Iraq PM launches US$2B livestock, meat production projects in Karbala
Five large-scale livestock and meat processing facilities are being developed in partnership with Etihad Group.
IRAQ – Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al-Sudani is initiating the construction of agricultural and industrial projects valued at US$2 billion in Karbala Governorate, with a strong emphasis on red meat and poultry production.
The projects, linked to Etihad Group, include a meat processing complex made up of five slaughterhouses capable of handling 1,500 calves daily.
Supporting this operation is a beef calf farm expected to raise more than 100,000 calves each year, significantly increasing the country’s red meat supply.
A large dairy cattle farm with 195,000 cows is also part of the development, with some animals likely contributing to beef production once they leave the dairy cycle.
The Prime Minister has said these investments are part of efforts to expand local food production capacity and reduce reliance on imports.
Consumption patterns and market demand
Data from Helgi Library shows that total cattle meat consumption in Iraq reached 106 kilotonnes in 2020, with the highest figure of 118 kilotonnes recorded in 2019 and the lowest of 75 kilotonnes in 2013.
Poultry meat consumption is also on the rise, with Report Linker projecting an increase from 387,000 metric tons in 2021 to 440,000 metric tons by 2026.
Per capita poultry consumption stood at 12.5 kilograms in 2021, having peaked at 17.3 kilograms in 2019, while the lowest recorded figure was 0.520 kilograms in 1961.
Red meat consumption per person rose from 8.2 kilograms in 2009 to 14.9 kilograms in 2014, before dropping to 11.8 kilograms in 2018.
Pork consumption in Iraq remains minimal, reaching a high of 0.400 kilograms per person in 2021, with no recorded consumption in 2012.
The new projects in Karbala are expected to add capacity in both cattle and poultry meat production, aligning with these consumption trends and meeting rising demand in the domestic market.
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