market expansion opportunities,” he added.
RFMFI is an 85-year old apex association of roller flour millers with more than 1800 members across the country. The Roller Flour Millers grind 35-40 million tonnes of wheat a year.
“The current policy restricts exports only against imports, limiting opportunities to a few large corporations. A more open export policy would boost industry capacity and market reach substantially,” said Mr. Dharmendra Jain, Sr. Vice President, Roller Flour Millers’ Federation of India.
To end market volatility and speculation, the government must reduce import duty on wheat after the end of this year’s procurement season in June. At present, there is 40 per cent import duty on wheat.
“Wheat imports are currently unfeasible at existing duty structure. A reassessment post-procurement season, based on actual harvest data, is essential to maintain a balanced demand-supply equation,” Jain added.
The Federation also demand reduction of GST on machines used for milling purposes.
Rohit Khaitan, VP, Roller Flour Millers’ Federation of India said,“Currently, the GST on milling machinery is at 18%, which significantly adds to project costs, as the final products (wheat flour & wheat bran) are largely exempt from GST, preventing any refund claims. We urge the government to revert to the earlier rate of 5% to support industry expansion and modernization.”
The Federation also sought reduction in custom duty and GST on equipments used for storage purposes.
The conclave was attended by more than 500 delegates. Around 50 foreign delegates from countries US, Germany, Turkey, Nepal and Sri Lanka also participated in it.
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