‘Deshi’ chicken crunch pushes price to Tk 750 per kg

A shortage of indigenious (deshi) chicken has been reported across Chattogram city. Despite strong demand, supply remains insufficient. Consumers who only eat ‘deshi’ chicken are facing difficulties as the product has become scarce in the market. The chicken breed is widely preferred for its nutritional value and distinct taste.

A market visit showed that broiler and Sonali chickens are available in higher supply compared to ‘deshi’ chicken. The shortage has become more severe after Eid. Around a month and a half ago, ‘deshi’ chicken was selling at Tk 550 to Tk 570 per kg. During Eid, the price rose to Tk 650 per kg. After Eid, it further increased to Tk 780 per kg. Although prices declined slightly after a week, they have again risen in a second wave ahead of Bengali New Year.

On Thursday, ‘deshi’ chicken was being sold at Tk 730 to Tk 750 per kg at Kazir Dewri market in Chattogram city.

Explaining the drop in supply and price increase, shopkeeper Mohammad Harun said ‘deshi’ chickens are sourced from the hill districts of Rangamati and Khagrachhari, as well as Banshkhali in southern Chattogram. However, both hill districts host multiple tourist spots. Since Eid al-Fitr and the Bengali New Year came close together, tourist activity in those areas increased significantly. Tourists also prefer ‘deshi’ chicken, which has reduced supply from the hill regions.

Chicken vendor Main Uddin said the daily supply of ‘deshi’ chicken in the market earlier stood at around 500 kg, but now it has fallen to about 100 kg.

Buyer Rahim Uddin said the price increase seen during Eid has not come down. Instead, it has gone up further. He said he is now having to buy ‘deshi’ chicken at Tk 750 per kg.