Iran's government has purchased a record-breaking 6.3 million tons of wheat from domestic farmers since April, according to the Ministry of Agriculture.

 

This marks a 10% increase compared to the same period last year and reflects a significant boost in the country's wheat production.

 

"This achievement is part of a national plan that guarantees the purchase of domestically produced wheat," said Sohrab Sohrabi, a senior official with the Ministry.

 

The government has already paid nearly half of the $2.22 billion owed to farmers for their deliveries, he added.

 

Khuzestan province in southwestern Iran led the nation in wheat production, contributing 1.62 million tons. Overall, estimates predict a total harvest of 14.5 to 15.5 million tons by the end of the crop year, sufficient to meet Iran's domestic needs.

 

This surge comes amidst a global decline in wheat production. Despite being the world's 18th most populous country, Iran has surpassed producers like Brazil and Egypt and now ranks 14th among global wheat producers, according to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Iran's 2023 production of 14 million tons represents a 6% increase from the previous year. The USDA predicts Iran will maintain this level of production in 2024.