June 22, 2023

Rising production costs force small-scale poultry farmers in Jordan to cease operations

Abdul Shakoor Jamjoom, president of Jordan’s Poultry Breeders Association, said that approximately 60% of small-scale poultry farmers in the country have been forced to shut down operations due to soaring production costs, The Jordan Times reported.

Jamjoom said that small-scale farmers, who are already in a vulnerable position, cannot sustain additional expenses when chicken feed prices skyrocket.

The adverse effects of climate change on poultry and agriculture production are contributing factors to the price hikes, Jamjoom said. Poultry production is particularly sensitive to the unpredictable weather patterns that affect the growth and availability of chickens.

One of the challenges faced by small-scale chicken farmers is the lack of sealed housing systems, which leaves the chickens exposed to fluctuations in seasonal temperatures.

To ensure the long-term sustainability of their businesses, Jamjoom stressed the need for strengthened organization within the sector, providing support to poultry breeders.

Fida Ali, a broiler chicken farmer, expressed the increasing burden of raising chickens, citing exorbitant prices for feed and vaccine doses. Ali speculated that the absence of certain measures governing the sector is a contributing factor to the poultry price surge.

The Consumer Protection Society (CPS) received numerous complaints in the past week regarding escalating poultry prices and empty supermarket shelves devoid of various chicken products. In response, the CPS called for enhanced market inspections to prevent price gouging.

-      The Jordan Times