Iraq has procured over 1.5 million tonnes of local wheat  

BAGHDAD: Iraq has procured more than 1.5 million tonnes of wheat from farmers in 14 provinces so far during this year's harvest season, Trade Minister Mohammed Hashim al-Aani said.

Aani said in a statement his ministry had so far bought 1,549,839 tonnes of wheat.

Aani had said last month that this year's harvest season, which started in mid-April, would be the largest in terms of local grains procurement yet.

Iraq is on track to harvest 5 million tonnes of wheat this year thanks to heavy rainfall, he had said, adding the country would import less foreign wheat if the figure was achieved.