Declining poultry production, disease outbreaks and changing weather conditions have pushed chicken and egg prices sharply higher across Kolar district
Consumers and hotel owners in Kolar are grappling with a steep rise in chicken and egg prices as poultry production declines due to adverse weather and disease outbreaks. Traders expect the upward trend to continue over the next one to two months if supply conditions do not improve.
Kolar: Chicken and egg prices have witnessed a sharp increase in Kolar district since the beginning of the Ashada month, placing an additional financial burden on households, meat lovers and non-vegetarian restaurant owners. Industry stakeholders attribute the price surge to lower poultry production, weather-related disruptions and disease affecting poultry farms.
With supply declining and demand remaining steady, traders believe prices may continue to rise over the coming weeks unless production returns to normal.
Chicken and Egg Prices Rise Sharply in Kolar
Over the past fortnight, both wholesale and retail prices of eggs have increased significantly across Kolar district.
According to traders:
- Wholesale egg price: Around ₹7 per egg
- Retail egg price: Increased from ₹8 to ₹8.50 per egg
Chicken prices have also recorded a steep jump.
The retail price of chicken, which previously ranged between ₹180 and ₹200 per kilogram, has now increased to approximately ₹280 to ₹300 per kilogram, marking one of the sharpest price hikes witnessed in recent months.
The increase has affected consumers as well as restaurants that rely heavily on poultry products.
"The sharp rise in poultry prices has increased operating costs for hotels and added to household food expenses," local traders said.
Declining Poultry Production Behind Price Hike in Kolar
Kolar district is one of Karnataka's major poultry-producing regions, with more than 250 chicken farms and a substantial number of commercial egg-producing units.
The district also supplies chicken and eggs to neighbouring states, making it an important contributor to the regional poultry industry.
However, poultry farmers have reported lower production in recent weeks due to changing weather conditions and diseases affecting birds. The reduced supply has directly impacted market availability, contributing to higher prices.
Industry sources say that fluctuations in temperature and seasonal weather have affected bird health and productivity, limiting both meat and egg output.
Kolar Traders Expect Further Increase in Egg Prices
Poultry traders believe the current trend may continue over the next one to two months if production does not recover.
According to trader Govindaraju, egg prices could rise even further in the coming weeks.
"If supply remains constrained, the retail price of an egg could increase to ₹9 or even ₹10 over the next one to two months," Govindaraju said.
He also indicated that chicken prices may continue to remain elevated until poultry production stabilises.
Kolar Hotel Owners and Consumers Feel the Impact
The surge in poultry prices has significantly affected non-vegetarian restaurants, hotels and catering businesses, many of which depend on chicken and eggs as staple ingredients.
Hotel operators say rising procurement costs are squeezing profit margins, while consumers are paying considerably more for everyday food items.
Market observers believe prices are unlikely to ease until disease-related losses decline and poultry production returns to normal levels.
Supply Recovery Key to Price Stabilisation in Kolar
Industry experts say the current price escalation reflects an imbalance between supply and demand rather than a sudden spike in consumption.
Until poultry farms recover from disease-related setbacks and production improves, consumers are expected to continue facing elevated prices for both chicken and eggs across Kolar and nearby regions.
Authorities and industry stakeholders are closely monitoring the situation as the poultry sector works towards restoring normal production levels.
