Mangaluru: In the midst of fears regarding the coronavirus infection, the price of broiler chicken meat continued to dip drastically in the Dakshina Kannada district despite the Karnataka Co-operative Poultry Federation Limited repeatedly clarifying that chicken was safe for consumption.
At present, one kilogram of chicken meat fetches Rs 80 (retail price) and Rs 55 (in a poultry farm). Earlier, the price wavered between Rs 85 to Rs 90 (in the poultry farm) and was sold in retail at Rs 130. However, the price of locally-bred chicken (or “naati koli”) remains stable and continues to fetch Rs 500 per kg, sources informed.
It can be noted that chicken sales were initially not affected in Mangaluru. However, the prices dipped due to the arrival of broilers from other districts where the poultry industry was hit by rumours on coronavirus, informed chicken meat vendor Lakshmana Ugranimane.
Lakshman also says that one cannot say that the price of chicken dipped only due to the rumours on coronavirus as the sale of chicken usually comes down in the months of April and May due to the sweltering heat. Some people might have stopped consuming non-vegetarian food due to temple rituals like ‘Brahmakalashotsava’ and fairs near their houses, Laksman said.
One kilogram of chicken, after cleaning, is being sold at Rs 130. However, after rumours began circulating about the coronavirus infection, the price come down to Rs 100 per kg a few days ago. The prices of eggs have also gone down.
“A month ago, one single egg was priced at Rs 5.50 in retail. Since then, the price has dropped down to Rs 4.50 per egg”, said Sumana who is the owner of a shop in Ashokanagar.
South Kanara District Poultry Farmers Multi-Purpose Co-Operative Society President Dayananda Adyar informed that the rumours that broiler chicken meat was transmitting coronavirus (COVID – 19) had reduced the demand by 30 per cent in Dakshina Kannada district. There are nearly 600 poultry farms in the district and the poultry society has over 1,000 members.
The dip in consumption of chicken has had a negative impact on the livelihood of many people who are dependent on the poultry sector, according to Karnataka Co-operative Poultry Federation Limited.
