Iran to boost poultry exports
The head of the Nationwide Association of Poultry Farmers, Hossein Mokaddamniya, said that Iran plans to export around 100,000 tonnes of poultry meat in 2013, increasing its volume by almost five times compared to previous years.
“In 1392 (the Iranian year equivalent to 21 March 2013 to 20 March 2014) production of poultry products will be increased by 20% and the surplus of these products will be exported. In order to determine export markets for poultry meat a working group including representatives of the Ministry of Jihad-e-Agriculture, the Ministry of Industry, the Ministry of Mines and Commerce, the Nationwide Association of Poultry Farmers and a few poultry production companies have been formed,” he said.
Iran was exporting 20,000 tonnes of poultry in 2011/12, but exported no poultry products in 2012/13 due to the serious economic problems the country faced after the US and EU imposed trade sanctions against it. Mokaddamniya also noted that the industry still needed government support, as manufacturers are suffering losses because of low purchasing prices and expensive feed.
“Poultry meat is currently being sold by producers at a price not exceeding IRR 330-340 (US$2.7-2.8) per kilo, while in the consumer market, these products are sold at a price of about IRR510 (US$4.2) per kilo. Last year, producers faced serious difficulties associated with lack of forage. Particularly, sharp increases in prices were observed during the period of increased demand for these products in the month of Ramadan,” he said.
He added that in 2012/13 there were sharp fluctuations in the price of poultry meat on the market and despite severe economic conditions, Iranian poultry producers fulfilled their promises and produced 1.8 million tonnes of poultry.
