Erbil, Kurdistan Region – The poultry industry in the Kurdistan Region is undergoing rapid expansion, with annual chicken meat production now exceeding 280,000 tons, a senior official from the Ministry of Agriculture and Water Resources announced.

The growth is driven by a surge in poultry farm projects across the Region, strengthening domestic production and creating a substantial surplus in egg output.

Firas Siddiq, Director of Animal Resources at the Kurdistan Regional Government’s (KRG) Ministry of Agriculture and Water Resources noted that live chicken prices fluctuate based on supply and demand. Currently, a chicken weighing under three kilograms sells for 2,450 dinars at the farm level, while those over three kilograms are priced at 2,800 dinars.

The Director highlighted a significant rise in poultry projects, with meat production farms increasing from 1,510 in 2019 to 1,948 today, reflecting sustained investment in the sector. This expansion has bolstered the Region’s ability to meet local demand and explore export opportunities.

Beyond meat, the Kurdistan Region produces a massive surplus of eggs. Siddiq reported that while daily egg consumption is estimated at 2,672,000, production has reached 20,700,000 eggs per day—far exceeding domestic needs.

The Region’s agricultural strength extends to livestock, with 4.5 million small livestock and 250,000 large livestock currently recorded, further reinforcing food security and economic stability.