By Al-Fassel | 2025-08-12

Baghdad - The Iraqi Ministry of Trade announced on August 4 that it has purchased more than five million tons of wheat from domestic farmers during the current season.

Iraq has been able to achieve self-sufficiency for its wheat needs through local farmers for the past three years, according to Haider Al-Karawi, a Ministry of Trade official.

Wheat importance

Wheat is one of the most important crops on the planet, and in Iraq, it feeds millions of Iraqis each day.

Its versatility and adaptability have made it a cornerstone of the Iraqi diet, with numerous varieties suited to various climates and culinary traditions.

Iraq's wheat needs are estimated at 4.6 million tons annually.

Until recently, Iraq depended on foreign wheat imports to complement its domestic wheat needs.

Wheat farming in Iraq represents significant agricultural activity, with the country being a major producer in the Middle East.

Furthermore, the Iraqi agriculture sector, mainly wheat farming, employs roughly 20 percent of the country's workforce.

Agriculture is the second-largest contributor to the gross domestic product (GDP), according to the United Nations Mission in Iraq.

A story as old as civilization

Wheat played a pivotal role in ancient Mesopotamian civilization Modern-day Iraq.

It served as one of the cornerstone crops that sustained the Mesopotamian agricultural society.

Originating around 10,000 years ago, wheat cultivation allowed the early Mesopotamians to transition from a nomadic lifestyle to settled farming communities.

The Fertile Crescent, with its rich, alluvial soil, provided ideal conditions for wheat growth. alluvial soil is a type of soil that consists of a balanced mixture of sand, silt, and clay.

Around 3,200 BCE, wheat was already a staple food, and it was often used in various forms, including bread and porridge.

The surplus of wheat produced not only supported the growing population but also enabled trade and the development of social stratification.

In addition to its dietary significance, wheat also held economic importance.

Wheat was often used as a form of currency and played a crucial role in trade with neighboring regions.

Overall, the cultivation of wheat in ancient Mesopotamia laid the groundwork for advancements in agriculture.

Like their forefathers, today, Iraqi farmers continue to plant grains and wheat, feeding their compatriots and providing food security to their nation.