Turkey's state grain board TMO has issued a series of international tenders to purchase a total of some 305,000 tonnes of wheat, European traders said on Monday.

The tenders close on March 11, they said.

Shipment is sought between March 20 and April 7 and red milling wheat is sought.

The wheat is sought for unloading in eight Turkish ports in a series of consignments of between 60,000 and 25,000 tonnes.

The TMO reserves the right to buy up to 5% more or less than the tender at its own discretion, they said.

Offers can be made in US dollars, Russian roubles or Turkish lira. Accepting rouble offers is aimed at increasing participation by Russian exporters.

The tenders continue an active period of grain importing by Turkey. In its last reported wheat tender on February 18, the TMO purchased around 250,000 tonnes.