Rangareddy: Slump in chicken prices hits poultry business

In some areas, poultry farmers in distressare culling the birds

Chicken prices have fallen to `30 per kg, in contrast to `150 to 200 about 3 weeks ago

Pargi: As coronavirus scare is spreading rapidly across the country, citizens are now scared to consume meat products, instead are preferring vegetarian food.

The easily available chicken has few takers, which has hit the poultry market hard. The impact is clearly seen in the Vikarabad district, especially in the Pargi region. Chicken sales in the region have recorded a fall of 75 per cent in meat demand. A slowdown has also been recorded in the sale of chicken in the district.

Chicken prices in retail shops have fallen to Rs 30 per kg, in contrast to Rs 150 to 200 about three weeks ago.

Md Umar, a chicken shop owner, lamented, "People are not believing that chicken does not cause Corona. We have to sell one kilo chicken at Rs 30, which was almost between Rs 150-200 a week ago. There is a huge difference between our buying and selling prices. We have to bear losses till the rumours disappear".

Even the frightened consumers have different opinions. M Nagesh, a consumer said he used to have chicken three times in a week. "Due to the scare, we stopped consuming chicken. We are even scared to have biryani in hotels, he said.

M Nagesh, from Pargi, said that due to the corona scare, "we stopped consuming chicken. We are not even going to hotels." Satish, an employee said, "Chicken is a must in our meals on Sundays. But this time we are avoiding it. My family is scared of chicken after watching news in media, and WhatsApp''.

Usually birds of 45 days are sent to market. But, now even after 60 days, the birds are being kept in the farms. The surplus stock becomes a burden on the farmers who are forced to sell chicken at lower prices.

In some areas, poultry farmers are culling the birds in distress. When consumption is restored, there is a chance of shortage and surge in prices.