Relief for consumers as chicken prices crash in AP amid Telangana strike

Vijayawada: In a sudden and dramatic turnaround, chicken prices across Andhra Pradesh have plunged after weeks of steady rise, bringing much-needed relief to consumers. The sharp decline is being linked to the ongoing chicken shop strike in neighbouring Telangana, which has disrupted supply chains and altered market demand.Just days ago, on March 30, broiler chicken was selling at a steep ₹405 per kg. Within a short span, prices have dropped significantly to ₹260 per kg. Market experts say the fall has been triggered by excess supply being diverted into Andhra Pradesh due to reduced sales in Telangana.Poultry traders indicate that the trend may continue if the strike persists. "There is a sudden glut in the market. Supply has increased while demand remains steady. If this continues, prices could fall further to ₹180 per kg," said Kaku Ramana Yadav, a chicken trader from Vijayawada.Chicken farmers, however, are worried about mounting losses. "We were just recovering from previous setbacks, and now this price crash is a big blow. Feed costs remain high, but market rates have dropped drastically," said J Raja Babu, a poultry farmer from Aagiripalli.Consumers, on the other hand, are welcoming the price drop. "Chicken had become too expensive over the past month. This sudden fall is a relief for families like ours," said M Anusha, a customer at a local market.With uncertainty looming over how long the Telangana strike will continue, both traders and farmers are closely watching the situation, as it continues to directly impact prices and livelihoods in the poultry sector.