In order to feed public distribution system and other social welfare measures, Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar today said it could import about 30 lakh tonnes of wheat this year, if needed."The wheat crop this year is expected to be good with the yield expected around 72 million tonne," Pawar said.The government will not be exporting wheat, he said, adding that it could import good quality wheat to the tune of 30 lakh tonnes, if required.The government has already permitted duty-free import of wheat till 2007-end to avoid any shortage of the grain due to the last year's experience of lower than estimated production.The second advance estimate of the government puts the wheat output at 72.5 million tonnes in 2006-07.Agriculture Secretary P K Mishra had last week said that the second advance estimate would be achieved and actual production might even cross the projection.
