BAGHDAD, IRAQ — Iraq purchased 6.302 million tonnes of local wheat, the largest amount ever recorded in the country’s history, the Iraqi News Agency reported, citing the Iraqi Ministry of Trade.

The purchase is part of an effort by the ministry to support local production and enhance food security.

An official told Reuters in July that Iraq had purchased 5.9 million tonnes of local wheat since the start of the current harvest season in April.

In early June, the Iraqi ministry announced it had achieved its marketing season objectives for the 2024 wheat crop.