Iraq expects to harvest a record 5 mln tons of wheat

According to Mahdi Sahar Al-Jubouri, around 8 mln dunams of land were planted with wheat this year (one dunam is roughly a quarter of an acre), supporting the projected production level. He added that Iraq is on track to achieve its fourth consecutive year without the need for wheat imports.

Favorable weather conditions and the use of groundwater, in addition to river irrigation, played an important role in supporting the crop. Despite ongoing water shortages, strategic water reserves increased by around 6 bln cubic meters, improving resource availability ahead of the summer season.

At the same time, the government has reduced the procurement price for wheat paid to farmers to 700 thsd dinars ($535) per ton, down from 850 thsd dinars last year. Officials cite economic pressures and tighter state finances, while farmers argue that the new price does not cover rising costs of fertilizers, seeds, and crop protection inputs.

Despite this, officials say the reduced price remains above global market levels and should continue to support production. Iraq has maintained a long-standing policy of supporting domestic wheat production to reduce imports and strengthen national food security.