Chicken meat is currently the cheapest type of meat on the market, which contributes to its increasing consumption compared to previous years. In large markets, a kilogram of whole chicken can be found on sale for around 200 dinars, while the regular price reaches 370 dinars. Traders make extra money by selling chicken parts, where white meat is twice as expensive as a whole chicken, while boneless drumsticks can cost as much as one and a half whole chickens in some butchers.
The main problem facing chicken meat producers is the rising price of animal feed. Dragan Ješić, a fattening producer from Žitište, points out that the price difference between chicken and pork has never been greater, and that chicken meat should be more expensive so that farmers can operate stably. Producers are faced with constant negotiations with slaughterhouses regarding the price of fattened chickens, considering that the current live weight price of 125-126 dinars per kilogram is not enough to cover production costs. Ješić emphasizes that the production price should be at least 130 dinars per kilogram, while the real price of a fattened chicken is between 170 and 180 dinars per kilogram.
How does meat fare in terms of price and turnover?
About 1.2 million chickens are raised in the area of Žitište in one production cycle. However, due to unfavorable economic conditions, many smaller manufacturers have gone out of business, while large manufacturers have taken a dominant position in the market. Despite this, the domestic chicken market is self-sufficient. Namely, it figures with an annual production of 68 million broilers. Such intensive production enables Serbia to cover its own needs, and part of the chicken is exported to CEFTE countries. However, exports to EU countries and Albania are difficult due to the lack of necessary certificates, even though farms in Serbia are built according to European standards.
Sanja Čelebićanin, director of the Business Association of Poultry Farmers of Serbia, addressed the media on the given topic. She emphasizes the need for increased control of poultry meat imports in order to protect domestic production. Although Serbia has enough chicken for its needs, imports are still present. Recently, 317 tons of poultry meat were imported from Russia. At the same time, import control is necessary in order to preserve the stability of the domestic market. Ješić also pointed out that imports may sometimes be necessary. This is especially the case in the summer months when the chicks do not reach the expected weight due to weather conditions.
Source: Farmer
Source: boljazemlja.com
