HIBAPRESS – Ahmed Al-Musaed
The model livestock market in the Ain Beni Mathar commune, belonging to the Jerada province, is witnessing increasing commercial activity with the approach of the blessed Eid al-Adha. This market, which extends over an area of approximately 2.5 hectares, is an economic hub in the eastern region, combining the quality of the local "Beni Kil" breed with a modern infrastructure that serves breeders and customers alike.
From within the sheep "Rahba," the abundance of supply for this season is evident; the organized wings are filled with flocks of sheep and goats, where the prices of medium sacrifices range between 2,500 and 3,000 dirhams, while the prices of excellent rams reach over 4,500 dirhams, amid optimism for greater activity in the coming days. In the context of monitoring the suffering of the "Kassaba" with the high costs, a number of professionals and breeders within the market raised the issue of support allocated to feed, and they confirmed that they received support in its first phase, which contributed relatively to alleviating the burden, but they are still waiting for the disbursement of the second phase. This delay in the disbursement of the second supplement of support comes to increase the financial pressure on breeders, especially in light of the noticeable rise in the prices of basic feed materials such as barley and hay, which is automatically reflected in the final production cost of sacrifices. The breeders confirm that the prices currently in circulation are a direct result of fluctuations in the cost of breeding throughout the year, while the citizen complains about the high prices, the Kassab explains that the absence of the supplement of support and the increase in feed expenses make it difficult to lower the prices without incurring heavy losses, stressing that the breeder remains the most affected link by market fluctuations. It is worth mentioning that the Ain Beni Mathar market, which includes about 168 organized pens, was designed to be an alternative to the informal markets, as it provides organizational conditions that facilitate the process of commercial exchange and ensure the dignity of the farmer and the customer. This facility contributes to the valorization of the region's wealth, especially since the Jerada province is known to be a major reservoir of sheep in the eastern region.
