The scorching heatwave conditions that have enveloped the city in recent weeks have inadvertently led to a significant surge in chicken prices. With temperatures reaching record highs, poultry farms are grappling to maintain optimal conditions for raising chickens, resulting in lower production levels. Consequently, retailers across the city have witnessed an unprecedented increase in the per kilogram price of chicken, which has now exceeded the ₹300-mark. Compounding the situation further, the ongoing wedding season has added additional strain on the demand for chicken, exacerbating the price surge.
The relentless heatwave conditions have created a multitude of challenges for poultry farms in the region. Chickens are particularly sensitive to temperature fluctuations, and excessive heat can lead to reduced appetite, increased stress levels, and lower egg production. Poultry farmers are required to invest in advanced cooling systems, ventilation, and effective management practices to ensure the well-being and productivity of their flocks. However, even with these measures in place, the extreme heat poses a significant obstacle to maintaining the optimal growth and development of chickens.
The heatwave’s adverse effects on poultry production have been reflected in the market, where a substantial decline in chicken supplies has been witnessed. The scarcity of available chickens has subsequently triggered a surge in prices, as demand continues to outpace supply. Consumers, especially during the wedding season, are feeling the impact of these rising prices, as chicken remains an integral part of celebratory menus.
The wedding season, known for its extravagant feasts and culinary delights, has further strained the demand for chicken. In many cultures, chicken is considered a staple protein and forms an essential component of celebratory meals. As weddings are traditionally held during specific auspicious periods, the demand for chicken experiences a significant upsurge. The combination of increased demand from wedding events and the already constrained chicken supplies due to the heatwave has created a perfect storm for the price surge.
Retailers are grappling with the consequences of these concurrent factors. They face the challenge of balancing customer demands while grappling with the limited availability of chicken at reasonable prices. Consequently, retailers are forced to pass on the increased costs to the consumers, resulting in the per kilogram price crossing the ₹300-mark.
To alleviate the impact of the heatwave and ensure a steady supply of chicken in the market, poultry farms are implementing various measures. These include enhanced cooling systems, modified feeding practices, and intensified monitoring of the chickens’ health and well-being. Farmers are also exploring alternative techniques such as shade netting, misting systems, and advanced insulation to shield the birds from the adverse effects of extreme heat.
However, mitigating the effects of the heatwave and stabilizing chicken prices will take time. Farmers need to adapt their farming practices to cope with changing climatic conditions, and the market requires time to adjust to the current demand-supply dynamics. As temperatures eventually cool down, and poultry farms optimize their operations, it is anticipated that chicken supplies will gradually normalize, potentially leading to a moderation in prices.
Conclusion:
The recent surge in chicken prices in the city can be attributed to a combination of extreme heatwave conditions and the ongoing wedding season. The heatwave has significantly impacted poultry farms, causing lower production levels and a scarcity of chickens in the market. Concurrently, the demand for chicken has spiked due to the wedding season, exacerbating the price surge. Retailers are left with no choice but to pass on the increased costs to consumers. While efforts are being made to mitigate the effects of the heatwave and stabilize chicken supplies, it will take time for the market to adjust. In the interim, consumers may need to adjust their consumption patterns or explore alternative protein sources until prices normalize.