India may import 3 mt: US official

India is seen importing 3 million tonnes of wheat in the next season beginning April, as its production is likely to fall below the 75 million tonnestarget, Mark Samson, vice president (South Asia), US Wheat Associates said today.

He said India may have to import wheat for the next three-four years to meet shortages.

The country is importing 1.8 million tonnes wheat this year. However, India may not become a major wheat importer in the long run, Samson said.

For this season, India's wheat production is seen at about 72 million tonnes, according to International Grains Council estimates.