Hyderabad: The outbreak of birdflu in Andhra Pradesh coupled with its scare in Telangana resulted in 30 per cent increase in fish consumption in twin cities for the last two weeks. The cost of the fish has also gone up by 20 per cent. The same situation was expected to continue till next two more weeks, officials said.
As the cost of mutton touched Rs.1,000 a kg, several people are preferring to eat only fish, which is costing more than Rs.150 per kg depending upon its variety. As many as 600 tonnes of fish arrive at the two wholesale fish markets in Ramnagar and Begum Bazaar. Of the total fish arrivals, 80 per cent of the white fish – ‘Catla’, ‘Rohu’ and ‘Mrigal’ and black fish variety – ‘Murrel’ reach wholesale markets from various water bodies and reservoirs in Telangana while the remaining stock especially sea fish arrive from coastal districts in Andhra Pradesh.
The white and black fish were grown in water bodies in the State with the help of seeds supplied by the Fisheries department. But after the outbreak of birdflu in several poultry farms in East and West Godavari districts, a large number of people stopped consuming chicken.
During the last two Sundays, non-vegetarians preferred fish instead of chicken because of birdflu scare. This resulted in a 30 per cent rise in fish consumption, Telangana Fishermen Cooperative Federation Limited General Manager V Srinivas told Deccan Chronicle on Wednesday.
He said that Ramnagar and Begum Bazaar markets along with the five outlets at Banjara Hills, Shanthinagar in Masab Tank, Vanasthalipuram and Lower Tank run by the federation witnessed huge turnout on last Sunday with a majority of consumers purchasing white and black fish.
The chicken was also missing from the menu at the marriage receptions held at several places on Monday and Tuesday in the city. Lip-smacking Apollo fish fry was served to the guests in addition to mutton biryani and ‘marag’ with other curries along with delicious ice-cream and desserts.
