Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Amina Aouadi
Published on 2024-04-08 13:31:01
Algerian Red Meat Company (Alviar) has received authorization to import 100,000 head of cattle from Romania for Eid al-Adha, said Mr. Merouane Kheir, president of the National Meat Federation. This initiative aims to allow citizens to acquire the Eid sheep at reasonable prices, between 45,000 and 50,000 dinars.
Mr. Kheir emphasized that this importation will help break prices and allow a large portion of citizens to afford a sheep for Eid, which was impossible last year due to price hikes.
The importation operation started in limited quantity during the month of Ramadan. The sheep are then slaughtered in Algerian abattoirs and sold at affordable prices, much lower than local meat prices (over 2,800 dinars per kg for beef and 3,000 dinars per kg for sheep).
The president called the importation a “good initiative” to regulate prices and stabilize the market. He also called on authorities to develop an action plan and strategy to ensure market stability in the long term, and not solely rely on imports.
Meanwhile, Mr. Hadj Tahar Boulenouar, president of the National Association of Traders, Investors, and Artisans, stressed that the market needs 3 million head of cattle for Eid al-Adha. He called for medium and long-term measures to double the national herd, as “importation, while positive, remains a temporary solution.”
It is important to note that Algeria is the only country in the Maghreb that does not import sheep for Eid al-Adha. The decrease in the number of cattle (currently 19 million) is due to several factors, including the slaughter of females by some breeders and increased production costs.
The National Meat Federation and the National Association of Traders, Investors, and Artisans have called for measures to protect breeders and ensure the sustainability of their activity.
In conclusion, the importation of 100,000 head of cattle from Romania for Eid al-Adha is a welcome initiative that will allow citizens to afford Eid sheep at affordable prices. However, sustainable solutions must be put in place to ensure market stability in the long term.
Alvier denies putting imported sheep from Romania on the market during Ramadan
In response to rumors circulating on social media regarding the sale of live sheep imported from Romania, the Algerian Red Meat Company (Alvier) wanted to formally deny this.
In a statement issued on April 6, the company emphasizes that “the only entity authorized to import these sheep is Alviar itself” and that “they are directly sent to slaughter under the supervision of competent veterinary authorities.” The company states that this information is “unfounded” and serves only the “narrow personal interests” of certain individuals.
Alviar thus categorically rejects the idea that these sheep could be sold live. The statement also denounces “actions aimed at disturbing the national market and spreading malicious rumors.”
The company calls on “everyone not to be fooled by the information spread by these suspicious pages” and reserves the right to take legal action against those involved.
This official denial puts an end to the confusion and speculation surrounding the importation of sheep from Romania. It is important to emphasize that Alviar is the only reliable source of information regarding this operation and that it is crucial not to believe unfounded rumors circulating on social media.
By reaffirming its exclusive role in the importation and management of these sheep, the Algerian Red Meat Company reaffirms its commitment to guarantee transparent and responsible supply of the national market with red meat.
Read the original article(French) on Algerie 360
