BAGHDAD: Iraq harvested about 500,000 tonnes of local wheat between the start of the season in mid-April and May 9, Trade Minister Hashim al-Aani said.

The trade ministry paid farmers 145 billion Iraqi dinars ($122 million) for the wheat harvested so far, he said.

Iraq is on track to harvest five million tonnes of wheat this year thanks to heavy rainfall, the Agriculture Ministry said in April, adding the country would import less foreign wheat if the figure was achieved.