In recent days, the fall in prices of live chicken has been observed in several wholesale markets across the country. In certain regions, such as Ain Defla, Tizi-Ouzou and Béjaïa, prices in poultry houses have even fallen below 240 DA per kg, causing serious concern among poultry farmers.
Retail prices vary between 280 DA and 300 DA per kg. This situation, although it benefits consumers, plunges poultry farmers into a serious crisis, with several of them already announcing their bankruptcies. This is the case of a poultry farmer operating in the south-east of the wilaya of Bejaia who plans to change activities after going bankrupt. Indeed, the average cost of chicken production is between 260 DA and 290 DA, while the wholesale price does not exceed, in the best case, 250 DA.
Poultry farmers are unhappy with this fall in prices, which does not allow them to cover their production costs. Expenses related to food, maintenance and veterinary care continue to increase, making their economic situation increasingly precarious.
Several reasons explain this downward trend. Firstly, overproduction, with an excessive quantity of chicken placed on the market. Added to this is the absence of regulation: the market is left to its own devices, which further complicates the situation.
The need for state support
Faced with this situation, poultry farmers are sounding the alarm on social networks, warning of a potential collapse of the sector. Many could be forced to scale back operations or even cease business altogether, which could lead to higher unemployment in rural areas, where poultry farming is often a key source of income.
To avoid a deeper crisis, several measures could be considered. “The government could intervene to stabilize prices, by regulating production or providing financial support to breeders in difficulty,” recommends a poultry farmer from the wilaya of Bouira. At the same time, increased consumer awareness of the situation of local producers could help support demand. “Campaigns to promote local chicken could encourage favoring national products, thus facilitating the sale of production,” adds our contact.
Without strong intervention from the State, the poultry sector, crucial for the local economy and food security, could suffer seriously. The time has therefore come to act to preserve a vital link in our food and economic systems.
