07-07-2025
Seafood arrival and festive season impact chicken consumption in Andhra Pradesh
Visakhapatnam: Broiler chicken prices in parts of Andhra Pradesh have dipped due to an increase in production and a decrease in demand. Dressed chicken is currently selling for Rs 175 to Rs 180 per kg at various markets across the state.
Around two months ago, dressed chicken was sold for Rs 260 to Rs 270 per kg due to a gap between demand and supply, as high temperatures had reduced production.
K. Srinu, a poultry farmer in the Vizag region, expressed that chicken prices have crashed due to surplus supply and low consumption in Andhra Pradesh and neighbouring Odisha and West Bengal, owing to auspicious occasions. He added that the fall in prices in July is unusual, and the drop is more significant this time, causing concern within the poultry industry.
Prices have dropped to Rs 40 to Rs 50 per kg against the Rs 100 cost of production.
Srinu stated that if poultry farmers receive at least Rs 130 per kg for live birds, the trade would become profitable for them. He added that prices of chicken will likely drop again between October and November, owing to the auspicious Kartik month.
Meat traders stated that the price of chicken has dropped by around Rs 60 to Rs 80 per kg compared to prices in May.
With the arrival of seafood (fish and prawn) after the end of the deep-sea fishing ban, chicken consumption has decreased.
On the other hand, country chicken prices have remained steady for the past two months. Dressed country chicken is selling for Rs 900 to Rs 1,200 per kg, depending on the size of the bird. Country (Naati Kodi) growers are reportedly earning good profits, selling live birds at Rs 700 to Rs 800 per kg due to limited supply and high demand, according to G.
Ramu Naidu, a poultry farmer from North Andhra Pradesh.
Limited supply struggling to meet high demand is being cited as the reason for increasing country chicken prices. Broiler chicks on the farm need 50 to 60 days to reach a harvestable state, whereas country chicks need at least four to six months.
