Kerala welcomed the New Year with record chicken consumption, as 31.64 lakh kg of chicken meat was sold across the state. The surge showed strong festive demand, even as bird flu restrictions were in place in parts of Alappuzha.

Traders said chicken sales on New Year’s Eve alone brought in an additional Rs 9.04 lakh. The figures highlight how celebrations pushed demand far above normal levels across Kerala.

Bird flu curbs fail to affect business

Although chicken sales were banned in some panchayats of Alappuzha due to bird flu, traders said overall business was not affected. Higher prices also did not stop people from buying chicken during the celebrations.

Kerala usually consumes about 22.6 lakh kg of chicken every day. On festive days, demand rises by nearly 40%, according to the All Kerala Poultry Federation. This pattern was clearly seen during the New Year celebrations.

Ernakulam, Malappuram, Kozhikode lead sales

Ernakulam, Malappuram and Kozhikode recorded the highest sales, with 3.5 lakh kg each. Thrissur and Kannur followed with 3.15 lakh kg each.

Wayanad reported the lowest consumption at 84,000 kg, while Alappuzha accounted for 1.4 lakh kg.

Two years ago, peak festive-day sales stood at 22 lakh kg, showing a sharp rise this year.

Prices stay high amid strong demand

Live chicken prices ranged between Rs 164 and Rs 168 per kg, with small local variations. Demand came from all age groups, driven by popular dishes such as chicken biryani, alfaham, mandi and fried chicken.

The strong sales have boosted confidence in the poultry sector but also raised concerns over supply.

“The rise in sales is encouraging. Prices are likely to increase further due to insufficient stock. There is a growing need to source more supplies from other states,”said SK Naseer, State General Secretary, All Kerala Poultry Federation

With limited stock availability, the chicken prices may rise further.