American wheat may find its way to India again following an Indian government delegation's visit to the US to sort out differences in quality control.
A delegation is holding talks with US agriculture officials this week in Washington as the grain industry in the US is hoping to export wheat to India.
US Agriculture Department's officials told mediapersons in Washington the delegation was meeting with USDA experts on plant health to discuss "issues of mutual concern".
India's strict phytosanitary regulations kept out US wheat during its tenders last year, in which it bought 5.5 million tonnes of wheat. This year, India may buy 4 million to 5 million tonnes. The State Trading Corp has already issued tenders to buy 1 million tones.
Among phytosanitary issues is India's concern about weed seeds. It has required lower levels than typically found in an international tender.
Even if phytosanitary issues are resolved, India has typically required inspection of the wheat at destination. Normally, wheat is inspected by the buyer and seller at its origin before it is shipped.