Poultry farms struggle to cope as extreme heat and hailstorms impact production
The relentless heat and hailstorms have led to a decline in chicken production, resulting in a sharp increase in meat prices, reaching up to Rs. 270. Poultry farms are grappling with severe heat, causing a significant loss of chickens and devastation to crops. Anticipating further losses, cautious traders have chosen to temporarily shut down poultry operations. Consequently, this has had a drastic impact on the overall yield. Surprisingly, the demand for chickens has surged, contributing to the ongoing price hike. The intensity of the sun has been on the rise throughout the week, indicating that if these conditions persist, chicken prices may escalate further.
Despite the expectation that the sunny weather would dampen chicken meat sales, the opposite has occurred. With the onset of the wedding season, the demand for chicken has skyrocketed, leading to crowded markets on Sundays. However, meat enthusiasts are left dismayed by the steep increase in prices. Compared to last year, chicken prices have witnessed a staggering surge. Previously, a kilogram of chicken meat cost between Rs. 150 to 180, but this year, prices have reached an unprecedented Rs. 270. Traders describe this as an unprecedented hike in chicken prices.
Typically, chickens cannot withstand temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius. Without adequate cooling measures such as sprinklers, chickens succumb to the scorching heat. Presently, temperatures range from 42 to 45 degrees Celsius, making it incredibly challenging for large-scale poultry owners to maintain suitable conditions for their flocks, even with the installation of coolers. Moreover, the price of eggs has also increased in tandem with chicken prices. A single egg, which used to cost Rs. 4.50, has risen to Rs. 6.50 or even Rs. 7.50. Doctors advise consuming chicken eggs due to their high protein content, but the soaring prices have become a burden for consumers.
The surge in chicken prices and the parallel increase in egg prices have caused distress among meat lovers and consumers alike. The ongoing crisis within the poultry industry has sparked discussions and the search for solutions to alleviate the challenges faced by both farmers and consumers.