MOSCOW, July 31. /TASS/. The Agriculture Ministry does not see a downward trend in poultry production in Russia this year, the ministry’s press service told reporters.

"Poultry production for slaughtering (live weight) in farms of all categories edged up by 1.5% over six months of this year vs. the like period of 2022 and reached 3.44 mln metric tons. There is no downward trend in production this year. Month on month evolution is in line with the annual seasonal trend. The Agriculture Ministry expects the sector to have an increase in metrics as of 2023 year-end," the press service said.

Production growth during the first six months of this year was driven by investment projects in this sphere and efforts to prevent and control the spread of hazardous avian diseases, the ministry noted.

In mid-July, the Agriculture Ministry said that the rise in poultry prices in Russia was seasonal in nature.

Earlier on Monday, the Forbes news outlet reported, citing data from the Russian statistical service, that poultry prices hit a record high of 196.93 rubles ($2.15) per kg during the week from July 17 to 23. Analysts also reported that prices in retail chains surged to 270 rubles ($2.94) per kg. Meanwhile, the meat processing business noted a shortage of chicken meat amid production growth, the news outlet said.