Meat Sells Like Hotcakes, Poultry Takes a Hit

The price of vegetables and protein-rich pulses has gone through the roof because of the recent rain and poor supply. There is no doubt vegetarians are having it tough, but the city’s non-vegetarians have decided to turn to their second-best option — red meat

BENGALURU: The city has seen a surge in demand for beef and pork in the last one month, with the prices of pulses and vegetables spiraling out of control thanks to rain and poor supply.

Anishuddin, a beef seller at Johnson Market, told Express on Thursday, “Generally, when there is a surge in price of lentils, pulses and vegetables, the demand for poultry products goes up. But it is surprising that this year we are having a good time selling beef.”

An official from the Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services said official statistics say the demand of red meat, especially beef, went down from 2013-14 to 2014-15. “The demand for pork went up in this time because it is savoured in pubs. But over the past few months, both pork and beef have been in high demand,” the official said.

According to official data, 1,43,722 heads of cattle and 60,391 buffalo were slaughtered in the state in 2013-14. The numbers went down to 1,40,977 and 54,793 respectively in 2014-15. But the recent price rise has changed things.

Few Takers for Poultry Products

Poultry products, usually the second best choice when it comes to proteins, has failed to attract many buyers as prices of both meat and eggs have gone up. People who consume poultry products have mixed food habits and usually substitute eggs and chicken in their regular meals once or twice a week.

Ashok Kumar K S, president of the Karnataka Poultry Farmers’ and Breeders’ Association, said, “There is a drought-like situation across the state and this has sparked a surge in the price of both maize and soya, two main poultry feed ingredients.” As such, the production cost of poultry products has gone up even as demand has fallen, he said.

Vincent Joseph, a meat seller at Lakkasandra, said, “People who consume pork and beef are pure non-vegetarians and have increased their consumption as the prices of other food items are going through the roof. But the demand for eggs and chicken has gone down. People who consume chicken once or twice a week have cut down on their consumption.”