Iraq has recorded a significant milestone in its agricultural sector, achieving a wheat production surplus for the first time, according to Mohammed Al-Khazai, spokesperson for the Iraqi Ministry of Agriculture. Speaking to the Iraqi News Agency (INA), Al-Khazai announced that the country produced 6.4 million tons of wheat, surpassing domestic consumption needs.
Al-Khazai also noted that Iraq now exports 13 types of crops to various countries, with Gulf nations emerging as key markets for Iraqi fruits, vegetables, dates, and animal fodder.
To support the sector’s ongoing modernization, the Ministry of Agriculture has signed agreements with local and international companies to adopt advanced irrigation technologies. These deals include the procurement of over 13,000 modern sprinklers, financed through a budget exceeding 830 billion Iraqi dinars (approximately $633.6 million).
The new irrigation systems are expected to reduce water consumption and increase land productivity by at least 50%. Al-Khazai emphasized that Iraqi farmers are eager to adopt these systems, especially as they help develop crop varieties more resilient to the country’s changing climate conditions.
In a related development, Iraq’s state grain purchasing company reported in July that it had procured 6.3 million tons of locally produced wheat—the highest volume in its history.
Earlier this year, in March, Minister of Trade Atheer Al-Ghurairy stated that Iraq has reached self-sufficiency in wheat production and no longer needs to rely on imports to maintain its strategic reserves. While Iraq has historically imported wheat from countries like the United States, Canada, and Australia, the recent surge in domestic output raises the possibility of reduced dependence on foreign suppliers.
Source: IraqiNews.com
