October 18, 2010

Indian poultry prices flatten amid low consumption

Prices of poultry products in Tamil Nadu almost ruled flat this week due to a slowdown in consumption.

Namakkal-based National Egg Coordination Committee (NECC) has maintained egg prices at last week's level of Rs2.50 a piece and rates for its layer birds at Rs42 a kg for the past ten days. Palladam-based Broiler Coordination Committee also has retained last week's Rs52 a kg price level for live chicken, according to reports.

The slowdown has been caused by a confluence of factors-lower offtake on domestic front (due to the onset of the austere "Purattasi" month), slack export demand and a dip in consumption in Karnataka and Maharashtra, major markets for Tamil Nadu's shell egg and broiler trade.

Dr P. Selvaraj, Zonal Chairman, NECC, said, "Layer rates remain unchanged as our main consumers-Karnataka, Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh-observe Dasara, the period of abstinence. We expect a rise in offtake and prices after Monday."

Moreover, stable feed prices are also holding prices of chicken and eggs flat, poultry sources said. Prices of soyameal-a key ingredient in poultry feed-ruled at Rs18,200-18,300 a tonne as against Rs18,600-18,800 last year.