First Indian wheat cargo clears inspections in Egypt

The first Indian wheat cargo of 55,000 mt that was reported sold back in late April has reached the Egypt port Alexandria and passed all the needed inspections, trade sources said Thursday.

“Mana (the vessel name), first Indian wheat vessel to Egypt shipped by Mera Group, has passed all tests in Egypt and will commence discharge tomorrow,” Neal Sahni, CEO and Co-Founder of Mera Group said.

The sale was reported back in late April just along with the news that Egypt's agriculture plant quarantine agency has approved Indian origin wheat for import, after lengthy discussions on the issue of a fungal disease known as “karnal bunt” that is present in Indian wheat.

“We worked very hard to ensure that we ship the quality as per the parameters of the Egypt Government and we are glad we succeeded,” Neal also said.

The vessel was set for shipment in May and was partially loaded when the Indian government banned the commercial export of wheat May 13, therefore the Indian government allowed it to complete the loading.

Meanwhile, four of the 19 vessels nominated to leave during May carrying a total of 232,000 mt of wheat are still stuck in Indian ports, while at least one did not even reach the port and switched destination, according to line up and marine traffic.