The Sudanese poultry sector is facing significant challenges due to a sharp increase in feed prices, particularly for sorghum and imported yellow corn. This has led some producers to accelerate the slaughter and sale of their chicken batches to limit losses. The cost of a 110-kg bag of sorghum has reached nearly 350,000 Sudanese pounds, with ten bags costing around 3.5 million pounds.
The substantial rise in grain prices has directly impacted the cost of poultry feed, which accounts for the largest part of the production cost of broiler chickens. This has increased the burden on breeders and narrowed their profit margins. As a result, continuing to raise chickens after they reach a certain stage incurs additional daily costs due to feed consumption, with no guarantee that the selling price will cover the increasing production costs.
Some poultry producers have resorted to slaughtering and marketing their birds before they reach the target weight to avoid incurring extra costs that could lead to further losses. The increase in local sorghum prices has coincided with a rise in the cost of imported yellow corn, widely used in poultry feed formulations, further pressuring producers and increasing production costs.
Industry workers have warned that if feed prices continue to rise, some producers may reduce production cycles or exit the market, potentially affecting the supply of chickens and, subsequently, consumer prices. The sector's sustainability and the affordability of chicken products for consumers are at stake.
Poultry producers are calling for the provision of grains and feed components at reasonable prices, encouragement of local production of yellow corn, and facilitation of import processes to reduce transportation costs. These measures are expected to support the continuity of the poultry industry and limit the increase in production costs.
The current challenges facing Sudan's poultry sector have significant implications for food security and the livelihoods of those involved in the industry. The government and relevant stakeholders are urged to address the issues affecting producers to ensure the sector's stability and sustainability.
The poultry sector in Sudan plays a vital role in providing affordable protein sources to the population. However, the ongoing challenges may compromise the sector's ability to meet domestic demand, potentially leading to shortages and price increases.
Key points
- Sudan's poultry producers are struggling with rising feed costs, particularly for sorghum and imported yellow corn.
- The surge in feed prices has led some producers to sell their stock early to minimize losses.
- Industry workers warn that continued high feed prices may lead to reduced production or even the exit of some producers from the market.
