Poultry farmers suffer huge losses as consumers shift to fish and red meat
Hyderabad: The poultry industry in Telangana is facing a severe crisis as fears of bird flu have significantly impacted sales across Khammam, Karimnagar, Nizamabad, and Kamareddy districts. Consumers are increasingly turning to fish and red meat, despite drastic price reductions in chicken.
According to P. Sundaram, a chicken seller in Bhadrachalam, sales have plummeted by 40-50% since reports of poultry deaths due to a suspected virus emerged. K. Veerababu, a seller in Kothagudem, noted that even after slashing prices and offering free half-kg chicken per kg sold, buyers remain hesitant.
The crisis intensified after thousands of broiler chickens died due to an unidentified virus in poultry farms across Khammam and Bhadradri Kothagudem districts. With confirmed bird flu cases in East and West Godavari districts of Andhra Pradesh—close to Telangana’s borders—authorities suspect a similar outbreak. Samples have been sent for testing, and officials are awaiting lab reports. Meanwhile, the state government is expected to announce relief measures soon.
Chicken Prices Drop, Farmers Struggle
The poultry scare has led to a sharp decline in chicken prices, causing severe financial strain for farmers. In Khammam, broiler chicken prices fell from Rs 270 per kg to Rs 200, yet consumer demand remains weak. In Karimnagar, prices plunged from Rs 240 per kg to Rs 140-150 per kg. However, ahead of the mini Sammakka Saralamma Jatara festival, demand for country chicken surged, driving its price to Rs 450 per kg, while mutton prices skyrocketed from Rs 750 to Rs 1,150 per kg.
Poultry farmers, already reeling from significant losses, are struggling to sustain their businesses. In Nizamabad and Kamareddy, the combination of poultry deaths and dwindling sales has pushed farmers to sell off their stock, with some reconsidering raising new flocks.
Ramchandar, a poultry farmer from Borlam village, reported losing 8,000 chickens, each weighing over 2 kg. The company he works with suffered Rs 16 lakh in losses, while he personally lost Rs 2.5 lakh. “Had the chickens survived just a few more days, they would have been sold in the market. Instead, we suffered massive losses within three days,” he lamented in a video message.
Mass Poultry Deaths Reported
Between February 1 and 7, an estimated 25,000 to 40,000 chickens reportedly died in Velpur and Bheemgal mandals of Nizamabad district. A farm in Birkur mandal (Kamareddy) lost 4,000 chickens, while another in Banswada mandal recorded 8,000 deaths in just two days. However, officials stated that no new poultry deaths had been reported for three days, suggesting the virus may not have spread further.
Government and Authorities Take Action
In response to the crisis, authorities have established check posts at key entry points to regulate poultry transportation from affected states such as Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh. Veterinary doctors have been deployed to monitor poultry health and enforce biosecurity measures. Additionally, awareness campaigns have been launched to educate farmers on disease prevention and farm sanitation.
Nizamabad District Veterinary & Animal Husbandry Officer (DVAHO) C. Jagannadha Chary confirmed that poultry farms in the district operate under company contracts. “The outbreak is believed to have originated in Latur and Aurangabad districts of Maharashtra. In response, we have set up check posts at Salura and Kandakurthi near the Maharashtra border, in coordination with the police department, to prevent the entry of poultry and feed from affected areas,” he stated.
Assistant Director of the Animal Husbandry Department Dr. Azimira Vinod Kumar emphasized the importance of training and biosecurity measures. “A meeting with poultry farmers has been conducted, and a training program for staff will begin soon. While no bird flu cases have been officially reported in the district, we remain on high alert,” he said.
Rajanna-Sircilla Collector Sandeep Kumar Jha assured that authorities are closely monitoring poultry units at farms and markets to detect any potential threats.
Heatwave Adds to Farmers’ Woes
Apart from the suspected virus, sudden temperature increases have exacerbated the situation, leading to additional poultry deaths. Kamareddy in-charge District Animal Husbandry Officer Dr. K. Sanjai Kumar advised farmers to implement strict biosecurity measures and adopt temperature control techniques to protect their poultry.
Industry Urges Consumers to Stay Informed
Experts in the poultry sector are urging consumers to stay informed about the situation and avoid panic. Health authorities emphasize that properly cooked chicken poses no risk to human health, as heat destroys viruses. However, misinformation and fear have led to a drastic shift in consumer preferences, further impacting poultry sales.
The poultry industry, which supports thousands of farmers and traders, is now looking to the government for urgent intervention. Many hope for compensation packages or alternative solutions to sustain their livelihoods until the crisis subsides.
As Telangana’s poultry farmers face an uncertain future, authorities remain vigilant, with hopes that preventive measures will restore consumer confidence and stabilize the industry soon.