KATHMANDU, AUG 31 -
A decline in chick production has pushed up the price of chicken in the capital. A kilo of chicken now costs Rs. 260, up Rs. 15.

“Production of chicks has declined severely as farmers are busy planting paddy,” said Junga Bahadur B.C., president of the Chicken Sellers Business Association.

“The daily demand of chicks in the country is around 1 to 1.2 million, however, only 800,000 to 900,000 chicks are being produced at present,” said Ishwor Sharma, president of the Nepal Hatchery Industries Association.

Apart from the drop in chick output, a rise in the price of feed has also forced chicken sellers to increase the price.

“The price of feed has also gone up, forcing poultry farmers to hike the price,” said Gokarna Ghimire, president of the National Poultry Farmers Association. The cost of a live bird has gone up from Rs. 120 to Rs. 180 per kg, he added.

Traders said prices would fall as soon as the production of chicken returns to normal levels. However, it may not happen until the approaching festive season ends. Kathmandu imports most of its chicken requirements from Chitwan, Kavrepalanchok, Godavari and Futung. According to chicken sellers, shipments from Chitwan have declined substantially in recent times with a rise in production in Kavrepalanchok, Godavari and Futung.

Currently, Chitwan supplies 10 percent of Kathmandu’s chicken requirements, down from 30 to 40 percent earlier. The capital consumes around 150 tons of chicken daily.


Posted on: 2010-09-01 08:42

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