Sale of Haringhata Meat halves over rumour of COVID-19 spreading through chicken
Kolkata: The sale of chicken from the outlets of Haringhata Meat has suddenly witnessed a dip of 50 percent with effect from Wednesday, due to the present scenario regarding COVID 19.
The fall in sales is the outcome of less procurement by the corporate clients from West Bengal Livestock Development Corporation (WBLDC) that sells meat under the Haringhata Meat brand name.
"The leading hotel chains and other corporate clients procure 4 tonnes of chicken everyday from us. But from Wednesday it has fallen down to 2 tonnes. The restaurants in the city are having lesser customers and so are procuring lesser quantity. The assessment on the effect of retail sales of chicken from the outlets will take some more time," said Gouri Shankar Konar, Managing director of WBLDC.
Haringhata Meat continues to be sold at Rs 140 per kg, even when the price in the market has dropped in the range of Rs 80 to Rs 120 across the state. The poultry business in the state has been badly hit with rumours being circulated through social media that chickens spread Coronavirus. The West Bengal Poultry Federation (WBPF) had witnessed a significant drop in sales since the middle of February. The price dip in the local markets has occurred due to the same.
Haringhata Meat has a total of 270 outlets. Apart from raw chicken and mutton in packets, ready to cook items of chicken, tropical meat like lean pork, fresh pork, dressed Peking duck, dressed turkey meat and dressed quail are very much in demand.
The WBPF has sought suggestion from the director of Animal Resources Development department, regarding continuation of Mobile Veterinary Clinic Project (MVCP), keeping in view the present scenario of COVID 19.
"Our doctors and other staff engaged with MVCP are facing problem at different areas of the state related to organising camps, creating mass gatherings, medication to groups of animals and others. Local people of some areas are protesting against creating gatherings and organising camps. Some doctors and staff are frightened to organise camps in areas where COVID 19 is suspected," said Madan Mohan Maity, general secretary of WBPF.
