Poultry prices drop significantly; Triggers price war at Kinnigoli

Kapu: The prices of chicken, which had skyrocketed about 10 days ago, have seen a sharp decline on the coastal areas. Prices of eggs have also dropped, delighting the consumers.

Prices of chicken had seen an uptick, backed by higher demand. The chicken meat was being sold at Rs 240 per kg for skinless and at Rs 220 per kg for with skin variety, about 10 days ago. Live chicken was sold at Rs 180 per kg. Eggs were also dearer with the price hovering at Rs 6.50 per egg.

However, now the prices have dropped suddenly, due to a fall in demand. On July 24, the skinless chicken meat was being sold at Rs 155, with skin chicken at Rs 135 and live chicken sold at as low as 105 per kg. Prices of eggs declined by one rupee, with one egg being sold at Rs 5.50 on Sunday.

It is usual for prices to rise during summers when most events – weddings, rituals, etc.– are held. However, with the arrival of the Monsoon, price declines with a decline in demand. But this year, prices remained high despite the arrival of the rainy season.

Traders cite that the demand for chicken in the Monsoon season this year remained high due to the non-availability of fresh fish which is an important source of protein for the coastal people. With the fresh fish being available now, the demand for chicken has also reduced, they said and added that they expect the prices to reduce further in the coming days.

With the fall in prices, the farmers and small traders are staring at a loss. The prices vary every day, but chickens are bought once or twice a week. Small traders lose money when the prices drop too quickly, Ashrit Shetty, a chicken trader at Kapu Santhe Market said.

Farmers are also facing a similar dilemma. It costs more than Rs 100 per kg for rearing chicken. Further, the input costs are rising. The price of chicken feed and other raw materials is rising. With the current market prices, the poultry industry is running at a loss, said Arun Kotian, who runs the Arun Poultry Farm at Kurkal.

For now, the chicken is being sent to demand centers in other districts, including Bengaluru, Mysuru, Hubballi, Hassan, and Davanagere.

Kinnigoli: Price war at chicken shops! 

Kinnigoli: Falling demand prompted a private poultry shop chain, operating many outlets across the district, to give attractive discounts to customers at its outlet in Kinnigoli.

On Thursday and Friday last, the chicken was sold at Rs 99 per kg as against the market price of Rs 135.

This soon started a chicken price war in the local market. As customers made a beeline for the shop and waited in long queues availing the offer, local meat shops held a meeting and lowered their prices to Rs 95.

Consumers are happy to reap the benefit of the price war, as they are lapping up the offer, for the past 3 days. However, shop owners grumble that it is unsustainable and may end soon.