Iraq sees bumper crop this year in wheat, barley
Iraq is set to become self-sufficient in producing wheat and barley this year, despite a rash of fires and security issues.
This year’s harvest in Nineveh is reportedly better than ever and will bring a bumper crop for the country.
According to Iraq’s Ministry of Agriculture, the wheat fields in Nineveh, Kirkuk, Anbar and some other areas in Iraq have increased harvest production since they were liberated from the Islamic State (ISIS).
1.3 million tons of wheat and 1.4 million tons of barley are expected to be harvested this year.
Still, up to 1.7 million acres of fields in Nineveh weren’t included in agricultural planning, as they still need to be cleared of bombs and mines. After clearing the explosive devices, productivity in the country could be even higher.
The Iraqi government pays a subsidized price for wheat. While average wheat market prices fall between while average wheat market prices fall between 350,000 and 420,000 IQD ($293- $352 USD) per ton of top grade wheat, Iraqi farmers receive around 520,000 IQD ($436 USD) per ton.