Poultry production in Hasbaya and Arkoub growing and its prices on the increase because of the influx of Syrian displaced

Al Mustakbal newspaper published a report on poultry production farms in Hasbaya, Arkoub and Marjeyoun which have significantly increased in number during the past few years since residents discovered in poultry a lucrative alternative to the usage their land that compensate for the losses they suffered in their crop yields.  As a result, more then 35 poultry farms have already been established with a total capacity of 400,000 chickens.
The majority of poultry farmers in the area noted that despite the absence of subsidies, various risks related to poultry production namely diseases, 75% rise in the cost of chicks, 15% in the cost of bird feed, absence of external markets and no waiver on taxes, the retail price of chicken on the market remain relatively good because of the increase in demand resulting from the growing influx of Syrian displaced which positively affected demand and consumption.  According to Hafiz al Khalil from Rashaya al Fakhar who owns one poultry farm of 5000 chickens, poultry production is a high risk business because any disease affliction can kill up to thousands of birds at once.  He also pointed out to the absence of a benchmark pricing by the state, whereas market prices are instead dictated by two big private companies. El Khalil demanded that the Ministry of Agriculture gives more attention to poultry production in this region of Lebanon through providing veterinary medicines, medical check-ups and extension services and so as to relieve poultry farmers from some of the costs of their production.  For his part, Labib al Hamra, an owner of a poultry farm in Hasbaya and Rashaya al Fakhar with a capacity of more than 75,000 chickens noted that the increase in poultry farms came in response to rising demand, availability of bank loans and the decent profit margin that the sector offers.  He noted that finding external markets is still a major challenge for the future but that for the time the local market is able to absorb the current level of production.
Source: Al-Mustaqbal 22 January 2014