Chicken prices have increased in markets across the Kurdistan Region, and the Ministry of Agriculture has outlined several reasons behind this rise, linking it mainly to market demand and production costs.
According to an official statement, Firas Sadiq, Director General of Animal Resources at the Ministry of Agriculture, said that the increase in chicken prices is mainly due to rising fuel and gas costs. These are essential for operating poultry farms and maintaining production facilities.
He also pointed to the implementation of the ASYCUDA system and the rising value of the U.S. dollar. These factors have made it more difficult for traders to access official exchange rates, increasing overall costs in the supply chain.
Another important factor is the hesitation of poultry farm owners to restock chicks and expand production. Many producers fear losses because feed and operational costs are high, while future chicken prices remain uncertain. This lack of confidence has reduced production activity and tightened supply in the market.
At the same time, demand for chicken remains high, which is one of the main drivers of the price increase. When demand rises while supply stays limited, prices naturally go up.
The Ministry of Agriculture has announced plans to regulate the poultry market in the near future. The goal is to balance supply and demand by organizing chick distribution and supporting poultry projects according to market needs.
However, retail prices vary by location, with differences of about 250 to 500 dinars per kilogram depending on the shop and area.
It is also important to note that the Kurdistan Region produces about 500,000 tons of chicken annually, while domestic demand is around 150,000 tons. This means that per capita consumption reaches approximately 23.9 kilograms of chicken per year, showing the importance of the poultry sector in local food supply.
