Sudden 120 dip in chicken price brings relief for kitchen budget
Times of India | 29 July 2024
Kolkata: Chicken prices in Kolkata have dipped by almost Rs 100-Rs 120 for the dressed ones and Rs 60-Rs 70 for the whole ones in the past 10 days due to the decrease in temperature, several communities switching to vegetarian fare for the ‘Shravan’ month, and the decrease in demand with no big festival or event in the next few weeks. According to the prices provided by the West Bengal Poultry Federation, dressed chicken was selling for Rs 180-Rs 190 per kg and whole chicken for Rs 110-Rs 120 per kg at various markets across the city on Sunday.
In the second week of July, dressed chicken had been selling at Rs 300 per kg and whole chicken cost Rs 180 per kg.
This dip in prices has brought relief to families for which chicken is a staple protein source.
“The weather has cooled down to a large extent, which has led to an increase in supply of chicken, reducing the price by several notches,” said S Biswas, deputy CEO of the West Bengal Poultry Federation.
“The ongoing Shravan month has also impacted the demand, bringing down the prices as several secti-ons avoid non-vegetarian food during this time,” Biswas added.
Chicken prices had been on the rise since the middle of April due to a fairly long spell of hot weather, several festivals and the general elections, when demand had shot up.
“Chicken is a staple in many households and an increase in price was burning a hole in the consumer’s pocket. But prices have dipped considerably over the last few days,” said Biswanath Saha, secretary of the market committee in College Street Market.
Reduction in prices has brought joy to those for whom chicken is an integral part of the Sunday lunch menu. “Chicken is one of the most affordable sources of protein and most households consume a decent amount on a weekly basis. But till a few weeks ago, we had to decrease our dependence on chicken with the prices skyrocketing. The prices have, however, dipped in the past three to four days, much to our relief,” said Tanusree Biswas, a homemaker from Girish Park.