Feed Shortage Threatens Kuwaiti Poultry Sector

Kuwait’s poultry sector is facing growing challenges due to shortages in the supply of corn and soybeans, which are the two main ingredients in poultry feed. This situation has caused concern among producers, who rely on a steady supply of feed to maintain production and market stability. Poultry companies emphasize that any delay in the arrival of corn and soybean shipments directly affects production costs and the ability of farms to meet the needs of the local market, especially since the poultry sector is considered one of the vital sectors linked to the country’s food security. The companies called on the relevant authorities to quickly address the shortage and streamline procedures for procuring feed from various sources, thereby ensuring the continuity of production and preventing the market from facing any potential disruptions in the future. They also called for urgent and sustainable solutions to secure strategic reserves of essential feed materials. In light of the current shortage, some companies have turned to imports from Saudi Arabia to meet their urgent needs; however, this step imposes additional financial burdens due to rising feed prices and transportation costs—and, to make matters worse, the feed is not even available. Experts believe that the continued rise in feed costs may affect the competitiveness of local products and increase pressure on producers, necessitating a joint effort between government agencies and the private sector to ensure a steady supply and stable feed prices. Poultry industry workers emphasize that the rapid provision of corn and soybeans is a top priority to ensure the stability of poultry and egg production in Kuwait, calling for leveraging the expertise of the Kuwait Flour Mills Company in importing grains and feed to help address the current shortage and strengthen national food security amid the challenges facing global supply chains.