May 7, 2009
Live fattened pig price plunge in Indian state
The live fattened pig, which traditionally commands a very high price during the summer season in Panaji, capital city of Indian state of Goa, has seen its worth plummet this time around, said pork vendors.
A pork vendor said caution amidst the AH1N1 flu scare has been the cause of falling sales.
A butcher said the price of a live fattened pig - a local one - would be around Rp3,000, while Yorkshire pigs fetch even up to Rp12,000, adding that the demand has decreased this year and pig rearers are anxious to dispose off their stocks.
Although, there have been claims of pig deaths in Siolim and other places, officials from the Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services have denied this.
Incidentally, meat vendors in Panaji have hiked the price of chicken from Rp82 to Rp89. Pork vendors have, however, maintained the price of pork and sausages.
However, the World Health Organisation (WHO) categorically states that there is no confirmation of transmission of the flu between pigs and humans yet.
US$1 = Rp49.341 (May 7)
