Stabilized Poultry Production Paves Way for Balanced Market and Lower Prices
In a significant development for Iran’s domestic economy, the poultry industry is projecting a period of price stabilization and a downward trend for chicken in the coming months. This optimistic forecast follows strategic planning and coordinated government action to address previous production challenges.
A Regulated Price for Market Stability
The Market Regulation Headquarters has officially set the price for day-old chicks at 32,700 tomans per piece. Mohammad Reza Sedighpour, Secretary of the Union of Day-Old Chick Producers, confirmed this rate, which was established to maintain market balance for the latter half of the year. While producers had proposed a slightly higher rate based on cost analysis, the mutually agreed-upon price is designed to serve both consumers and the long-term health of the production chain.
Overcoming Production Hurdles
The announcement comes after a period where the sector faced several obstacles. Issues such as energy imbalances, power outages, delays in supplying livestock inputs, and a shortage of labor had previously placed strain on producers.
Sedighpour highlighted the particular vulnerability of poultry farms to power cuts, where even brief interruptions can lead to significant losses. Furthermore, irregular supplies of corn and soy meal compounded these difficulties.
A Robust Production Outlook
Despite these past challenges, the outlook is now decidedly positive. Active planning for the second half of the year has set the stage for a strong recovery. Production is projected to exceed 150 million day-old chicks on average, a figure that not only meets but slightly surpasses initial targets.
“Based on the infrastructure created for the second half of the year,” Sedighpour stated, “our forecast is that the price of chicken in the market will be balanced and will follow a decreasing trend.”
Government Collaboration and Strategic Control
Key to this stabilization are the collaborative efforts between industry associations and government bodies. The Ministry of Agricultural Jihad and the Poultry Support Fund are overseeing a controlled import policy. This ensures that any necessary imports are managed carefully to protect and prioritize domestic production, preventing market manipulation and supporting local producers.
Additionally, proactive measures have been taken to resolve the labor shortage, with relevant ministries coordinating to regularize the status of foreign workers vital to the production cycle.
With the easing of temperatures, the steady supply of inputs, and the ongoing resolution of currency allocation hurdles, the foundation is laid for a stable and affordable poultry market, benefiting the nation’s economy and its consumers.