Ahead of the Dasara festival, prices for country roosters, sheep, and goats have significantly surged across north coastal Andhra Pradesh, including Visakhapatnam, Anakapalle, Vizianagaram, Parvathipuram Manyam, and Srikakulam districts. This increase is primarily driven by traditional sacrificial practices linked to Goddess Durga, as well as vehicle worship.
A 2 kg country rooster, which typically costs Rs 3,000 on regular days, is now priced between Rs 4,000 and Rs 6,000, reflecting the heightened demand during the festive season.
Similarly, medium-sized goats and sheep, previously costing Rs 10,000 to Rs 14,000, are now being sold for Rs 12,000 to Rs 18,000, indicating a substantial price hike.
Meat businessmen in the North Andhra region are sourcing goats, sheep, and roosters from neighboring Odisha to meet the elevated demand on Dasara day.
The rising real estate activities in parts of North Andhra Pradesh have contributed to a decline in sheep farming and poultry farming, leading to supply shortages and further exacerbating the price increases.
The combination of traditional practices and supply shortages during Dasara is placing an economic burden on residents of North Andhra Pradesh, who are compelled to pay higher prices for their festive celebrations.
