Hyderabad’s bustling poultry market is facing a major crisis. Sundays, which usually see nearly 10 lakh kilograms of chicken and live poultry sold, are now quieter than ever. Why? The bird flu outbreak in neighboring Andhra Pradesh has sparked fear among consumers, causing a sharp drop in sales.
The Telangana Poultry Federation reports that the industry’s daily income, which normally hits ₹10 crore, has fallen by 50%. This is a huge blow to thousands of farmers and workers who depend on the poultry business for their livelihoods.
What’s Causing the Panic?
K. Mohan Reddy, president of the Telangana Poultry Federation, explains that bird flu itself isn’t new, it has appeared 4-5 times in the last 25 years. The real problem is the fear it creates. People are avoiding chicken and eggs, even though properly cooked poultry is safe to eat.
Workers in the industry are still doing their jobs, and farms are keeping everything clean and hygienic. But the fear has spread faster than the flu itself.
Egg Sales Crack Under Pressure
It’s not just chicken, egg sales are also suffering. Telangana produces 4 crore eggs daily, with half consumed locally and the rest sent to other states. But now, even this steady supply is struggling as demand drops.
K. Balaswamy, an adviser to the National Egg Coordination Committee, points out that egg sales usually dip between mid-January and May. The bird flu outbreak has made things worse, pushing prices down and adding to the challenges faced by poultry farmers.
Is There Hope Ahead?
The poultry industry is hopeful that things will improve in the next 7-10 days Federation leaders have met with government officials to discuss solutions. Meanwhile, experts remind everyone that properly cooked chicken and eggs are safe to eat.
Key Takeaway:
The bird flu outbreak has shaken Hyderabad’s poultry industry, but the bigger issue is consumer fear. With proper precautions and awareness, the industry hopes to bounce back soon. For now, it’s a waiting game for farmers, workers, and chicken lovers alike.
Stay tuned for more Chicken News as the situation develops!