Wayanad: Chicken prices surged in the state as a result of the decline in production due to the soaring temperature. Currently, Rs 250 is charged for the meat while Rs 170 is charged for a live chicken.

By the onset of summer, even the production in large poultry farms have been halved. It is observed that that high temperature increases the chance for the chicken to get died soon. The scarcity of water to feed the chicken is also posing a major challenge to the industry.

The growth of the chickens is also affected due to the high temperature. Compared to other seasons, the poultry farmers have to breed the chickens on the farm for more days due to poor weight. Since the number of chickens being farmed in the district lessened, the prices also started going up.

When the production in Kerala declines, chickens are being brought from Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. But these states also reported low production. Retailers said it is more expensive to bring chicken from other states. According to the vendors, farms are expected to increase production for the Easter market and chicken prices will drop in the coming days.

The price hike is a loss to traders as well, said Sayid Ondayangadi, a trader in Mananthavady who is also the district president of the Chicken Traders Association. With the increase in prices, trade has also come down significantly. 

If the price goes above Rs 180, the traders have to reduce the margin. Vendors say that when the prices surge, they have to reduce the prices by Rs 10 to attract customers. But this will reduce the profit.