Dimapur Municipal Council indicates temporary revision of poultry rates

May 18, 2023 30 Views No Comment

To decide after studying wholesale rates in Assam

Morung Express News
Dimapur | May 18

After the Poultry Union Dimapur (PUD) declared an indefinite ban on the sale of poultry in Dimapur from May 17 onwards, the Dimapur Municipal Council (DMC) Administrator, W Manpai Phom, has indicated that a temporary arrangement could be made to increase the prices, considering the demands made by the union.

The decision would be made after studying the prevailing wholesale rates in the border towns of Assam, the DMC Administrator informed to The Morung Express.

Earlier, the DMC had issued an order on May 13 fixing the prices for the sale of Broiler chicken (live) at Rs 160 per kilo, Broiler (dressed) at Rs 250 per kilo, Layer and Felister (live) at Rs 200 per kilo and Kuroiler (live) at Rs 300 per kilo.

However, the PUD claimed that the DMC’s revised rates were not in accordance to the wholesale rates in Assam where poultry was being purchased at Rs 180-Rs 190 per kg for live chicken, and Rs 300 for dressed.

Phom, meanwhile, noted that the revised rates on poultry and other items were made by the DMC after consultation with the Chümoukedima Town Council (CTC), East Dimapur Town Council (EDTC) and the traders as well.

“So they were already well aware of the decision to fix the prices of poultry and mutton,” he said.

However, the underlying problem has been caused due to a recent ban on import of poultry by the Assam State Government fearing the spread of bird flu, particularly from West Bengal, where the contagion is suspected to have originated, he stated.

As such, Phom mentioned that the DMC will deliberate on a decision to hike the prices of poultry for a temporary period.

The only fear was whether this decision would affect the wholesale market rate in the long run as once prices increase, it would be difficult to bring it down again, he viewed.

At the same time, the Administrator also mentioned that it was high time local entrepreneurs rise up to meet the existing demands in the State.

If a revamped system could be established where procurement of feeders and other supplies can be made locally, he opined that the State could benefit much from it.

At present the supply of poultry from local sources was negligible and the State, particularly Dimapur, is dependent on import from outside, he noted.