Syrian poultry industry rings alarm over mounting losses

Syrian farms saw a 300% surge in operational costs this year. This was driven by a mix of factors, including hikes in energy and feed prices. As a result, poultry produced on Syrian farms remains uncompetitive with imports. The recent calculation shows that the cost of producing 1,000 chickens with an average weight of 2.5 tonnes is about US$4,275, equivalent to US$1.71 per kg, Saad El-Din noted. Addressing fears over rising food prices, the Syrian government, on 23 September, permitted meat processors to import poultry. Local sources believe that the decision was lobbied by a group of meat processors, Syrian Days, a local newspaper reported. Around 15,000 poultry farmers face the risk of bankruptcy due to market flooding with imports, the publication warned. Syrian Days quoted several poultry farmers, who wished to remain anonymous, criticising what they described as the erratic economic policies of the new Syrian government. Technically, poultry imports are allowed only for a ...