The price of live chicken has continued to fall across the Kurdistan Region. Farm prices have now dropped below 2,000 Iraqi dinars per kilogram.
Farm owners say the current prices do not cover production costs. They have urged the Kurdistan Regional Government to take action and help stabilize the market.
Nazim Abdullah, head of the poultry farm association in Sulaimani and Halabja, said that on Tuesday that farms currently sell live chicken for 1,800 to 1,900 dinars per kilogram.
However, production costs exceed 2,300 dinars per kilogram. Therefore, farmers are currently selling below their costs.
Abdullah warned that around 70% of poultry farm owners could face bankruptcy if prices remain at current levels.
He called on the KRG to establish a unified price for chicken. He also described poultry farming as one of the region’s strongest domestic production sectors.
According to Abdullah, local farms produce high-quality chicken throughout the year. He said authorities should not overlook the sector.
The current price decline has already created significant losses for farm owners.
Abdullah also criticized annual government fees. He said farmers pay around 2 million dinars each year for supervision and license renewals.
However, he argued that farmers receive little practical support in return.
Consumers currently pay more than farm prices at local markets.
Rekar Mohammed, a chicken seller in Erbil, said retailers sell chicken for around 2,300 dinars per kilogram.
He added that lower prices have increased consumer demand.
In Sulaimani, another chicken seller, Dana Omar, said retailers sell chicken for around 2,250 dinars per kilogram.
The gap between farm and retail prices has increased pressure on producers. Farmers say they need better market regulation to protect the entire supply chain.
Abdullah also pointed to rising feed prices. He said higher feed costs have added to production expenses.
He also warned that authorities plan to increase customs duties on imported feed.
Farmers want the government to create stronger markets for locally produced chicken. They also want easier access to markets in central and southern Iraq.
According to Abdullah, current restrictions make it difficult for producers to expand sales outside the Kurdistan Region.
He also criticized pressure to keep chicken prices low for consumers.
Farmers, he said, also want affordable food prices. However, authorities should not place the entire burden on producers.
The Kurdistan Region has a significant poultry industry.
According to data from the KRG Ministry of Agriculture, farms raise more than 105 million chickens annually across the region.
These farms produce nearly 250,000 tonnes of chicken meat each year.
The region has 1,682 poultry farms, according to the ministry’s figures.
The number of farms by governorate is:
- Erbil: 576 farms
- Sulaimani: 727 farms
- Duhok: 344 farms
- Halabja: 35 farms
Farmers say immediate action could protect jobs and local food production. They want the government to stabilize prices while reducing production pressures.
Without support, they warn that continued low prices could force many farms to close.
