Turmoil Hits Poultry Sector in Syria

The poultry industry in Syria is facing a severe crisis marked by skyrocketing chicken prices, widespread disease outbreaks, and soaring feed costs, leaving farmers in financial distress and consumers struggling with affordability.

David Corredor

The poultry industry in Syria is facing a severe crisis marked by skyrocketing chicken prices, widespread disease outbreaks, and soaring feed costs, leaving farmers in financial distress and consumers struggling with affordability. This turmoil is not a temporary setback but a structural breakdown threatening the survival of the sector.

Rising Prices and Consumer Strain

• Chicken prices have surged nearly 30% in just one month, reaching about 30,000 Syrian pounds (€2.5) per kg, up from 22,000 pounds previously.
• This sharp increase has reduced consumer demand, as households struggle to afford poultry, traditionally a staple protein source.

Disease Outbreaks

• The industry has been hit by recurring outbreaks of Newcastle disease, which have devastated flocks across multiple regions.
• These outbreaks not only reduce production but also increase mortality rates, forcing farmers to absorb heavy losses.

Feed Costs and Regional Tensions

• Feed prices have spiked, largely due to supply chain disruptions linked to broader Middle East tensions.
• Since feed accounts for the majority of poultry production costs, this has pushed many farms into operating at a loss despite higher retail prices.

Farmers Under Financial Pressure

• Many poultry farmers are collapsing under debt and operational costs, unable to sustain their businesses.
• The crisis is described as a structural breakdown, not just a temporary fluctuation, threatening the long-term viability of the sector.

Impact on Supply Chains

• The turmoil affects not only farmers but also feed producers, veterinary services, and distribution networks, creating ripple effects across Syria’s agricultural economy.
• With reduced production, supply chains are strained, leading to shortages and further price instability.

Consumer Consequences in Syria

• For Syrian households, poultry has become increasingly unaffordable, forcing dietary changes and reducing access to protein.
• This has social and nutritional implications, particularly for low-income families who rely on poultry as a primary food source.

Outlook

• Experts warn that without structural reforms and external support, the poultry industry may continue to deteriorate.
• Recovery would require disease control measures, feed supply stabilization, and financial relief for farmers.
• While there have been past signs of revival in the sector, current conditions suggest a prolonged struggle ahead.

Conclusion

The Syrian poultry industry is in deep turmoil, facing simultaneous challenges of rising prices, disease outbreaks, and feed shortages. Farmers are operating at losses, consumers are cutting back, and the entire supply chain is under stress. Without urgent intervention, this crisis could permanently reshape Syria’s agricultural landscape.