Iran Wheat Imports Hit 6.2m Tons

A total of 6.2 million tons of wheat were imported into Iran during the current fiscal year’s first 11 months (March 21, 2021-Feb. 19), according to director general of Sales and Distribution Coordination Department of the Government Trading Corporation.
“This year, the government bought around 4.5 million tons of the staple grain from local farmers as part of its guaranteed purchase plan. As domestic consumption of wheat was estimate to rise over 11 million tons this year, the deficit had to be imported,” Hojjat Baratali was also quoted as saying by IRNA.
In the last Iranian year (March 2020-21), he added, 10.5 million tons of wheat were consumed in Iran. 
Wheat, considered an essential commodity, is imported using subsidized foreign currency (at the rate of 42,000 rials per dollar). Also known as necessity or basic goods, essential goods are products consumers will buy, regardless of changes in income levels.