Soaring mercury levels drive chicken rates higher in Karimnagar

Chicken prices in Karimnagar and across Telangana have surged by nearly Rs 100 per kg in just ten days, driven by extreme heat, reduced poultry production, and higher bird mortality.

Karimnagar: Prices of chicken are skyrocketing. Chicken, which was available at a lesser price ten days ago, has become dearer to the common public.

Not only in Karimnagar, but similar is the situation across the state. There is almost Rs 80 to Rs 100 increase in the price per kg within a span of ten days. A kilogram of skinless chicken is available at Rs 360 in the retail market. Some of the retailers sold it at Rs 380 last Sunday.

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Extremely hot weather prevailing in the state during the last few days is stated to be the main reason for the sudden rise in the price of chicken.

Usually, the production of chicken comes down in the summer season since small poultry farmers stay away from the activity to avoid losses as it is more expensive to protect birds from soaring heat.

The mercury levels have been recorded at 44 degree Celsius in many areas of the states and consequently the mortality rate of chicken in poultry farms has also gone up leading to a shortage, which culminated in the abnormal price rise. Ten days ago, the price of a kg of chicken was between Rs 240 to Rs 260. It started gaining momentum in the beginning of May.

Speaking to Telangana Today, Raju, owner of Jyothy chicken center, said that they were forced to increase the price due to the shortage of birds. In April last week, they sold a kg of chicken at Rs 260. However, they had to enhance the price due to a shortage of chickens.

A wholesale trader, Pasha informed that small poultry farmers would not rear any birds in summer since it was very difficult to protect them from soaring heat. So, all small farmers would stay away from the practice.

Only big farmers would grow chickens by taking special precautions including arranging air coolers and other measures. Subsequently, shortages of chickens developed, resulting in a rise in price, he said.