Garhwal Post Bureau
Dehradun, 25 Aug: The Dehradun administration has placed the district on high alert after reports of bird flu cases in neighbouring Uttar Pradesh and other parts of Uttarakhand. For the past week, the import of chickens and eggs in Dehradun from UP has been banned as a precautionary measure. In addition, an advisory has also been issued to meat sellers to exercise caution. The stoppage of supplies from Uttar Pradesh and surrounding regions has had a severe effect on the poultry trade, leading to scarcity and a sharp rise in prices.
Residents said the sudden hike in the price of chicken had forced many households to cut down on purchases. Some complained that they were unable to adequately feed their pets and the stray dogs and cats while others reported losses in related businesses such as bakeries, where the higher cost of eggs has led to customers resisting price increases. Families pointed out that the situation was disrupting their daily routines, with eggs and chicken becoming increasingly unaffordable.
Poultry dealers on the other hand apprehend that such outbreaks and fears surrounding bird flu hit their small businesses almost every year. Since they cannot procure in bulk, they sell whatever limited stock becomes available. With no supply coming in from outside, prices have shot up while the demand has steadily dropped, leaving many of them with almost no sales. Egg and chicken sellers across the city also reported similar losses, stating that customers are reluctant to purchase at prevailing rates and that the ban has virtually brought trading to a standstill.
Several residents observed that even for families that do not eat chicken, eggs are an inexpensive but vital part of the daily diet, especially for children and working adults. With prices rising steeply, many said they feared being compelled either to remove eggs from the breakfast table or to serve smaller portions. Some have expressed concern that the hike would particularly affect gym-goers and fitness enthusiasts, who rely heavily on chicken and eggs for protein.
On the other hand, poultry farmers based in Dehradun have benefited from the ban, as local poultry farms are now meeting the city’s demand. Chicken and egg consumers are not forced to seek alternative sources of protein and high calories, pointing to alternatives such as milk, paneer, soybeans and green vegetables. These options might have to serve as suitable substitutes during the shortage faced due to the restrictions.
According to available data, Dehradun has around 700 poultry shops which earlier sold between 40 and 50 kilograms of chicken each on a daily basis. At present, sales have plummeted to around 10 to 20 kilograms per shop, owing both to lack of availability of stock as well as falling demand as many consumers fear consuming eggs and chicken during an outbreak of bird flu.
