Struggling poultry farmers in Salah al-Din’s Al-Abitar cite power cuts and reduced fuel allocations for woes

SALAH AL-DIN — Al-Abitar, a village in Dujail district known for its poultry production, has seen declining output from its 15 licensed farms due to unreliable electricity, reduced fuel allocations, and low-quality imported feed and vaccines. Local farmers say these issues have led to substantial financial losses and disrupted prices in the regional market.

“This farm cost me over 85 million dinars (approximately $56,667) to set up, but last season, I suffered major losses because of the lack of electricity in this area,” said poultry farmer Musa Badri. “We urge officials to provide adequate support, including gas, kerosene, feed, and vaccines. We supply fresh, locally produced meat and eggs that surpass imports in size and quality.”

Hassan Mohammed, another farmer, said production from Al-Abitar goes to Samarra, Balad, Dujail and beyond, with chicken selling for about 2,600 dinars ($1.73) per kilogram. “We rely on our own resources for gas and kerosene to maintain lighting, heating, and daily operations,” he said.

Due to Iraq’s chronic electricity shortages, businesses often depend on private generators, increasing operational expenses. Some areas use mobile substations to temporarily bolster the grid during outages, but Al-Abitar farmers say they receive insufficient power.

Dujail Mayor Ali Fadel acknowledged the farms’ importance for local food security. “Currently, power from the mobile station is prioritized for the unified water project and the 100-bed hospital, but we can allocate a share for Al-Abitar,” he said. “I will coordinate with Dujail’s electricity director to increase Al-Abitar’s electricity share in the coming days due to its importance as a key supplier of meat and eggs.”