PUNE: As the prices of vegetables continue to burn a hole in the pocket of Puneites, the prices of chicken and eggs have also increased in the last one week. The retail price of without skin chicken has increased by Rs 25 to 30 and ranges between Rs 190 to Rs 200 per kg. The price of eggs has increased to Rs 5 to 6 per egg.
“The price of chicken has increased by Rs 30 since the first week of November and at present the price of without skin chicken is ranged at Rs 200. As festivals are over and winter is approaching, the demand has increased and there is a shortage of supply, therefore the price has increased. The egg price which was Rs 45 to 48 per dozen has increased to Rs 60 to Rs65,” said Manzoor Nazir Shaikh, owner of Diamond Chicken and Bismillah Food, Shivaji Market, Camp.
“It’s been eight days the prices have increased. The retail price of live chicken has increased from Rs 100 to Rs 130 per kg while without skin chicken has increased from Rs 150 to 160 to Rs 190. It is likely that eggs’ price will increase in a day or two,” said Madhu Punde, owner of Kuk Doo Chicken Shop.
“The National Egg Co-ordination Committee (NECC) declared price of eggs has also increased from Rs 4.10 per egg to Rs 4.72. This is due to increase in demand as the festival season is over and there is always more demand in winter season. It is likely to remain like this for some time or there might be a further five to ten per cent increase in price,” said Sham Bhagat, Chairman, NECC, Pune.
The soaring maize price and unseasonal rainfall that damaged the maize crops is one of the important reasons for this price rise. Kiran Abhade, Abhade Poultry Farm, Kopargaon said, “There is an increase in Rs 10 per kg in the farm get price of live chicken which has resulted in increased price in retail market. It is due to more demand and supply has reduced as the poultry farmers have reduced placement of chickens.”
“We thought the price of maize will be lowered by the end of September but unseasonal rainfall damaged the maize crops resulting in high maize price of around Rs 20.50. Due to this high cost of production, farmers have reduced the placement,” said Prasanna Pedgaonkar, General Manager, Venky’s, Pune.
