The cost of meat is climbing across Kerala as the arrival of poultry and cattle from neighbouring states has seen a drastic decline. Traders caution that prices are set to rise further due to this severe supply crunch.

Beef prices hit new highs

A kilogram of beef, which cost ₹380 last year, has now reached ₹480 to ₹500. This spike is driven by a 50% drop in supply from Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, combined with transport obstacles. In addition, large export firms in Andhra, Telangana and Maharashtra are outbidding local traders to secure livestock for the global market, where Indian beef is in high demand.

M A Saleem, national president of the Meat Industries Welfare Association, noted that high transit costs, labour wages and government-imposed burdens have made bringing livestock into Kerala increasingly difficult.

Chicken prices surge even amid summer heat

Chicken prices have jumped from ₹135 to ₹175 in just three days. Poultry sellers attribute this to high mortality rates, as extreme heat has caused widespread deaths among chicks. Furthermore, following a price dip in April caused by the heatwave and a cooking gas crisis, many farmers were hesitant to start new batches, leading to the current shortage.

Impact on the hospitality sector

With no strict regulations to curb these price hikes, the Kerala Hotel and Restaurant Association has warned that the rising costs will soon reflect in higher prices for restaurant dishes. N Pratheesh, the association's secretary, confirmed that the combined increase in meat and LPG costs leaves hotel owners with no choice but to adjust their menus.