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Our Bureau

Prices of chicken, eggs improving slowly

Visakhapatnam , May 15

The poultry sector, which suffered huge losses in the past few months due to the avian flu scare, is slowly regaining its feet. The scare has subsided and the consumption of chicken and eggs have improved substantially, according to trade sources. However, add the sources, the industry has a long way to go to recover from the crippling long-term losses.

It is estimated that the broiler segment may have suffered a loss of Rs 60 crore or so in Visakhapatnam district alone and nearly Rs 100-150 crore in the three north-coastal districts of Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram and Srikakulam during the past three months. The layer segment too has suffered.

Chicken consumption

It is a huge blow to the industry. Now, the consumption of chicken in Vizag is touching near normal levels during the past week or so, and there has been improvement in prices, to Rs 30-35 a kg. But many farmers have made an exit from the field, unable to bear the losses, and unless the Government intervenes and helps them, there is very little hope for them," said Mr B. Rama Rao, political leader and poultry entrepreneur.

Egg prices

Egg prices are currently ruling at 85 paise in Vizag market and, according to Mr Rama Rao, egg should sell at Rs 1.25 or so for poultry farming to become economically viable." Andhra Pradesh produces 4 crore eggs per day, being the largest producer in the country. In the wake of avian flu scare, egg consumption has also suffered and prices have plummeted. The Maharashtra Government has announced Rs 80 crore for the poultry sector and Karnataka Rs 35 crore. The AP Government has still not responded to our pleas," he said.

recovery efforts

Mr Seshagiri Rao, District Secretary of Bromark Association, said the broiler farmers have decided to curb production and every month the hatcheries would observe holiday during the first week.

"We hope this measure will hold the price line and help the industry in its recovery efforts," he said.

The Government has agreed to provide maize, the most important feed ingredient, at a subsidised rate of Rs 350 per quintal to help the poultry farmers.

"But this measure is not enough. Most of the farmers are small and marginal and the State Government should come up with a package to help them," said Mr Rama Rao.

More Stories on : Poultry | Andhra Pradesh

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