January 31, 2008

India's chicken prices increase in Delhi
 

An unbalanced demand and supply of broilers is a major influence on the recent price increase in chickens, according to the Indian Poultry Association in Ghazipur.
 

The association's president, Mohammad Umar Puppi, said there are only 700 chickens for a demand of a thousand. He added that broiler chickens have been recently sold for Rs 48 per kg at Ghazipur, almost Rs 10 above the usual price.

Much of Delhi's broiler chickens come from neighbouring states Haryana and Rajasthan. However, severe cold temperatures during December and January have affected chicken production in the two states, which according to Umar Puppi, resulted in a 35 percent fall of supply to Delhi while the demand has remained constant.

Even though chicken prices are rising, the price of eggs is decreasing steadily.

According to Md Ibrahim Egg Traders, some businesses have taken eggs off the menu due to bird flu fears. Mohammad Ibrahim said the demand of eggs have decreased by 25 percent in the past one week, but added that he feels the demand will pick up soon.

Rs 1 = US$0.025 (Jan 31)