“It is an usual phenomenon for prices of broiler chicken to zoom during summer, when the demand for animal protein will be high. But due to consumer resistance we have decreased the prices, and the present price tag is likely to continue till the end of May,” Mr P. Selvaraj, zonal chairman of National Egg Coordination Committee, Namakkal (NECC), told Business Line.

The wholesale price of layer cull birds witnessed an increase of Rs 9 a kg to Rs 40 a kg, while egg prices were raised to Rs 2.20 a piece (Rs 2.10) primarily because of an increase in consumption.

Mr Selvaraj said that the summer vacation and the continuing poll campaigns across the State that increase flow of commuters to various destinations triggers an increase in chicken consumption, and hence the price increase.

Moreover, the consumption in the neighbouring Kerala (a major market for Tamil Nadu's poultry trade) goes up by up to 20 per cent as the wedding season (April and May) sets in there. Sources said that the price of eggs and layer birds are likely to increase in a phased manner.