INDORE
A steep rise in the cost of production owing to high feed cost and spurt in transportation charges have led to a spike in poultry prices amid high retail demand burning a hole in the common man’s pocket.
According to the Indore Poultry Farmers’ Association, retail price of dressed chicken has soared to Rs240-250 per kilogram and egg is sold at Rs 7 per piece at retail markets in Indore.
Dr Surendra Kumrawat, president, Indore Poultry Farmers’ Association said, “I have been into this industry since the year 1989 and have never seen such high farm rates for chicken. Cost of rearing birds has gone up sharply because everything has become expensive, be it feed or transportation. Also, there is some shortage in the market because the placement rate has dropped after many poultries reduced output in lockdown.”
Industry participants said demand for poultry products has also jumped post lockdown due to increased inclination towards a protein rich diet to boost immunity. The increase in demand for poultry products followed by high cost of rearing and transportation, together contributed in lifting prices for chicken and eggs, said industry players.
The cost of production in the poultry sector has gone up by almost 30% due to a jump in prices of soya and maize, said poultry farm owners.
