Amid shortage
Basra lamb prices surge ahead of Ramadan
BASRA — As Ramadan approaches, lamb prices in the northern markets of Basra, particularly in the Madina district, have surged to 22,000 Iraqi dinars per kilogram. The increase, noted also in veal prices, is attributed to the upcoming holy month and a shortage of Iraqi livestock. Market experts attribute the price hike to the seasonal migration of shepherds to the desert’s green pastures, halting lamb sales during this period.
A notable rise in lamb prices from 16,000 to 22,000 dinars per kilogram has been reported, with expectations of reaching 25,000 dinars by Ramadan. The cost for a 28-kilogram mutton carcass has more than doubled, now ranging between 300,000 to 700,000 dinars.
The scarcity in sheep is partly due to rural farmers moving to urban areas, abandoning their trade because of water shortages. Efforts to import sheep from Ahvaz, Iran, also encountered high prices. Local governorates like Maysan and Dhi Qar, once sources of mutton and lamb for the rest of Iraq, now face their shortages and meat price increases.
Veal prices have climbed from 13,000 to 16,000 dinars, anticipated to hit 18,000 dinars for similar reasons. This spike in prices has led to the closure of seven butcher shops in the Bani Mansour area of the Sadiq district, as customer numbers dwindle.
Potential solutions include the Ministry of Agriculture supplying water and feed to sheep breeders and initiating imports from countries such as Australia to mitigate the current shortage.
Abu Hussein, local resident, urges the Minister of Agriculture to address the crisis, highlighting the additional strain on families, especially with Ramadan nearing. Concerns also rise that the cost of frozen meats, an alternative for many, will increase as well.