The Kurdistan Region has marketed nearly 130,000 tonnes of farmers’ wheat through private companies as efforts continue to purchase crops left outside the federal silo system.
Iraq accepted only 387,378 tonnes of wheat from farmers in the Kurdistan Region through official silos this year. Large quantities remained unsold after the federal collection process ended.
Prime Minister Masrour Barzani then ordered private companies to buy the remaining wheat. Under the plan, farmers receive 400,000 Iraqi dinars for each tonne they sell.
Nawzad Sheikh Kamil, director general of trade at the Ministry of Trade and Industry, said that two companies had already purchased most of the wheat collected through the program.
Khoshnaw Company has bought nearly 80,000 tonnes, while Qaiwan Company has purchased about 50,000 tonnes. Their combined purchases have reached approximately 130,000 tonnes.
The private-sector buying process began on July 20 and will continue until August 20. Officials introduced the measure to protect farmers’ rights, reduce financial losses and help them market their crops.
The original plan allowed the two companies to purchase up to 250,000 tonnes. However, officials now expect that limit to increase because farmers still hold additional quantities of wheat.
Authorities plan to hold another meeting within the coming days to review the programme and approve a larger purchasing volume.
The initiative provides farmers with an alternative market after federal silos reached their approved quotas. It also reduces the risk of crop waste and gives producers access to immediate buyers.
Officials say continued purchases could absorb a significant share of the remaining wheat. The programme may also help farmers recover production costs, repay debts and prepare for the next planting season.
No revised total purchase target has yet been announced. The ministry will release further details after officials complete the review and determine remaining farmer demand.
