No spring chickens
Poultry prices soar in Basra amid scorching summer heat
BASRA – In Basra, chicken prices have surged due to the high temperatures adversely affecting poultry production. The extreme heat complicates the maintenance and transportation of chickens, frequently resulting in their deaths before they can be sold or while on display at markets.
Safa Imad, a chicken vendor in Basra, described the challenges to 964media. “Raising chickens has become increasingly difficult due to the high temperatures. Keeping them alive is a struggle, and they are typically sold within 45 days of age, enduring harsh conditions during transport and sale,” Imad said.
“Last week, the wholesale price per kilogram ranged between 2,850 and 3,100 dinars ($2.17 to $2.37), but today it has risen to between 3,650 and 3,750 dinars ($2.78 to $2.86). For retail, the price per kilogram was about 3,500 dinars ($2.67) last week and has now increased to 4,500 dinars ($3.43),” Imad explained.
Iraq is facing record-breaking June temperatures, exacerbating water shortages and highlighting the severe impacts of climate change. The country’s Minister of Water Resources, Aoun Diab, announced on Saturday that these conditions are among the harshest recorded.