SRINAGAR: The Food Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs (FCSCA) authorities have been unable to enforce the fixed rates for poultry, resulting in a significant increase in chicken prices in Kashmir markets. While the government has set the price of chicken at Rs 130 per kg, retailers across Kashmir are selling it for Rs 170 or higher.
Consumers are complaining that sellers are disregarding the government-fixed rates, with poultry sellers showing little concern for the established prices. Residents have reported purchasing chicken at Rs 170 per kg, and when they inquire about the government rates, sellers blame wholesale dealers who have allegedly raised the prices.
Shopkeepers argue that regardless of whether the rate is Rs 100 or Rs 200, their profit margin remains at Rs 10 per kg, as prices depend on wholesale dealers. They suggest that if authorities want to regulate broiler chicken prices, action should be taken against wholesale dealers.
Consumers express their frustration with authorities acting as silent observers, conducting negligible market checks across Kashmir. They appeal for increased market inspections to prevent poultry sellers from charging exorbitant rates.
In response, an official from the Food, Civil Supplies, and Consumer Affairs department acknowledges the increased chicken rates in Kashmir. They agree that enforcement wings need to be directed to intensify market inspections to alleviate consumer suffering. (KNO)
