GIEWS global information and early warning system on food and agriculture

GIEWS Country Brief

Iraq


Reference Date: 28-January-2014

FOOD SECURITY SNAPSHOT
Above average cereal harvest gathered in 2013
Import requirement of cereals in 2013/14 (July/June) is forecast
at 4.4 million tonnes, 13 percent down on 2012/13

Planting of winter wheat and barley was concluded by the end of last
year. In the eastern part of the country, rains and mountain snow
moisture are benefiting winter crops. Widespread rain also benefited
recharging of irrigation reserves for warm-season crops.
Above average cereal harvest gathered in 2013
Above average cereal harvest was gathered in 2013 owing to
favourable conditions in both rain-fed and irrigated areas. The official
estimates put the overall cereal harvest in 2013 at a record high of
about 4.7 million tonnes, 54 percent above last years below average
crop, affected by long dry spells in winter, and about 43 percent above
the average. Wheat production, at 3.3 million tonnes, is 57 percent
above last years outturn and the five-year average. At 940 000 tonnes,
the barley harvest has increased by almost 88 percent compared to last
year, and 40 percent above the average.
Cereal import requirements in 2013/14 forecast at
below average levels
Forecast of cereal import requirements in marketing year 2013/14
(July/June) is put at 4.4 million tonnes, including 2.8 million tonnes of
wheat and 1.3 million tonnes of rice. Despite above average domestic
harvest, large import requirements are driven by Iraqs aim to maintain
three to six months supply of wheat in its food stocks, as well as
commitment to supply each Iraqi citizen with nine kilograms of
subsidised flour monthly. Iraqi traders often seek higher quality wheat
with more protein and gluten for blending rather than the cheapest
origins.
Cereal prices are stable mainly due to the
subsidies
In December 2013, the Consumer Price Index stood, at by 0.4 percent
compared to the previous month, and 1.6 percent compared to
December 2012. The food inflation rate increased by 0.3 percent on
monthly, and by 7.3 percent on yearly basis. Cereal prices remained
stable compared to a month ago. Iraqs Ministry of Trade, through the
Public Food Distribution System, continues to subsidize basic staple
food commodities (rice, wheat flour, vegetable oil, sugar and baby milk
formula).
Syrian refugees increasing in Iraq
As of January 2014, almost 213 000 Syrian refugees were registered in
Iraq. The WFP continues providing food assistance to vulnerable Syrian
populations in Jordan, Lebanon, Iraq, and Turkey. Most of the Syrian
refugees have settled in the northern governorates of Iraqs Kurdistan
Region. The operation in Iraq should reach about 186 000 beneficiaries
with voucher assistance, food packages and school feeding.







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