Even as a controversy is raging over the Centre's decision to import wheat at a higher price, Union minister for agriculture Sharad Pawar is clear about his decision and defended the move.

Addressing the Economic Editors' Conference in New Delhi, Pawar said the decision to float a fresh wheat import tender on government account this week was also correct.

Pawar said wheat, in the wholesale market, was currently selling at Rs 1,070 a quintal in Delhi, against over Rs 1,120 during this period last year.

But the Government was still keen to import up to 10 lakh tonnes (lt) - over and above 55 lt in 2006-07, and the 13-lt already contracted during the current fiscal - "as we have to build up a sufficient buffer stock to meet any emergency".

The government, he added, was committed to protect the interests of farmers, but "we cannot also bypass the interest of consumers".

Pawar also referred to the delay in starting of crushing operations by sugar mills in Uttar Pradesh, which in turn, was preventing farmers to harvest cane and sow wheat in the vacated area.

"We cannot take any risks and imports have to be resorted to ensure that the public distribution system is not starved of foodgrains," Pawar said.

MMTC Ltd [Get Quote], on Monday, floated a global tender for import of 3.5 lt of wheat for delivery before February 10.