February 26, 2013

Nepal chicken prices set new record

Nepal's chicken prices have established a new record in Kathmandu valley due to a shortage in the market.

Short supply has been fuelling the price hike, said wholesaler, Ram Prasad Shahi.

According to him, the shortage has emerged due to the continuous bird flu outbreaks across the country since November last year.

Chicken firms need electricity in the winter, but the country has power cuts of up to 14 hours. The price of chicken feed has also contributed to the price hike, he added.

The price hike of chicken has helped boost the market of mutton and fish. "People have started preferring mutton and fish these days. Their price has increased by 15% and 35%, respectively, in the last two months," said Mr Thapa.

The country has been self-reliant in chicken for the last three years but frequent bird flu outbreaks have discouraged farmers and a substantial number are quitting the business.