Non-Veg Price Shock in Karnataka: Mutton and Chicken Rates Surge Amid Cold Wave

Why Are Prices Soaring?

The Karnataka Poultry Association and meat traders have cited four primary reasons for this sudden "meat inflation":

1. The Cold Wave Effect: Extreme cold has slowed the growth rate of sheep and goats. In poultry, the cold weather often leads to higher mortality rates and slower weight gain in chicks, reducing the overall supply of broiler chicken.
2. Festive Demand: The onset of Christmas and the upcoming New Year celebrations have caused a massive spike in orders for hotels, restaurants, and household parties.
3. Egg Price Ripple: With egg prices jumping from ₹6 to ₹8 per piece, many consumers shifted to chicken, further straining the already limited poultry stocks.
4. Increased Consumption: During the cold spell, there is a natural dietary shift as people opt for non-vegetarian food to combat the chill, leading to a surge in footfall at local meat stalls.

Impacts on the Common Man

The hike isn't limited to raw meat. Small-scale "Nati Style" hotels and biryani joints across Bengaluru and Mysuru have already begun revising their menu prices, with a standard plate of mutton biryani seeing a hike of ₹20 to ₹50.

"We are struggling to maintain our margins. With mutton nearing ₹1,000, we have no choice but to pass the cost to the customers," said a local restaurant owner in Indiranagar.