Iran’s wheat purchases from local farmers rose 55.2% from the prior year’s total procurement, boosting stocks at government granaries at a time of surging prices that have sent flour costs sharply higher.

Iran exports dates to more than 85 countries, including in Europe, despite the cruel sanctions which affect most sectors of the economy, chairman of the agricultural committee of Iran Chamber of Cooperatives says.

Iran will start exports of citrus fruits and honey to China under new agreements reached with Beijing.

Since the beginning of its term, the current government has seriously pursued effective measures to improve the agricultural sector and ensure the country's food security, including through farming overseas.

Iran expects its guaranteed purchases of wheat from local farmers to total 6.5 million tonnes this year, a senior agriculture ministry official says.

Iran says domestic wheat purchase has risen 30% this harvesting season to reach 2.24 million mt.

Iran has purchased 1.5 million metric tons of wheat from domestic farmers since early April.