Iraq pushes domestic poultry production as major Karbala project expands output

IRAQ – Iraq’s National Investment Commission has described the Sama Karbala poultry project as a central element in the country’s drive to improve food availability and cut dependence on imported poultry products, following a site visit by its chairman to the facility.

During a tour of the complex in Karbala on Sunday, National Investment Commission chairman Professor Haider Mohammed Makkiyah inspected operations at the project, which is among the largest investments currently operating in Iraq’s livestock and poultry industry.

Makkiyah said the project fits within government plans to prioritise local production, increase domestic supply, and ensure consumers have access to poultry products produced inside the country rather than relying heavily on imports.

He added that the facility is also expected to generate employment for residents of Karbala, support surrounding businesses, and contribute to more stable poultry supplies throughout the year.

According to the commission, Sama Karbala is designed to produce chicken meat and eggs in line with internationally recognised health and technical requirements, with an emphasis on maintaining quality control at each stage of production.

The project operates modern poultry halls fitted with advanced cooling and ventilation systems, alongside a fully integrated veterinary and health supervision structure covering breeding, rearing, and processing.

Production capacity figures released by the National Investment Commission show the complex can produce around 325,000 tonnes of poultry meat annually, with total output exceeding 280 million chickens per year.

The site also includes automated slaughterhouses with a combined processing capacity of about 748,000 birds per day, according to official data.

In addition, egg production capacity is estimated at up to three billion eggs per year through an integrated production system intended to meet domestic demand and support national self-sufficiency targets.

Foreign partnerships gain momentum

The focus on Sama Karbala follows recent reports that Cairo 3A Holding has signed a memorandum of understanding with IVI Holding Limited in Baghdad to develop a large-scale poultry operation in Iraq.

The agreement establishes a formal partnership framework between the two companies as they plan a production system to operate under international standards.

Under the proposed partnership, Cairo 3A will contribute expertise in feed manufacturing, broiler production, and food processing, while IVI Holding will bring market access, infrastructure, and investment capacity in Iraq.

Both companies said the project aims to increase local poultry production, expand job creation, and improve the quality of poultry products available to Iraqi consumers.

The memorandum outlines steps required to transition from the initial agreement to detailed planning, followed by final contracts and an approved implementation schedule.

Ayman El Gamil, chairman of Cairo 3A Group, said the initial investment phase is valued at US$160 million over five years and forms part of the company’s regional expansion strategy.

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