Visakhapatnam: As the festive season unfolds, a significant increase in chicken and mutton prices has been observed across Andhra Pradesh, particularly following Dussehra celebrations. On October 12, the day before Dussehra, mutton was priced at approximately Rs 900 per kilogram. However, as festivities concluded on Sunday, October 13, a notable rush at meat counters was reported, with consumers eager to purchase chicken and mutton for their post-festival meals.
Traditionally, non-vegetarian dishes are favoured during Dussehra . Yet, due to the nature of Saturday, many opted for vegetarian meals. With Sunday marking a return to regular dining habits, markets experienced long queues as people flocked to purchase meat. Reports indicate that skinless chicken prices have surged to between Rs 240 and Rs 260 per kilogram in various regions of Andhra Pradesh.
The price variations are particularly pronounced in Srikakulam, where chicken is sold at rates approximately ₹20 higher than in neighbouring districts like Visakhapatnam and Vizianagaram. The escalating prices have been attributed to syndicates controlling the market, with wholesale traders setting rates unilaterally. Despite local farms producing sufficient feed and housing chicken farms, prices remain inflated due to these syndicate practices.
Local vendors are expressing frustration over the uncontrollable price hikes. Kailash, a shop owner on Rythu Bazar Road in Srikakulam, emphasized the need for government intervention to regulate chicken prices, stating that wholesalers dictate rates without oversight.
S.K. Farooq, a broiler seller from the Ram Nagar market in Visakhapatnam, said that mutton is being sold for Rs 900 per kg, live chicken for Rs 160, and Skinless chicken for Rs 280.
Ravipalli Muralidhar from the Animal Husbandry Department acknowledged the challenges of price control but suggested that a committee involving relevant government departments could help manage pricing effectively.
In response to rising demand during Dussehra, many traders have begun sourcing sheep and goats from Odisha at lower prices approximately Rs 40 less per kilogram than local rates. This practice has led to accusations of local traders inflating prices under the guise of transporting goods from distant locations.
As demand for mutton rises where sheep and goats that typically sell for Rs 11,000 to Rs 13,000 are now fetching between Rs 14,000 and Rs 16,000, consumers are increasingly concerned about affordability and availability, said Thatraj Appala Raju, a local trader from Visakhapatnam.
