Hyderabad: Demand for mutton and seafood surges as bird flu fears persist
Hyderabad: The recent bird flu outbreak in both Telangana and Andhra Pradesh states has not only impacted the sales of chicken, it has also led to a steep decline in the chicken prices.
Consequently, the consumers have shifted their focus to alternative protein sources like mutton and seafood and due to the increased demand the prices of mutton and fish have gone up in Hyderabad.
Before the bird flu scare, the mutton price was around Rs. 850 per kg and today it has been increased to Rs. 1200 per kg in the city.
According to mutton sellers in Hyderabad, the demand for red meat has witnessed a 40 percent rise in the last couple weeks. As demand increased and supply remained limited, a price hike was inevitable, according to butchers.
Similarly, fish sales have also seen a sharp rise during the same period. It has been brisk business for fish sellers as their daily sales have doubled. The customers, who would earlier prefer chicken, are now buying fish varieties such as rohu, rava, bochu, katla and also prawns. At Musheerabad fish market, almost 60 tonnes of fish were sold previous Sunday, compared to the usual 40 tonnes on weekdays.
Fish sellers have cautioned that if the spike in seafood sales continues for another few weeks, it may lead to supply shortages. They say as the fishing is dependent on weather and season and the higher demand for fish may result in further price hikes.
The effects of bird flu scare are quite visible on weddings in Hyderabad too. Fish and mutton dishes have replaced the chicken platter and other items on the menus at the function halls.
Meanwhile, the poultry companies have been organising free chicken melas to reassure consumers about the safety of chicken and eggs.
