As the Central government announced relaxation on wheat exports, shipping of huge consignments picked up speed at Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port in Kolkata on May 17. The BJP government allowed consignments handed over to Customs Departments on or before May 13 to pass.
“There's no problem at the port, last year we exported 3 lakh tonnes wheat. This year we've shipped 90,000 tonnes of wheat & 50,000 tonnes of wheat lie on port. Wheat under contract made before 13th May also getting shipped,” Vinit Kumar, Chairman, Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port Trust.
Notably, Centre had earlier announced to limit wheat exports in order to contain rising wheat prices and manage food security in India.