The Kurdistan Region exports more than 140,000 tons of chicken meat to central and southern Iraq each year, accounting for nearly 50% of its total poultry production. The region has become a key supplier in meeting Iraq’s growing demand for local chicken products.
According to the Kurdistan Region’s Ministry of Agriculture, Kurdistan produces around 285,000 tons of chicken meat annually, while it needs approximately 150,000 tons to meet domestic consumption. Producers export the remaining 140,000 tons of chicken meat to major Iraqi cities such as Baghdad, Basra, and Najaf, helping stabilize prices and cut Iraq’s dependence on imported poultry.
Firas Sadiq, Director of Animal Resources at the Kurdistan Ministry of Agriculture said that Iraq’s total demand for chicken meat reaches around one million tons per year. The country produces only 400,000 to 450,000 tons, creating a major supply gap that the Kurdistan Region’s poultry sector largely fills.
He explained that Kurdistan supplies 50% of its poultry products to markets outside the region, while the other 50% meets local demand. This balance allows the region to maintain food security and strengthen its position as a leading domestic supplier within Iraq’s agricultural economy.
Sadiq also emphasized that the government continues to support poultry farms by facilitating access to animal feed, veterinary services, and modern breeding technologies. These measures have boosted production and improved the quality of local poultry meat, making it competitive with imported products.
The Kurdistan Region’s poultry industry not only supports thousands of local jobs but also contributes significantly to Iraq’s food security and agricultural sustainability. With ongoing investments and efficient production systems, Kurdistan is expected to further expand its poultry exports in the coming years.
