The Kurdistan Region has started receiving wheat from local farmers as silos across the region open for the 2026 harvest season. Farmers can now deliver their wheat crops to designated storage facilities. Authorities will collect and store the grain through the government’s annual procurement program.
Officials expect to purchase about 400,000 tons of wheat from farmers this year. The approved agricultural plan covers 292,000 tons. Furthermore, farmers also produced another 108,000 tons outside the official cultivation program. The government will purchase that amount as well.
Authorities introduced an electronic booking system to make deliveries easier. Silo administrations will send booking links to farmers one day before delivery. Farmers can then reserve a delivery time online. This system helps reduce congestion and speeds up the collection process.
Nazim Atrushi, Director of Wheat Marketing in Duhok, said officials will launch the wheat collection campaign this evening at the Faida Silo. Iraqi Minister of Trade Dr. Mustafa Nizar Al-Alani will attend the opening ceremony. The event marks the official start of wheat procurement in the province.
Officials also confirmed that wheat collection will begin next week in Erbil, Sulaymaniyah, and Halabja. Additionally, silo managers in those provinces are preparing their facilities. They expect large numbers of farmers to deliver wheat during the coming weeks.
Iraq plans to purchase around 3.8 million tons of wheat nationwide this year. Agricultural experts expect wheat production in the Kurdistan Region to exceed 2 million tons. However, the government procurement program allocates only 400,000 tons for purchase from local farmers.
The wheat collection campaign plays a key role in supporting the agricultural sector. It helps farmers market their crops and secure income from their harvests. In addition, the program strengthens food security and increases strategic grain reserves. Officials believe the initiative will help maintain stable wheat supplies and support domestic demand throughout the coming year.
The harvest season has already begun in several farming areas. As a result, authorities expect wheat deliveries to increase steadily in the coming weeks. Farmers hope the collection process will proceed smoothly and provide quick payments for their produce.
