A large quantity of Kerala’s chicken supplies come from the neighbouring state of Tamil Nadu and hotels in Kerala say there has been an unacceptable rise in prices in recent months. According to Gulfnews.com, the most palpable sign of the decision of Kerala hoteliers to boycott chicken was at the Palakkad check post on Thursday, where there was no truck from Tamil Nadu with chicken supplies waiting to enter Kerala.

Inside the state, chicken was only sparsely available and many of the retail shops were downing their shutters as they ran out of fresh supplies. The immediate cause that led to the stoppage of supplies is the decision of wholesale chicken suppliers to refuse to take supplies, demanding a waiver of taxes.

Chicken prices in Kerala are now being sold between Rs 110-140 per kilogram, as against Rs 90 a few months ago. Prices in Tamil Nadu still rule around Rs 90 per kg. Chicken farmers say the rise in prices is due to the steep production cost. As the hotels implement their decision to boycott chicken, there are also reports that the broiler chicken suppliers’ groups are planning to cut off supplies to hotels even after the current crisis is solved. The Hotel and Restaurant Association has requested the state government’s immediate intervention to solve the issue.

The boycott of chicken is expected to hit chicken farms in Tamil Nadu, and will also pinch many small-sized broiler chicken farms in Kerala that have traditionally done brisk business in a meat-loving state.

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