The Kurdistan Region has reached full self-sufficiency in egg production. At the same time, its chicken meat production now far exceeds local demand. This surplus has led to urgent calls from the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) to reopen the southern markets for poultry exports.
Begard Talabani, the KRG Minister of Agriculture and Water Resources, explained the situation clearly. She emphasized that poultry farms in Erbil, Sulaimani, Duhok, and Halabja now produce much more than the region can consume. According to her, no eggs have been imported into the region for nearly five years.
With overproduction becoming a serious challenge, Talabani urged for the quick resumption of exports to central and southern provinces. These exports stopped months ago due to trade barriers, putting immense financial pressure on local poultry farmers.
Talabani dismissed any rumors of disease affecting poultry in the region. She stressed that food safety remains a top priority. Regular inspections are carried out in all cities and towns, ensuring health standards are strictly followed.
Nazm Abdullah, who leads the Poultry Association in Sulaimani, Halabja, and Garmian, provided critical data. The Kurdistan Region consumes 146,000 tons of chicken meat annually. However, farms are producing nearly 250,000 tons every year.
This gap has caused a major drop in prices, damaging the poultry sector’s profitability. Abdullah believes restarting exports will ease the surplus, increase prices, and help the economy grow. He also stated that southern provinces still rely on poultry supplies, making the reopening of trade highly beneficial for both sides.
The region hosts 1,840 poultry farms in total. Sulaimani has 727, Erbil 576, Duhok 344, and Halabja 35. These numbers show how important poultry is to the local economy.
Officials continue to push for solutions. They remain hopeful that exports will resume soon, relieving pressure on farmers and stabilizing the market.