Chicken prices in Nghe An are on the rise again.

Free-range chickens raised on hillsides in Yen Thanh and Tan Ky districts have seen price increases in recent days. Photo: Xuan Hoang

For nearly half a month now, the prices of poultry such as chickens, ducks, geese, and turkeys in Nghe An province have been gradually increasing, and consumption has also risen compared to before, with chicken prices showing the most significant improvement. Ms. Nguyen Thi Chin, a poultry trader at Vinh market, said: "While during the social distancing period (from the end of March to the end of April), we only sold an average of a few dozen chickens per day, since April 23rd, the average daily consumption of chicken has tripled."

While in mid-March, chicken prices plummeted, at times hitting rock bottom: Industrial chicken prices dropped to 40,000 VND/kg, a decrease of 20,000 VND/kg compared to before, and free-range chickens were priced at 50,000 VND/kg, a decrease of 20,000-25,000 VND/kg, resulting in losses of around 3,000-5,000 VND/kg for farmers, by this time, chicken prices have gradually recovered, increasing by 7-10 VND compared to before, bringing tears of joy to many households.

Currently, chicken prices have increased from 45,000 VND/kg to 54,000 VND/kg (for chickens raised semi-industrially), free-range chicken prices have increased from 55,000 VND/kg to 62,000 VND/kg; and grass-fed chicken prices have slightly increased from 110,000 VND to 120,000 VND/kg.

Chicken meat is in high demand at markets in Vinh City. Photo: Thanh Phuc

Mr. Le Thanh Hung, owner of a chicken farm in Tien Thanh commune (Yen Thanh district), said: “The price of broiler chickens started to recover from the end of March until now and is easier to sell than before. Traders come directly to the farm to place orders and buy. Therefore, farmers are starting to make a profit and don't have to cover losses like in previous months.”

At local markets, supermarkets, and food stores, chicken prices have also increased sharply. Accordingly, the price of chicken meat has risen by 10,000-12,000 VND/kg (depending on the type), specifically: free-range hybrid chicken costs 100,000 VND/kg; industrial chicken costs 70,000 VND/kg, and grass-fed chicken costs 120,000-125,000 VND/kg. Industrial chicken, already slaughtered and sold by the breast and thigh, costs from 85,000 VND/kg.

The reason for the rise in chicken prices is that after the government eased social distancing restrictions, shops and restaurants reopened, leading to increased demand for chicken as an ingredient in dishes and snacks, making it easier to sell. In addition, this period is also approaching the peak tourist season.

Chicken prices have risen in recent days, creating favorable conditions for farmers to sell their produce after a long period of unsold chickens. Photo: Xuan Hoang

On the other hand, because pork prices remain high, many homemakers are choosing poultry as a substitute and the main dish in their meals.

Mr. Nguyen Van Lap, Deputy Director of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, said: "Over the past 10 days, due to the free flow of goods, in addition to broiler chickens, many other agricultural products have seen price increases again. This is a favorable condition for farmers to increase production to meet market demand. It is expected that chicken prices will increase further in the coming time, when students in boarding schools and other collective kitchens resume operations."

As of the end of April 2020, tThe total number of poultry (chickens, ducks, geese, and turkeys) in the province is estimated at over 27 million, an increase of 6.91%, of which the chicken population is estimated at 22,484 thousand, an increase of 7.11%.