Broiler producers are earning the wrath of restaurants, buyers and consumers. With chicken prices soaring due to high input costs and shortage, a hue and cry is being raised over the issue.
To start with, Kerala has declared a poultry hartal from Thursday as traders, dealers, vendors and eateries ‘chicken out’ blaming a price spiral.
Restaurants in Kerala have also stopped serving chicken in their menus, citing price spiral.
Prices of dressed chicken are being quoted upwards of Rs 130 a kg, with the rates in Kerala being as high as Rs 170. Broiler producers say they are helpless with prices of feed rising to Rs 2,458 for a 75-kg bag currently, against Rs 1,805 during the same period a year ago.
Producers say they also have to make up for the loss due to ban on Indian poultry products by importing nations after avian flu broke out in Bangalore a few months ago.
With chicken consumption doubling in the last 6-7 years, the poultry industry is unperturbed over Kerala’s move.
Keywords: Broiler producers, wrath, restaurants, chicken prices, input costs, shortage, hue and cry
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