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India Restarts Wheat Exports as Supplies Strengthen and Production Hits Record Levels

August 25,2026. India has removed its four-year-old restrictions on wheat exports, opening the door for shipments of wheat and a range of wheat-based products including atta, maida, suji, wholemeal atta and resultant atta. The decision comes as record domestic production and comfortable stock levels have eased concerns over supplies and food security. The Directorate-General of Foreign Trade has revised the export policy for wheat, durum wheat and wheat flour products from “prohibited” to “free” with immediate effect. The move marks a significant change in India's trade policy after the government had maintained tight controls on overseas shipments since 2022. India first banned wheat exports in May 2022 amid concerns over rising domestic prices and availability. Restrictions were subsequently extended to wheat flour and other processed wheat products in August of the same year. The measures were introduced to ensure adequate supplies for the domestic market during a period of uncertainty over production and prices. With domestic conditions improving, the government began gradually permitting limited exports earlier this year. It had allowed a total of 5 million tonnes of wheat and 1 million tonnes of wheat products to be shipped through a permit-based system. However, actual exports remained significantly below the permitted quantities, with industry sources estimating that less than 300,000 tonnes of wheat and under 100,000 tonnes of wheat products had been exported so far. The complete removal of the restrictions is expected to provide greater opportunities for Indian farmers, flour mills and exporters by restoring access to international markets. Industry representatives, however, believe exporters may require time to rebuild overseas business because competitors in several markets expanded their capacity during India's absence. The decision could also strengthen India's position in neighbouring and import-dependent markets in Asia, Africa and West Asia. Indian flour and wheat products have traditionally had demand in markets with large populations of Indian-origin consumers, making the reopening particularly significant for exporters of packaged and processed wheat products. The timing of the policy change is also important for global wheat markets. Disruptions affecting Black Sea grain supplies have added pressure to international wheat availability and prices. Increased exports from India could therefore provide an additional source of wheat for countries that depend heavily on imports. For Indian farmers, renewed access to overseas buyers could create additional demand and improve opportunities for price realisation. For exporters, the policy change provides a chance to rebuild markets lost during the four-year restriction period. The government's decision effectively signals a shift from emergency supply management toward a more open wheat trade policy, supported by stronger domestic production and adequate stocks.

Global Pistachio Supply Set to Tighten Sharply in 2026–27

August 25 2026. Global pistachio supply is expected to tighten significantly in the 2026–27 marketing year as production declines across the United States, Turkey and Iran raise concerns over export availability and support firmer prices. Turkey is facing one of the sharpest setbacks, with production estimated at around 200,000 tonnes, nearly 50% below last season, following frost and unfavourable weather in key growing regions. Limited carry-in stocks are expected to further reduce exportable supplies. US production is projected at approximately 600,000 tonnes, down around 46% year on year. Although sizeable carryover inventories are expected to cushion the decline, total US availability could still fall by about 33%, increasing competition for California pistachios, particularly high-quality export grades. Iran is also expected to see production fall by around 50%, with electricity shortages and irrigation constraints placing additional pressure on orchards in major producing areas. Prices are already showing a firm undertone. Recent European FOB indications put Spanish organic green kernels near EUR 41.8/kg, Italian organic kernels around EUR 68.9–68.95/kg and organic in-shell US pistachios near EUR 22.1/kg. US wholesale prices for California pistachios have also remained elevated, with recent indications around USD 143.75–154.00 per 25 lb sack. With simultaneous production losses in the three major origins, buyers are likely to face reduced flexibility in switching between suppliers and stronger competition for high-quality material. The market is expected to remain firm through 2026–27, with further upside risk if final harvest results in California or Turkey disappoint or Iranian supply constraints intensify. Overall, tighter export availability and limited origin flexibility are likely to keep the pistachio market well supported in the coming season.

Assam Steps Up Makhana Push to Increase Farmers’ Earnings

August 25, 2026. Assam is set to promote makhana cultivation on a larger scale as part of the state government’s plan to raise farm incomes and encourage farmers to adopt high-value crops. Agriculture Minister Pijush Hazarika announced the initiative on August 24, saying makhana would be promoted in the state in “mission mode.” Speaking at a state-level workshop on agriculture and allied products in Guwahati, Hazarika said Assam has suitable potential for makhana cultivation, particularly in combination with fisheries. The crop could provide farmers with an additional income of around ₹40,000-₹50,000 per bigha, he said. The government plans to distribute makhana seeds to farmers from February next year to encourage cultivation and develop the crop as an additional source of rural income. The minister said the makhana initiative forms part of a wider strategy to promote high-value crops, horticulture and multiple cropping. Farmers have also been encouraged to adopt double and triple cropping to make better use of agricultural land. Assam is targeting the distribution of around seven crore fruit saplings during the next season, with greater focus on fruits, litchi and other horticultural crops. Coconut cultivation will also be promoted in Sivasagar and Charaideo districts. The state is also focusing on irrigation, with the government aiming to expand irrigation coverage by another 20 percentage points over the next five years from the current level of around 21%. Hazarika said improving production, processing, transportation, market access and exports would be crucial to making Assam’s agriculture more profitable. The government hopes that crops such as makhana, along with horticulture and other high-value produce, will help farmers diversify their income and access new markets.

Indian Cumin Market Remains Firm as Tight Arrivals Support Prices

August 25, 2026. Indian cumin prices are maintaining a firm tone as limited arrivals in Gujarat, particularly at Unjha, combine with steady domestic demand and continued export interest. Farmers are selling cautiously at current levels, keeping mandi supplies under control and preventing significant stock accumulation. Recent Unjha market indications place average cumin prices around ₹19,300–19,400 per quintal, with premium-quality lots commanding higher values. The supply situation is receiving additional support from reduced production in competing origins. Syria and Turkey are expected to see a substantial decline in their 2026 cumin crops, tightening global availability and strengthening India's position in international markets. Although Indian cumin export volumes have declined compared with last year, export earnings have increased, indicating stronger realisations and continued demand for Indian-origin cumin. At Unjha, daily arrivals remain manageable, while processors, domestic spice buyers and exporters continue to absorb available supplies. Higher-quality and bold-clean lots are seeing comparatively stronger interest, widening the premium over average grades. The market, however, remains sensitive to changes in farmer selling and arrivals, meaning short-term corrections cannot be ruled out. Overall, the Indian cumin market is expected to remain firm to moderately bullish in the near term. Limited spot availability, cautious farmer selling and reduced competition from Syria and Turkey are likely to keep prices supported. Any sharp increase in arrivals could trigger temporary corrections, but such dips may attract fresh buying from domestic processors and overseas buyers. For the Indian market, the key factor to watch will remain the pace of arrivals at Gujarat mandis and the response of exporters to tighter global supply.

Turkish Hazelnut Prices Firm as TMO Support Underpins New-Crop Market

August 25, 2026: Turkish hazelnut kernel prices are showing a firm undertone as the 2026 harvest advances across the Black Sea region and the Turkish Grain Board (TMO) begins purchasing in key producing provinces. Roasted kernel grades have edged higher in euro terms on improving confectionery demand, while natural kernels remain broadly stable to slightly softer. The start of TMO intervention is providing a floor to in-shell prices and limiting downside pressure on kernel values. Harvest activity is now increasing in major producing areas including Ordu, Giresun and Trabzon, with official harvest and export windows open across the region. Current estimates indicate a sizeable 2026 crop broadly comparable with last season, suggesting that overall supply remains comfortable. However, the pace of farmer selling, early-season logistics and export demand will remain important factors for price direction. TMO has started 2026 crop purchases in Ordu, Giresun and Düzce at around TRY 255/kg for Giresun quality and TRY 250/kg for Levant quality, based on a 50% sound kernel yield. Free-market in-shell prices remain below these intervention levels, but the TMO purchasing programme is helping to establish a price floor and supporting processed kernel quotations. Export demand is expected to strengthen as European confectionery manufacturers begin securing supplies for the final quarter of 2026 and early 2027. Although Turkish kernel shipments were somewhat lower year on year during the previous marketing season, recent export activity has improved and buyers are gradually accepting new-crop price levels. Weather conditions across the main Black Sea growing belt remain broadly favourable, with mild temperatures and scattered showers and no major weather threat currently evident. With harvesting already underway, near-term market direction is expected to depend more on farmer selling, crop movement and export demand than on weather risk. Overall, Turkish hazelnut prices are expected to remain stable to moderately firm in the coming weeks. TMO support should limit significant downside, while stronger export demand and improved buying from European confectionery manufacturers could provide additional upside once the initial harvest pressure eases.

India’s Pulses Imports Dip Marginally in First Half of 2026

August 18, 2026: Tur, masoor and yellow pea imports rise, while chana and urad shipments decline India’s pulses imports declined marginally by 1.46 per cent during the first half of calendar 2026, falling to 31.80 lakh tonnes from 32.27 lakh tonnes recorded during the corresponding period last year. According to a recent market update by the India Pulses and Grains Association (IPGA), which cited Directorate General of Commercial Intelligence and Statistics (DGCIS) data, the overall decline was mainly due to lower imports of chana (chickpea) and urad (black matpe). However, shipments of tur (pigeon pea), masoor (lentils) and yellow peas increased during January-June. Tur imports recorded a significant rise of 43.34 per cent during the period, reaching more than 5.05 lakh tonnes. African countries remained important suppliers, with Mozambique emerging as the largest source at over 1.83 lakh tonnes. Myanmar followed with more than 1.23 lakh tonnes, while Tanzania supplied over 1.01 lakh tonnes and Sudan around 49,049 tonnes. In contrast, urad imports declined by 19 per cent during the first six months of the year. Myanmar continued to dominate India's urad supplies, accounting for around 2.78 lakh tonnes. Brazil was the second-largest supplier with 39,309 tonnes, followed by Thailand with more than 11,448 tonnes. Masoor imports witnessed one of the sharpest increases, rising 51.58 per cent to 9.63 lakh tonnes from 6.35 lakh tonnes a year earlier. Canada was the largest supplier, shipping more than 5.10 lakh tonnes, while Australia supplied over 4.17 lakh tonnes. Russia accounted for around 22,938 tonnes. Meanwhile, chana imports fell by more than 45 per cent during January-June, mainly due to a slowdown in shipments from Australia. Despite the decline, Australia remained India's largest supplier of chana, exporting more than 6.03 lakh tonnes. Tanzania followed with around 28,743 tonnes, while the UK and Myanmar were among the other suppliers. Rahul Chauhan of Igrain India attributed the decline in chana imports to lower domestic prices in India coupled with higher international prices, which reduced the attractiveness of overseas purchases. Yellow pea imports, however, increased by 17 per cent during the first half of 2026. Canada accounted for the bulk of the supplies, with more than 5.7 lakh tonnes, while Russia was another major supplier. The latest import figures indicate a mixed trend in India's pulses market, with rising shipments of tur, masoor and yellow peas partly offsetting the decline in chana and urad imports. Overall, pulses imports remained broadly stable during the first six months of the year despite significant shifts in individual commodities and supplier countries.

India Pushes $1 Trillion Export Target Through FTAs, Domestic Manufacturing and Import Substitution

India’s push to achieve $1 trillion in exports in 2026 and $2 trillion over the next five years was a key focus of the Bharatiya Vyapar Mahotsav, where Union Commerce and Industry Minister Shri Piyush Goyal called exports a national mission and urged businesses to strengthen domestic manufacturing and expand their global presence. Speaking at the event, Shri Goyal said India’s goods and services exports had reached $863 billion, nearly 5 per cent higher than the previous year, despite challenging global conditions. He highlighted the government’s efforts to conclude Free Trade Agreements with nearly 38 developed countries, which are expected to provide Indian exporters preferential access to major international markets. The Minister urged businesses to closely monitor import trends and identify products that could be manufactured competitively in India. He said import substitution and exports were two important areas of opportunity and called for greater investment in sectors where the country continues to depend heavily on foreign suppliers, particularly capital goods. Shri Goyal also stressed the importance of promoting Swadeshi and Indian-made products as domestic consumption continues to rise. He warned that if Indian industry fails to meet growing demand, imports could increase significantly. He called for stronger cooperation between consumers, manufacturers and businesses to build demand for domestic products. Quality, productivity and scale were identified as essential for increasing India’s competitiveness in international markets. The Minister said Indian products would need better quality and packaging to compete globally and encouraged MSMEs, startups and young entrepreneurs to enter high-value manufacturing and processing sectors. Agriculture and fisheries were also highlighted as major areas of export potential. Shri Goyal said agricultural exports had crossed nearly ₹5 lakh crore, but greater value addition through processing and manufacturing could generate significantly higher opportunities for farmers, entrepreneurs and exporters. The Minister pointed to growing domestic capabilities in sectors such as medical devices and urged industrial clusters to increase local production. He also highlighted the expanded MSME framework, under which enterprises with turnover of up to ₹500 crore could benefit from the broader MSME ecosystem and government support for growth. The Bharatiya Vyapar Mahotsav was held from August 12 to 15, 2026, at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, bringing together businesses and entrepreneurs from across the country. The event also promoted wider use of Indian digital payment systems such as UPI and RuPay. The event reinforced the government’s broader economic strategy of combining export growth, domestic manufacturing, import substitution, MSME expansion and Swadeshi consumption. The focus remained on building stronger Indian businesses capable of meeting rising domestic demand while competing effectively in international markets.