Kuwait continues to support livestock sector despite challenges
. . . with regulatory updates to the subsidized feed system to genuine breeders
The government continues to support Kuwait’s livestock sector despite regional challenges, focusing on strengthening food security through subsidized animal feed programs and improved distribution systems to ensure assistance reaches eligible breeders.
Authorities have recently introduced regulatory updates to the subsidized feed system, including revised pricing structures and stricter eligibility and disbursement controls. The reforms aim to safeguard public funds while ensuring fair and efficient distribution to genuine livestock owners.
The Public Authority for Agricultural Affairs and Fish Resources is working with relevant bodies to enhance feed distribution services and reduce overcrowding at supply centers. Plans are also underway to establish additional distribution points in various regions and improve automated systems to streamline procedures.
During field visits to distribution centers, breeders highlighted the importance of continued government support, noting that subsidized feed helps sustain local meat and dairy production and reduces reliance on imports, thereby reinforcing national food security.
Stakeholders, including livestock breeders and union representatives, have called for expanding distribution facilities to areas such as Al-Abdali, Al-Wafra, Al-Salmi, and Kabd to ease congestion and improve accessibility, especially during peak periods at the beginning of each month.
An official source indicated that overcrowding typically occurs during salary deposit periods, when demand peaks and daily beneficiaries reach around 1,000 breeders, while attendance remains lower on other days. Distribution operates through a timed system from early morning until afternoon on working days.
The authority also confirmed adjustments to feed options and pricing, including barley at 4.7 dinars, corn at 5.6 dinars, and mixed feed at 5.9 dinars, while tightening eligibility rules to ensure support is directed toward qualified livestock owners and to maintain long-term sustainability of the sector.
