Sudani approves immediate wheat payments and egg import lift after farmers’ protest

BAGHDAD — Outgoing Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani on Monday approved a package of economic measures including immediate payment of farmers’ dues upon wheat delivery and the lifting of a ban on table egg imports, a day after security forces clashed with agricultural protesters in Baghdad.

The decisions followed a meeting of the ministerial council for the economy, which reviewed farmers’ demands, proposals from agricultural associations and issues related to wheat procurement, irrigation and seed pricing. The council reaffirmed support for agriculture as a key sector in economic development and food security.

Sunday’s protest saw security forces use water cannons to prevent hundreds of farmers from crossing Al-Jumhuriya Bridge toward the Green Zone, injuring several demonstrators. Farmers from Najaf, Diwaniyah, Samawah, Karbala and Babil had gathered in Tahrir Square to demand payment of delayed dues and revisions to wheat procurement prices. Following the incident, Sudani ordered an investigation into the conduct of security forces and directed authorities to receive all farmers’ demands.

The council on Monday also tasked a committee with submitting recommendations on food price stabilization within a set timeframe, and discussed ways to increase state revenues including reviewing higher education funds, with proposals presented by the Federal Board of Supreme Audit.

Iraq’s wheat sector relies on a state purchasing system that sets fixed prices to support domestic production, but delays in payments and pricing disputes have led to recurring tensions between farmers and authorities.