The price of chicken in Algeria has decreased substantially, bringing relief to consumers but causing concern among poultry farmers. At the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan, the price of chicken was 320 DA per kilogram, but it has since dropped to 220 DA. This sudden change has resulted in significant losses for farmers who had invested heavily in poultry production.
The oversupply of chickens in the market has led to a sharp decline in prices. Last month, farmers were selling chicks at 150 DA each, anticipating high demand during Ramadan. However, the surge in production has led to a surplus of chickens, which are now being sold not only in butcher shops but also on the streets. The price of live chickens is currently ranging from 150 to 180 DA per kilogram.
Poultry farmers are struggling to cope with the losses, and many are being forced to sell their products at a loss. They attribute their difficulties to the increasing number of informal investors in the poultry sector, who are not regulated and do not follow standard practices. This has disrupted the market and made it challenging for farmers to make a profit.
The Algerian poultry sector is facing significant challenges, including the impact of informal investors and the lack of effective regulation. The recently established Interprofessional Council for Poultry has struggled to make accurate predictions due to the unpredictable nature of informal farmers. This has led to concerns about the long-term sustainability of the sector.
The situation is further complicated by the fact that many poultry farmers are abandoning their activities due to the financial risks involved. The sector, which is dominated by the private sector, has experienced significant growth in recent years, with a substantial increase in chicken production. However, this growth has been accompanied by increased uncertainty and risk for farmers.
Farmers are calling for greater support and regulation from the government to help stabilize the market and ensure the long-term viability of the sector. They claim that promises have been made by previous ministers of agriculture, but little has been done to address their concerns. As a result, many farmers are being forced to consider alternative, less risky activities.
The decline in chicken prices has also raised concerns about the potential for future price increases. With chick prices currently low and struggling to find buyers, some farmers are warning that prices could skyrocket in the future, leading to further hardship for consumers.
Key points
- The price of chicken in Algeria has dropped from 320 DA to 220 DA per kilogram.
- Poultry farmers are struggling due to oversupply and informal investors in the sector.
- The Algerian poultry sector is facing significant challenges, including a lack of effective regulation and uncertainty about future prices.
