During the first four months of the current Iranian year, which began in March, Iran has imported around 2.3 million tons of wheat. The country managed to import wheat from 13 countries, despite international sanctions restricting its imports.

 

"Based on the latest customs data, Iran has imported more than 806.6 million dollars worth of wheat from 13 countries," ISNA reported.

 

Iran imported around 600,000 tons of wheat from Switzerland alone. Other countries which exported wheat to Iran include the US, Russia, Germany and Brazil.

 

Meanwhile, the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) reports that Iran is the 12th leading producer of wheat in the world; with an average production of 14 million tons in 2011, according to Press TV. Iran's wheat production witnessed a one-million ton decline from 15 million tons in 2010, the report said.

 

Reuters reported last week that Iran's state grain buyer continued to build its strategic stocks as a drought-fuelled grain price rally kept food security on government radars.

 

Iran's food trade is usually handled by the private sector, but the Government Trading Corporation (GTC) had to step in and directly contact traders.  

 

It has been looking towards Pakistan and India to provide it with the grains it needs.

 

Iran recently agreed to barter with Pakistan. According to the barter agreement, Pakistan will be exporting 1 million tons of wheat to Iran, in exchange for fertilizer and iron. Iran will be paying $300 per ton.

 

India is also expected to sell Iran more wheat in order to reduce the amount going to waste in its vast stockpile.
 

(Source: foodworldnews)