January 14, 2013

India's demand for chicken, mutton and eggs has gone up as fish fails to convince the buyers and the fish markets in the city were wearing a deserted look these days.

In the wholesale market of Musallahpur Haat, one can take dressed chicken at INR150 (US$2.74) per kilogramme, which was rated at INR130 (US$2.4) per kilogramme only before last Friday (Jan 4). In fact, the price may again shoot up if there is further dip in mercury. Here, the demand for chicken has gone up by 30% while it has been 20% rise in the demand of mutton.

Eggs here, however, are selling cheaper than at other places like Boring Road and Kankarbagh, at INR50 (US$0.91) a dozen. An egg seller at the haat is doing a daily business of more than INR15,000 (US$274). Chicken has a daily sale of around INR4,000-5,000 (US$73-91), except on Tuesdays and Thursdays when the bizz remains limited to around INR2,000 (US$37).

At Kankarbagh, it seems people are fonder of relishing eggs as its demand has shot up by 40% after December 31 last year. It is being sold at INR55 (US$1) a dozen in the auto stand market. For chicken, too, (dressed), the demand has gone up by 15% and is tagged at INR250 (US$4.57) per kilogramme. Also for mutton, the demand has gone up by 10% at the rate of INR300 (US$5.5) per kilogramme. However, the price had gone up to INR500 (US$9) on the New Year eve and on January 1 this year.

Fish has few takers at Kankarbagh as there is no increase in its demand although it is much cheaper than chicken and mutton. Rehu and Katla were selling at INR100 (US$1.83) and INR130 (US$2.4) per kilogramme, respectively.

Very few people throng Bazaar Samiti, the popular fish market of the city. "The business is not good these days as in winter, people rushed to chicken and mutton markets," rued a shopkeeper in the market.