VIJAYAWADA: For the first time this year, the price of chicken increased to Rs 210 per kg in Vijayawada city on Sunday. The chicken price was around Rs 140-160 per kg two weeks ago. The steep rise in the price of chicken was attributed to increase in demand for it during Dasara season. The chicken price is expected to increase further in the coming weeks.
Dressed chicken costs between Rs 210 and Rs 220 per kg, while boneless chicken is priced at Rs 300 at retail outlets in the city. A live bird is sold at Rs 100 to Rs 120 per kg. There are over 500 chicken shops in and around the city.
The supply of chicken has been affected due to the general assumption that the demand decreases after the Dasara festival. The decrease in the supply of chicken from the poultry industry has resulted in an increase in the price.
“In Vijayawada city alone, the monthly consumption of chicken is around 10 lakh kg on an average. But the supply is between 7-8 lakh kg now. The high chicken price is likely to continue till Deepavali. After that, the chicken price is likely to come down to Rs 150 a kg,” said Md Mastan Vali, a poultry businessman.
Traders are quite happy with the rise in chicken price. During Karthika Masam, most of the people avoid consumption of non-vegetarian dishes. As the chicken price is set to decline during Karthika Masam, traders are hopeful of earning good profits till then with the rise in chicken price.
“It is true that chicken has become costlier. But we do not avoid eating it. Even if the chicken price increased, I bought it as my family likes it a lot,” says N Babji, a consumer.