Wedoany.com Report-Jun 5, On Saturday, Iraq’s Minister of Trade, Atheer Al-Ghurairy, announced that the country has achieved self-sufficiency in wheat production. This milestone was highlighted during a field visit to Anbar province, where he inspected the grain purchasing process from local farmers, as reported by the Iraqi News Agency (INA).

A report from October noted that Iraq has accumulated a wheat surplus of approximately 1.5 million tons, attributed to favorable rainfall and substantial government support. The government incentivizes farmers by offering prices more than double the global market rate, boosting production despite challenging arid conditions. This surplus, however, has led to an estimated financial impact of $500 million, according to Reuters.

Haider Nouri, Director of Iraq’s General Company for Grain Trade, stated: “The country’s strategic wheat reserves exceed 5.5 million tons, sufficient to meet domestic demand for a year, ensuring stable flour prices amid potential global crises.” These reserves provide a buffer to maintain consistent flour supply and pricing for consumers.

Before the Ukraine conflict, Iraq maintained wheat self-sufficiency for three consecutive years, producing 4.7 million tons in 2019, 6.2 million tons in 2020, and 4.2 million tons in 2021. In previous years, water shortages and desertification had necessitated wheat imports to meet domestic needs. The current achievement reflects improved agricultural practices and government investment, enabling Iraq to rely on its own production.

This development strengthens Iraq’s food security, reducing dependence on external markets and supporting local farmers through favorable pricing. The focus on maintaining robust strategic reserves ensures stability in wheat supply for the population.