Poultry business in Chandigarh hit as bird flu scare spreads

Incidence of H1N1 virus among geese at Sukna Lake has affected price of eggs, footfall in eateries

Bird flu scare in Chandigarh has affected the poultry business in and around the city. The year-end normally registers peak demand for poultry products in north India and eventually, prices also rise. However, the incidence of H1N5 virus among the geese at Sukhna Lake in Chandigarh last week has put the authorities on alert. This has also led to lower demand for poultry.

Retailers, when contacted about the sales, refused to admit any drop in the sales, but footfall of visitors at outlets which sell eggs and chicken has been minimal despite a chilly weather.

Parmod Singla, president of Haryana Poultry Farmers' Association, told the rate of an egg at the farm has decreased from Rs 4.05 to Rs 3.65. According to Singla, the demand for eggs hasn't been affected much, but their prices have dwindled due to rumours of bird flu.

He said the poultry industry was in a tight spot as a fall in the prices of broiler and local bred chickens also seen a fall. At some places, rates of broiler have seen a fall of 15-20 per cent since a week back. This period of the year is most crucial for poultry farms because the demand for poultry products is high due to acute winter and year-end celebrations.

The poultry sector has been reeling under losses due to the increase in prices of poutry feed and other inputs. A weak demand may further jeopardise the viability of smaller poultry farms, Singla added.

The Sukhna Lake has been shut for visitors for a month. There are also reports of crow carcass being spotted at some places in Punjab and Haryana.

SOMETHING TO WORRY

| The price of an egg at the farm has decreased from Rs 4.05 to Rs 3.65, according to Parmod Singla, president, Haryana Poultry Farmers' Association
| Singla said demand for eggs hasn't been affected much, but their prices have dwindled due to rumours of bird flu
| The poultry industry is in a tight spot as the prices of broiler and local-bred chickens have also registered a fall
| At some places, prices of broiler have fallen by 15-20 per cent