Armenia: Over the past 4 years, the price of meat has increased by an average of 25%

In recent years, unprecedented inflation has been recorded in all commodity markets. In April 2022, compared to April 2021, only meat products rose in price by 10.2%. According to official statistics, every citizen of the Republic of Armenia consumes 2.3 kg of meat and meat products per month.

In the first quarter of 2022, compared to 2017, retail prices for meat increased significantly. Beef went up by 20.9%, lamb – by 32.6%, pork – by 28.7%, chicken – by 13.9 %, that is, over the past 4 years, the price of meat has increased by an average of 25%. Meat is one of the main food components of the consumer basket and necessary to ensure the minimum life of a person.

On the one hand, the drought of 2020-2021, on the other hand, the loss of pastureland has led to a sharp increase in the price of grass, making livestock production even more expensive. It is noteworthy that at the same time there was no commensurate increase in prices for purchased milk and meat, which would have made it possible to cover additional costs. It should be noted that large volumes of frozen meat and powdered milk continue to be imported into the country.

As of January 1, 2022, a significant decrease in the number of livestock was registered compared to the same period last year, except for poultry. In particular, the number of cattle decreased by 53786 or 8.8%, pigs – by 34126 or 17%, sheep – by 1652 or 0.2%, and the number of birds increased by 623325 or 14.8% compared to last year.

At the same time, it should be noted that the decline in agriculture, in the livestock sector, continues this year. In the first quarter of 2022, in the field of agriculture, compared to last year, a decline of 5.4% was recorded, while in crop production the decline was 24.4%, and in animal husbandry – 3.1%. Consequently, a decrease in the number of livestock may lead to an increase in meat prices and an increase in frozen meat imports.