Iraq achieves historic wheat milestone with record 6.3M tons purchased

IRAQ — The Iraqi Ministry of Trade has announced a landmark achievement in the country’s agricultural history with the purchase of 6.302 million tons of local wheat, the highest quantity ever recorded.

This significant milestone, reported by the Iraqi News Agency (INA), underscores the ministry’s ongoing efforts to bolster local production and enhance national food security.

As of July 6, Iraq had already acquired 5.9 million tons of local wheat since the beginning of the current harvest season in April.

Haider Nouri Al-Karaawi, Director General of the Iraqi General Grain Trading Company, projected that the final volume of wheat purchases for the season would reach approximately 6.3 million tons.

The Iraqi Ministry of Trade highlighted that this achievement aligns with its goals for the 2024 wheat marketing season, emphasizing that the substantial quantities of wheat procured from local farmers are pivotal in achieving self-sufficiency in food security.

This accomplishment is a testament to the success of the ministry’s agricultural and trade policies, which focus on promoting local production and reducing reliance on imports.

The record-breaking wheat purchase is expected to enhance market stability, mitigate price fluctuations, and ensure a steady supply of food for consumers. By reaching self-sufficiency in wheat, Iraq is positioned to stabilize its food supply and better meet the needs of its population sustainably.

The milestone comes after, the Iraqi Ministry of Commerce, recently, unveiled plans to further strengthen the nation’s food security infrastructure.

The ministry announced the construction of four new silos and 17 underground bunkers across six governorates. This initiative aims to improve storage capacity for grain and other cereals, addressing anticipated increases in wheat production due to recent rainfall and modern irrigation practices.

The silos and warehouses project, initiated last year, is expected to significantly boost Iraq’s grain storage capabilities.

According to the Minister, last year, 830 tons of wheat were delivered from Salah al-Din Governorate but wheat production is anticipated to surpass one million tons in the current season.

He explained that the Ministry initiated the silos and warehouses project last year, adding that the construction of a silo will typically span from one to two years.

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