Onset of Karthika Masam Slows Chicken Sales Across Andhra Pradesh

Chicken sales have seen a slump across Andhra Pradesh with the onset of Karthika Masam on November 10. Many Hindus traditionally abstain from non-vegetarian food during the month. In addition, a large number of Ayyappa devotees take their deeksha and stop having non-vegetarian food.

Chicken prices, which had touched ₹290 a kg, sold at around ₹260 a kg in the retail market on Sunday. Poultry traders are reporting a sharp fall in their sales.

Sheikh Mahaboob Basha, a chicken shop owner in the C-Camp area of Kurnool, said business has been badly affected since the beginning of Karthika Masam. "Chicken sales have come down considerably. We expect this situation to continue until December 10, when the Karthika month ends," Basha stated.

Mutton prices though have remained steady. But their sales have declined significantly. As a result, the number of sheep reaching the markets has come down. Satya Sai, Anantapur, Nandyal, and Kadapa districts are among the major sheep-rearing areas in Andhra Pradesh.

P. Ravisekhar, an agent at the Mydukur sheep market in Kadapa district, said mutton is continuing to sell at ₹850 a kg. However, the buyers are far less. "Customers are fewer than usual. The movement of sheep to the market has slowed down," he said.

Meat and chicken shops across the region wore a deserted look on the first Sunday of Karthika Masam. Fish markets in Kadapa and Nandyal district headquarters too have reported subdued business.

This trend is continuing across Andhra Pradesh. P. Raghavendra Rao, a poultry trader from Vijayawada, said many people across the state adhere to the belief of not having non-vegetarian food.

While chicken prices have fallen and mutton rates remain unchanged, egg prices have moved in the opposite direction. A dozen eggs, which sold for ₹78 until recently, have touched ₹90 in the retail market on Sunday. Traders say egg consumption had not declined during Karthika Masam. On the contrary, it has increased. People not eating chicken or meat have shifted to eggs.

Non-vegetarian hotels have also reported a decline in business. Hotel owners estimate that their business has fallen by nearly 30 per cent since the beginning of Karthika month.

Vegetable prices, except for brinjals, have also increased, as many have shifted to vegetarian food.