Telangana chicken prices hit record high
TELANGANA: Chicken prices in Telangana have surged to record levels, touching ₹350–₹370 per kg on Sunday. Traders said this is the first time rates have reached such levels.
Last Sunday (15th), skinless chicken was priced at ₹325 per kg. Within a week, the price rose by up to ₹45 to ₹370. Dressed chicken with skin is selling at ₹320 per kg, while live birds are priced between ₹210 and ₹220. In Nizamabad, the rate has touched ₹400 per kg. Boneless chicken is reportedly selling above ₹700 per kg.
Weather fluctuations, poultry deaths worsen supply shortage
Chicken prices have been rising for some time but have increased sharply in recent weeks. Traders attributed the surge to higher demand during panchayat and municipal elections, the Sammakka–Saralamma festival, the wedding season and Ramzan.
Supply has fallen as large numbers of birds died due to weather fluctuations. Traders said chickens are dying not only at farms but also after reaching retail outlets. This has made farmers hesitant to bring new chicks for rearing.
Shop owners said supplies earlier came from areas near Hyderabad but are now sourced from distant districts such as Siddipet and Mahabubnagar. Allegations have also emerged that major companies colluded to cut retailer margins, taking advantage of the shortage.
Egg prices fall amid export slowdown and higher domestic supply
Higher prices have reduced consumption. Customers who earlier bought one kg are now purchasing only 500–750 grams. Traders said sales have dropped by 30–40 per cent.
Native chicken has become costlier. Live native birds that earlier sold at ₹400 per kg now cost ₹500. Telangana Poultry Federation president Mohan Reddy said around 11 lakh kg of chicken is sold daily in the state. He said extreme temperature variations heat in the morning and cold at night have affected poultry growth.
Earlier, birds weighed between 2.5 kg and 3.5 kg. Now, due to summer conditions, average weight has fallen to about 1.5 kg, pushing up prices. Production has also declined as farmers face higher chick and feed costs and spend more on coolers and sprinklers.
While chicken prices have risen, egg prices have fallen. A month ago, retail egg prices touched ₹8 due to shortage. Export slowdown linked to the Iran–Israel conflict has increased domestic stocks, leading to lower prices. Eggs are now sold at ₹4.50–₹6 each, with a dozen priced around ₹60.
