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bsfoodsindia.com

Pankaj Moona

Ex-Busniess Head Flour milling, Adani wilmar

Changing trends in wheat industry

The wheat and flour milling industry in India has undergone a profound transformation over the past few decades, driven by shifting consumer preferences, technological progress, and evolving agricultural practices. In the early 1960s, India grappled with wheat shortages, relying heavily on imports while government-imposed quotas dictated wheat distribution to mills and fixed prices for consumers. However, the late 1970s and 1980s ushered in economic liberalization, breaking the shackles of rigid control and enabling free trade in wheat procurement and distribution. This pivotal shift spurred investments in advanced milling technology, leading to increased efficiency, improved extraction rates, and superior product quality.

Today, consumer demand is evolving at an unprecedented pace, with a growing inclination toward organic and health-conscious food products. Brands like Tatva have stepped in, forging direct partnerships with farmers to uphold organic and traditional cultivation methods. Yet, large-scale organic wheat production remains fraught with challenges, from climate change and rising temperatures to the dominance of resource-intensive crops like rice. In contrast, millets, with their lower production volumes and adaptability to informal farming agreements, have proven more viable in the organic segment, offering a sustainable alternative.

Meanwhile, technological advancements continue to redefine the milling landscape. Automation and optimized machinery have not only streamlined production but also reduced manpower dependence while enhancing flour quality. However, India still lags behind its Western counterparts in adopting sophisticated quality control mechanisms. Automated real-time monitoring—widely implemented abroad to ensure consistency and precision in flour production—remains a rarity in Indian mills. This technological shortfall is rooted in past regulatory constraints, insufficient incentives for modernization, and an industry-wide reliance on conventional quality control methods.

Beyond the technological divide, structural inefficiencies continue to plague the sector. Outdated raw material storage and archiving systems contribute to operational bottlenecks, while inconsistent quality control in procurement further disrupts uniformity in production. Compounding these challenges is the shortage of skilled personnel on weekends, hampering continuous monitoring and production oversight.

As consumers increasingly demand premium, customized flour products, the industry is being forced to adapt. The push toward automation and modernized plant technologies is no longer an option but a necessity. The future of India’s wheat and flour milling sector hinges on its ability to bridge the technological gap, refine supply chain efficiency, and cater to the rising appetite for organic and high-quality offerings. Whether it can rise to the occasion will determine its trajectory in the years to come.