Challenges Facing the Poultry Industry in Kuwait

I keep up with the latest online news about the poultry industry around the world. Last week, an article caught my attention discussing “the new gold”—soybeans. After checking global prices and then looking at figures for the Port of Kuwait, I found the following staggering numbers: Six months ago, the milling company responsible for importing and subsidizing corn was selling it at 75,500 dinars per ton. Today, a ton of corn sells for 98,300 dinars. Since subsidies were discontinued some time ago, the current price of a ton of corn is 113 dinars per ton, representing a 35% increase. As for soybean meal—which is produced by grinding soybeans after pressing them to extract soybean oil—its price six months ago was 94,520 dinars per ton upon arrival in Kuwait. Today, the price of Indian soybean meal in Kuwait is 177 dinars per ton, an increase of more than 65%. As is well known, natural plant-based poultry feed must contain 65% corn and 25% soybean meal, in addition to other minerals. The main reason for the rise in soybean meal prices is Iran’s entry into the market this month and its purchase of most of the soybean meal produced in India, with 250,000 tons currently being shipped, in addition to the severe drought affecting global soybean fields, which has contributed to reduced production. The repercussions are far-reaching, as global feed prices affect other production inputs. For example, the price of one-day-old laying chicks was 230 fils; it is now 360 fils, and the biggest surprise is that they are unavailable even at these high prices. If we look at other production inputs, we find that most products have risen by about 20%, such as vaccines, medications, and disinfectants. Furthermore, starting this April, the government raised rents for agricultural land used for egg production from 125 dinars to 600 dinars per plot—approximately 14 times the previous rent. As for labor, everyone knows that wages for the average worker have risen by about 20%. Faced with these extraordinary challenges for egg and poultry producers, the only options are to halt production or secure adequate support to maintain current prices. In the absence of any additional support, local egg and poultry prices are expected to rise by at least 30% in the coming months, and unfortunately, global prices will remain at the same levels. I therefore advise officials to study the situation and make strategic decisions to safeguard not just the poultry industry, but food security and the livelihoods of citizens. I therefore advise officials to study the situation and make strategic decisions to safeguard not just the poultry industry, but food security and the livelihoods of citizens. I also recommend that the milling company purchase soybean meal in bulk and distribute it with subsidies, similar to corn, and add local eggs to the ration card to eliminate the fees paid for cooperative association services.