Saudi Arabia will issue two tenders for a total of 1.1 million tonnes of wheat in coming months after declining local production last year, the USDA said.

According to USDA's report on Saudi Arabia, the country will import 1.5 million tonnes of wheat this year after a survey indicated its wheat harvest may plunge 29 percent in 2009 to 1.2 million tonnes.

A tender for 385,000 tonnes of wheat for arrival in March or May was won by Canada and Germany, which will supply 330,000 tonnes and 55,000 tonnes respectively.

This aspect highlights the need for an even faster implementation of latest agricultural technologies to boost local production of grain.