Iran will join wheat exporting countries this year by sending first consignments of this grain to Azerbaijan Republic, Iraq and Oman.

Iran's Agriculture Jihad Minister Mohammad Reza Eskandari stated that the Islamic Republic plans to export one million tons of wheat in the Iranian year to March 2008.

The Agriculture Jihad Ministry has issued permits for exports of the strategic crop, the minister said, adding that 12 million tons surplus wheat have been purchased from Iranian farmers.

He noted that apart from Azerbaijan, Iraq and Oman, other countries demand for import of wheat from Iran.

Iran, once a major wheat importer, attained self-sufficiency in the grains in 2004 thanks to extensive plans taken by the ministry. United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization has forecast country's wheat production to reach 15 million tons in 2007.

MK/RA