Prices of sacrificial animals in Syria have dropped significantly compared to last year, as traders and breeders anticipate a surge in demand this week, as Eid al-Adha approaches.
Mohammad Shaman, head of the Livestock Traders Committee in Damascus and its Countryside Governorate, told the Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) that the flow of livestock to the Adra Central Market continues throughout the year, but increases by up to 40% before Eid al-Adha.
The number of sacrificial animals varies from year to year, depending on the purchasing power of citizens and the value of remittances received from abroad for Eid rituals. The number ranges between 25,000 and 40,000 heads of sheep, all of which are healthy, disease-free, and fully vaccinated.
Shaman explained that current prices for livestock range between 50,000 and 55,000 Syrian pounds per kilogram, compared to approximately 82,000 Syrian pounds during the same period last year.
Shaman attributed this decline to several factors, most notably the decline in the exchange rate, the scarcity of pastures due to drought and lack of rainfall, and the return of activity in the domestic market after being fraught with risks such as checkpoints, taxes, and theft. Large quantities of livestock were imported from various governorates.
The Awassi breed is the most expensive
Regarding exports, Shaman explained that Syrian sheep, particularly the Awassi breed, are in demand in the Arab world, despite being the most expensive. However, the most significant obstacles this year came from the Jordanian side, as transit permits were not granted for goods, forcing traders to label them as Jordanian-originated goods after they enter Syria, increasing costs. He expressed hope that this obstacle would be overcome soon to support the economy, especially in light of the current Syrian-Jordanian rapprochement.
During a tour of the market by SANA, sheep and fodder trader Anwar Ismail from Aleppo explained that the drought has affected livestock prices. The scarcity of pasture has led to a reliance on fodder and hay, increasing the cost of raising livestock and burdening breeders, who are forced to sell part of their herds to secure food for the remainder.
For his part, sheep trader Assaf Al-Alawa, who came to Damascus from Manbij for the first time in 14 years, expressed his joy at arriving and selling 80 sheep without any risks on the roads. He pointed out that the biggest concern for traders currently is the instability of the exchange rate, as livestock in the eastern region is bought in dollars and sold in other areas in Syrian pounds.
Al Arabiya
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