Poultry prices in Egypt have spiked by almost 15% since the beginning of September, putting pressure on consumers and raising concerns about food security in the country. The sharp increase is attributed to a combination of rising feed costs, supply chain disruptions, and inflationary pressures that have impacted the poultry industry.
Producers are struggling to cope with higher production costs, driven primarily by increased prices of imported feed, which constitutes a significant portion of the sector’s expenses. Additionally, ongoing challenges in the global supply chain, coupled with local economic issues, have contributed to the sudden price hikes.
Elbardise added that 70 percent of farms in Egypt are family-owned, so they are not equally equipped for raising chickens as companies that have a closed-chamber system to control temperatures. He explained that the severe heatwave this summer made farmers avoid raising chickens, as they would not be able to pay their obligations if many mortalities occurred.
Elbardise also highlighted the importance of adopting closed-chamber systems for family-owned farms to protect their poultry from diseases and varying temperatures. He also stated that there is a shortage in manpower, as qualified manpower is not available enough and there is a gap in salary between getting a qualified individual and getting someone who needs training.
The surge in poultry prices is particularly concerning for Egyptian households, as chicken is a staple protein source for many. The government is reportedly exploring measures to stabilize prices, including boosting local production and improving supply chain efficiencies. However, experts warn that without addressing the root causes of inflation and production bottlenecks, the price hikes may continue to strain both consumers and businesses in the near future.
Ennywealth
