Chicken prices in local markets have surged from Rs 125-135 per kg to Rs 150-160 per kg due to a 10-15% decline in supply, attributed to the severe heat impacting poultry farms. This supply shortage has also pushed the prices of skinless and boneless chicken to Rs 200/kg and Rs 215/kg, respectively. Kerala, consuming about 60 lakh kg of chicken daily, relies on 60% of its supply from regions in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, with the remaining 40% sourced locally from places like Malappuram and Kozhikode.
The intense summer heat and water scarcity have significantly increased chicken mortality rates, prompting farmers to scale down production to mitigate losses. This reduction in production, coupled with the reduction of margin prices to retailers from Rs 25-30/kg to Rs 15-20/kg, has contributed to the price hike. Poultry farmers are also adjusting the number of chicks per hatchery to combat heat stress, with some maintaining higher numbers to avoid financial loss.
The rise in chicken prices is notable compared to other meats, with mutton priced at Rs 900/kg and beef at Rs 450/kg. Despite the increased consumption during Ramadan, which typically sees a 5% rise, the demand has not significantly influenced chicken prices, which were notably lower at Rs 89/kg during Ramadan 2022. Kudumbashree-run Kerala Chicken noted the rate remains around Rs 160/kg, with price fluctuations linked to broiler weight loss and mortality due to the heat.