“Al-Shanaga” price manipulation raises chicken prices again, amid consumer disapproval

Agadir24

Attention has once again turned to the poultry sector, especially since many Moroccans are turning to consuming this type of meat more, after they have finished eating Eid al-Adha meat.

They denounced the high prices of this product, wondering about the abundance of poultry and self-sufficiency in it at the national level, as well as the price of raw materials at the global level, which producers use as an excuse to raise prices.

In response to this issue, Saeed Janah, Secretary General of the National Association of Broiler Breeders, revealed that there is self-sufficiency at the national level with regard to poultry, noting that some incubators have begun exporting chicks abroad, which confirms the abundance of the product.

Janah explained that the problem lies in the high cost, whether in relation to feed or the price of the chick, noting that the price of feed is high compared to international prices, as the decline in the price of raw materials globally has not been reflected in local prices.

The spokesman added that the price of a chick is very expensive, reaching 9 dirhams, compared to before when the price did not exceed 4 dirhams, stressing that the sector is experiencing a state of chaos, especially with the presence of the shanaqa and some incubators that are trying to raise prices.

The same speaker stopped at the presence of the thieves who tamper with the chicken production process from the beginning, in addition to the chicken brokers when it is ready, stressing that the sector is not organized, which requires the presence of an independent professional body to supervise its organization.

Janah considered that the price increase in this way is unreasonable, explaining that current data indicates that the price of chicken will reach 22 dirhams, as the price of chicken from the source will reach 17 dirhams, in addition to transportation costs and the seller’s profits.

The community activist pointed out that the citizen must realize that the price is linked to the cost, and if the costs continue to rise, the prices will continue to rise, noting that professionals have not stopped buying chicks despite their high prices, because the matter is “inevitable,” especially with their debt obligations or their connections with some companies.

The Secretary-General concluded that it is necessary to improve the conditions of this sector, considering that the breeder and the consumer are the most affected, calling for the conclusion of a real partnership between all sectors to achieve the benefit of the producer and the consumer and to overcome the constraints presented.