Iraq says to grow around 1.6 Mha of wheat in 2017-18 vs 1.6 Mha in LY.

Iraq’s agriculture ministry said it is planning to grow around 1.6 Mha of wheat during the 2017/2018 farming season. That is down from 1.8 Mha grown last year. The drop is largely attributed to changes in climate. It is too early to estimate production figures but that they are hoping for a figure above or close to the 3.65 MMT targeted last season. Iraq’s trade ministry has said it bought 2.38 MMT of local wheat in the 2017 season. The agriculture ministry gave a higher production estimate of 3.1 MMT.