ALAPPUZHA: Small poultry farms in Kerala are stopping broiler poultry production following the strong intervention of the Tamil Nadu lobby in the market. The reason behind the withdrawal of poultry farm owners is that broilers are not getting a price proportional to the cost of production.

The price of broiler chicken rose sharply in the state as domestic production fell. The price of one kilo of chicken, which stood at Rs 85 last month, rose to Rs 160 yesterday. There are more than a thousand poultry farms in the state. Only half of these farms are functioning now. Several poultry farms started under self-employment schemes are in dire straits.

As 80 percent of the broiler chicken required in the state is produced here, there is not much demand in the state for broiler chicken from Tamil Nadu as it used to be. However, the production of chicks is mostly in Tamil Nadu. At present, it is the Tamil Nadu bobby that controls the price of chicks and feed. The price of a one-day-old chick stood at Rs 20 last month. Now, it has increased to 25 rupees. The price of 50 kg of feed has also risen to Rs 2300. One will have to spend a good amount of money on taking care of a chicken bought for 25 rupees and raising it for 40 days.

Tamil Nadu lobby cheating farmers

The price is controlled by the Tamil Nadu lobby. Chicks and feed required by farmers in Kerala are coming from Tamil Nadu. When the season starts in the farms of Kerala, the Tamil Nadu lobby will bring broiler chicken to Kerala at a low price, causing financial loss to the farmers here.

Broiler chicken price (per kg)
Chicken: Rs 160
Meat: Rs 210

Poultry feed (50 kg)

Last year: Rs 1230
Now: Rs 2300