NEW DELHI, INDIA — The Roller Flour Millers’ Federation of India president says the country’s ban on wheat exports in place since last year has been successful in lowering prices and should continue, Reuters reported.

Exports of the grain from India, the world’s second biggest producer after China, surged after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine boosted global prices, but a sudden rise in temperatures in March 2022 hurt the crop and cut yields, pushing local prices higher. India imposed a ban in May last year.

“The government’s efforts have paid off, and local prices have fallen, giving relief to consumers and a wide range of industries, including bread and biscuit makers,” said Pramod Kumar, president of the Roller Flour Millers’ Federation of India. “The wheat export ban must continue.”

While there is no specific date for the ban to expire, government and industry sources have said it is scheduled to be reviewed next month. Reuters last month reported India was considering extending its term.

India’s new season wheat has just started arriving on the market, and the harvest will gather momentum in the next few weeks.

Last month India estimated wheat production in 2023 could rebound to a record 112.2 million tonnes, but optimism has been tempered by a rise in temperatures in the past few weeks.