Buoyed by a strong demand, cut in production and higher feed prices, broiler prices touched a record high of Rs 82 a kg. The previous record high of Rs 75 for broiler was seen in April 2011.
Following the recent bird flu outbreak in Bangalore, the broiler industry cut its output by 20 per cent from one crore kg a week and now, with the consumption picking up, prices are scaling up.
“Soaring feed prices that account for one-third of cost of production is the prime reason for the price hike. With austere seasons coming to an end and summer approaching, we see a good demand for broiler and prices are not likely to come down till June,” said R. Lakshmanan, President, Broiler Coordination Committee (BCC).
Demand for animal protein gains momentum during summer.
A 75-kg bag of broiler feed costs Rs 2,458 in December 2012 against Rs 1,805 during the same period previous year.
Meanwhile, egg prices also are on the rise owing to pick-up in retail demand.
The National Egg Coordination Committee (Namakkal zone) has increased the price of an egg by 15 paise this week to Rs 3.55 and that of layer birds to Rs 45 (Rs 44).
Namakkal and Palladam prices are the benchmarks for eggs and chicken respectively in the country.