The Roller Flour Millers’ Federation of India (RFMFI) has urged the Centre to set up a Wheat Board on the lines of Spices Board and Tea Board of India to unlock the industry’s true potential. 

In his inaugural address at the International Wheat Milling Conclave- The Future of Miling-Vision 2023 and beyond being held here, Navneet Chitlangia, President, RFMFI, said the wheat board should be set up for research, policy guidelines and market expansion. 

He also urged the government to come with a stable wheat policy, opening up exports of wheat products, and promotion of silo storage and modern supply chain infrastructure. 

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Other demands

Seeking a revert in GST on milling machinery to the earlier 5 per cent from the current rate of 18 per cent, Chitlangia said a cut in customs duty and GST on agri storage equipments infrastructure will boost the industry. “The current customs duty and 18 per cent GST on silo increases our project cost significantly, “ he said. 

“A more open export policy would boost industry capacity and market reach. Bran remains under restricted exports. With no shortage of cattle feed, low bran realisation-constituting 25-30 per cent of totsl milling output- is a key factor firing up the flour prices, “ he said.

Key hurdles

Sachindra Kumar Patnaik, ED (North Zone), Food Corporation of India (FCI), said with changing dietary prefernces, consumption of the rabi-grown cereal crop is growing at a faster clip and the industry should gear up to meet the demand by making use of modern technologies. 

Echoing a similar view, Praveen Khandelwal, MP and Founder of Confederation of All India Traders, said rising input costs, outdated technology, policy fluctuations and inefficient supply chains are plaguing the industry. Urging the industry to adopt modernisation and upskilling workforce, he asked the industry to come out with a blueprint for setting up a Wheat Board and assured of support as “food security is tge topmost priority under Viksit Bharat 2047”.

The two-day conclave has delegates from Nepal, the US and Canada and focuses on policy advocacy to embrace cutting edge innovations and embracing technologies to overcome the challenges faced by the industry. 
The writer is in Goa at the invitation of RFMFI.

(The writer is at the conclave at the inviration of The Roller Flour Millers’ Federation of India)