Wheat shipments from India have resumed through the Hili land port in Dinajpur after an interval of more than three years, following Delhi’s decision to revoke a longstanding export prohibition.

Three trucks carrying 116 tonnes of Indian wheat entered the port on Saturday afternoon, marking the first such consignment since September 29, 2022. The shipment was imported by Mifa International.

India had imposed the export ban on May 13, 2022, citing rising domestic prices. The restriction was formally withdrawn on February 13 this year. Hili land port official Yusuf Ali confirmed that imports had remained entirely suspended for three years, six months and 13 days.

Importer Mostafizur Rahman said the quality of the Indian FCI wheat variety was sound and that domestic demand existed. He noted, however, that current market conditions offered limited margins. With Canadian, Ukrainian and local wheat trading at around BDT 34 per kilogramme, importers remain cautious about scaling up purchases. That may change once India’s new harvest reaches the market and prices ease, he added.

Port authorities said they had expedited quality testing and clearance procedures to facilitate prompt unloading. “The port is extending all possible cooperation to keep trade moving,” Yusuf Ali said.