June 25, 2013

India's chicken, mutton and fish prices rise

Following a ban observed a week ago by poultry retails outlets in the city and its suburbs, India's chicken lovers have been burning holes in their pockets with prices sky rocketing.

Malini of Alandur, who return empty handed a week ago when the outlets were shut for two days, spent as much as INR250 (US$4.19) for a kilogramme (kg) of broiler chicken. Retailers say the prices have increased from INR140-160 (US$2.35-2.68) to INR180 (US$3) and at some places at INR200 (US$3.35) and up to INR250 (US$4.19).

Eshwar, secretary, Chennai Poultry Wholesalers Association, says it is a result of cutting down supply from the producers as they claim that their production costs have gone up. "Earlier it cost them INR60-70 (US$1-1.17) for a live chicken and they supplied it at INR70-80 (US$1.17-1.34), while it was sold to the customers at INR140-160 (US$2.34-2.68). Now the producers have increased their price to INR100 (US$1.67)," Eshwar explains.

Eshwar says that the number of players in the production side has gone down, adding that apart from the impact the two-day ban had, the sale in the city is normal. "After the end of 45-day fishing ban, the sale has gone down 10-20%," he says.

If poultry had reasons that led to the increase in price, mutton rates have also gone up and is being sold at INR450 (US$7.54) a kg in some places. M Anwar Basha Qureshi, general secretary, Chennai Mutton Merchant's (retailers) Association says that goats are bought from other States and transportation and others including skin removal had led to the increase in cost. "The government slaughter house is not well maintained. Even if we keep the goats for a day there, it would lose weight," Anwar says.

Even after the 45-day ban on fishing, customers say prices of fish have also gone up to INR50-150 (US$0.84-2.51). Fish sellers claim the increase in prices could have been because of the decrease in the quantity of fishes being brought from the sea and the increase in fuel prices. "I bought sankara (red snapper) for INR230/kg (US$3.85). During the ban it went up as much as INR350-400 (US$5.86-6.70). Before the ban the price was lesser than INR200 (US$3.35)," says Vijay of Washermenpet.

Nethili is priced at INR300/kg (US$5.02), while sura or shark costs INR550-600 (US$9.21-10.05). Prawns costs INR600 (US$10.05) and vanjaram fish is sold between INR600 (US$10.05) and INR700 (US$11.73).