Iran has significantly increased its domestic wheat purchases this year, surpassing last year's figures by 200,000 tons, a senior official said.

 

According to Alireza Mohajer, a senior official with the Agricultural Ministry, Iran has bought 4.4 million tons of wheat valued at over $1.3 billion since April.

 

This comes under a national plan that guarantees the purchase of domestically produced wheat.

 

He added that the government has already paid over $500 million to farmers, with the remaining balance to be settled gradually.

 

“The wheat harvest is currently underway in 25 provinces and is expected to continue until late September.”

 

Khuzestan province leads the way in wheat supply, contributing 1.6 million tons so far. Golestan, Fars, and Ilam provinces follow closely behind. Mohajer anticipates that the rankings may change as the harvest progresses in temperate regions, with Khuzestan likely retaining its top spot.

 

This surge in domestic wheat purchases coincides with a 6% increase in Iran's overall wheat production in 2023. This rise puts the Islamic Republic in 14th place among the world's top producers of this vital grain, according to a report by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).