MADINAH: Local livestock traders say there is a possibility that the price of sheep in the local market will increase dramatically in the near future.
They attributed this mainly to the current political turmoil in some Arab countries, especially Syria which is regarded as a major exporter of livestock to the Kingdom, Al-Watan newspaper reported.
The traders expect prices of Naimi sheep to soar to SR2,000 at the beginning of the fasting month of Ramadan mainly because of the shortage of supply in the local market. There has been a steady increase in the prices of various breeds of sheep in the Madinah market.
Prices of Naimi jumped to SR1,500. On the other hand, Sawakini sheep costs only SR800. Importers can buy a head of Sawakini for SR700 either from Sudan or Somalia. However, there is a low demand for them, especially among Saudis.
Speaking to the newspaper, Salim Al-Zugaibi, chief of sheep traders in the Madinah livestock market, said that there is a huge demand for various types of livestock.
"But there is a shortage of supply mainly because of the scarcity of fodder, especially barley. This is why many farmers have abandoned breeding livestock," he said.
According to Al-Zugaibi, most traders relied heavily on importing livestock from some Arab countries, especially Syria.
He noted that the number of Naimi heads on sale at the Madinah livestock market is currently about 350, whereas in the past this figure was more than 5,000.
"Each head of Naimi now costs SR1,200 and there is a possibility this price will soar to over SR2,000 with Ramadan coming," he said.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Finance has moved to reassure farmers that an adequate supply of barley would be made available to each province according to demand.
"There should be an equitable distribution in a way that achieves a balance between demand and supply," a source at the ministry said.
© Arab News 2011
