Najaf poultry sector hit by rising feed costs, agriculture directorate says

NAJAF, Iraq — Najaf's Agriculture Directorate said the province has two hatcheries, one of which is currently active, and 78 poultry farms, some of which have halted production because of rising feed prices. Deputy Agriculture Director Hakim Taklif said the directorate supports the livestock sector and encourages poultry and hatchery projects across the province. Of 14 egg-producing farms in the province, seven remain operational, according to the directorate. It added that no specialized slaughterhouse for chicken processing is available in Najaf. Isra Salim, head of the Livestock Services Department, said her office carries out an annual inventory of all poultry projects in the province and provides support to owners. She said a broader livestock census is conducted through agricultural units in districts and sub-districts, with milk output also recorded, particularly given the size of the buffalo and cattle herds in the area. The directorate said the collected data is intended to update the livestock database, identify sector needs and guide support measures for producers.