Director of the Grain Foundation: Syria may not need to import wheat this year
The Director General of the Grains Corporation, Eng. Hassan Othman, revealed optimistic preliminary estimates indicating that Syria may not need to import wheat at least this year, in light of the current indicators of the agricultural season and the reality of the observed production so far.
Othman explained in a statement to Al-Hurriya newspaper published today that Syria's annual need for wheat is estimated at about 2 million and 550 thousand tons, while the quantities currently available, including marketed production and contracted quantities, reach about one million tons.
Market Mechanisms and Improvement Estimates
The director of the Grains Corporation indicated that the actual volume of receipt is related to the mechanisms of use within the local market, where part of the production is not marketed directly, but is used as a seed for the coming seasons, or allocated to the manufacture of bulgur, grinding and direct local consumption.
Othman added that preliminary estimates indicate that production is likely to improve during the coming period to reach higher levels, with the continuation of harvesting and supply operations, as the quantities currently received are estimated at about 1.5 million tons according to the preliminary data, stressing that the general indicators of the season remain positive, and may contribute to enhancing dependence on local production and reducing the need for imports in the event of continued stability of production conditions.
Climate Concerns and Agricultural Diseases
However, the director of the Grains Foundation kept the door open for possibilities regarding the quality of the season, noting that these estimates remain subject to climatic conditions, especially rainfall and various weather factors.
Othman revealed that limited agricultural structures in some areas have been damaged by climatic influences, which has led to areas estimated at 10,000 hectares or more out of service, with the extent of the damage varying from one region to another. He added that there are concerns about some agricultural diseases related to the current weather fluctuations.
Othman concluded his speech by stressing that wheat remains an essential strategic crop, and that the government's goal is to enhance the stability of its security locally to ensure that the national need is met within the available conditions.
An electronic platform for booking and receiving wheat
On Thursday, April 8, the Syrian Grains Corporation launched an electronic platform to reserve and receive wheat as part of the preparations for the 2026 season, with the aim of organizing and simplifying the receipt and purchase processes.
The launch came during a presentation by the Directorate of Technology and Digital Transformation, noting that the Corporation continues to equip receiving centers in the governorates and secure storage requirements according to the approved standards, in preparation for a season that enhances strategic stockpiles and supports food security.
Earlier, Amthan revealed in a statement to SANA that the corporation is working to prepare a storage capacity of more than one million tons of wheat, with the beginning of the next procurement season in silos, silos, barns and warehouses, to ensure that the entire crop expected to be marketed during the current season is accommodated.