Iran is poised for a bumper wheat harvest this year, with production expected to reach 15 million tons, an official with the Agriculture Ministry said.

The country's wheat self-sufficiency is bolstered by a 15% increase in government wheat purchases compared to the same period last year.

Alireza Mohajer, Deputy Agriculture Minister, announced that the government has already acquired 9.5 million tons of wheat since the start of the Iranian year in March. With annual wheat consumption estimated at 11.5 million tons, the country is on track to meet domestic demand and build strategic reserves.

Iran's position as a major grain producer is underscored by a recent FAO report, which ranked the country fourth in Asia for grain reserves.

The report indicated a 2% increase in total grain production to 21.1 million tons in 2023, with wheat output rising from 13 million tons in 2022 to 13.5 million tons in 2023. Iran's grain stocks also climbed to 12.1 million tons in the previous year.