The poultry sector in Lebanon has suffered severe losses, primarily due to falling chicken prices, which have dropped below the cost of production.
Compounding the issue, Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon and the Bekaa Valley have forced a halt to farm operations and production units, according to William Boutros, president of the Poultry Sector Union.
In his statement, Boutros highlighted how these disruptions, along with a drastic reduction in domestic consumption, have created an unsustainable situation for farmers.
The decline in consumption stems from several factors, including the displacement of approximately 1.2 million Lebanese, a significant exodus of people, stagnation in the restaurant industry due to closures, and the collapse of tourism.
These conditions have resulted in a surplus of production and a further decline in prices, pushing the poultry sector to the brink.
“This imbalance will lead to significant losses for the entire poultry sector, and farmers will face extremely difficult situations,” Boutros warned.
Despite the grim outlook, Boutros reassured the public that the sector continues to function, maintaining its role in ensuring domestic food security through ongoing poultry production and sales.
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