MOROCCO – The relentless rise in feed prices has propelled food inflation in Morocco to alarming levels, particularly affecting the poultry industry and household budgets.
The surge in the cost of chicken, as reported by Al Ahdath Al Maghribia, has left many Moroccan households increasingly anxious about their regular food consumption amid constrained purchasing power.
Over the past few months, the price of chicken in Morocco has climbed by 3 dirhams per kilogram, reaching 25 dirhams (US$2.55), a price nearing the highest ever recorded in the local market.
Farmers have attributed this steep increase to the soaring costs of feed, warning that the situation may worsen in the coming months, potentially leading to a crisis.
The Moroccan poultry sector, heavily dependent on imports of corn, soybeans, and sunflower oil—essential components that account for 80% of poultry production costs—is grappling with the escalating prices of these feedstuffs.
The Professional Federation of the Poultry Sector has cautioned that this trend is a direct consequence of global market dynamics, further aggravated by logistical challenges, particularly the ongoing crisis in the Red Sea.
Representatives from the Moroccan Association of Poultry Breeders have echoed these concerns, emphasizing that the rising feed costs are draining the financial resources of poultry farmers across the country.
Morocco produces approximately 600,000 tonnes of poultry meat annually, including 500,000 tonnes of broiler meat and 100,000 tonnes of turkey meat.
However, the increasing production costs, which have reached 18 dirhams (US$1.84) per kilogram for broiler meat, are placing immense pressure on the industry, raising doubts about its future sustainability.
This situation is further compounded by the persistent drought that has plagued Morocco’s livestock industry over the past three years.
Agricultural Minister Mohamed Sadiki highlighted the severity of the issue earlier in May 2024, noting that the price of imported feed had risen by 15% since the beginning of the year while locally manufactured feedstuff had seen a staggering 30% increase.
This drought-induced shortage of local feed production has exacerbated the Moroccan poultry sector’s challenges, leading to a ripple effect on food prices across the country.
As feed prices continue to climb, the Moroccan government’s ability to manage food inflation and protect consumers from further financial strain remains a critical concern.
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