Correspondent
KOHIMA, JUN 18 (NPN): Fish and poultry have become costlier in Kohima following a revision of retail rates that has significantly increased the prices of several commonly consumed non-vegetarian items with immediate effect.
The revised rates, approved by the market regulation and enforcement (MRE) under the Kohima Municipal Council (KMC), have been published in local dailies and would remain in force until further notice.
Among fish varieties, Borali has been increased from Rs.220 to Rs.280 per kg, Rohu from Rs.180 to Rs.240, local fish from Rs.180 to Rs.250, Pomfret from Rs.170 to Rs.230 and Prawn from Rs.570 to Rs.640 per kg. Hilsa (Elis) now costs Rs.1,600 per kg against the previous Rs.1,500, while Mirga has witnessed a steep increase from Rs.180 to Rs.270 per kg.
Other notable increases include Grass Carp, which has gone up from Rs.180 to Rs.250 per kg, Bighead fish from Rs.190 to Rs.270 and Katla from Rs.220 to Rs.270 per kg.
The revised poultry rates also reflected substantial increases. Live broiler chicken has been raised from Rs.180 to Rs.220 per kg, layer chicken from Rs.260 to Rs.300, Kuroiler from Rs.270 to Rs.300 and local chicken from Rs.480 to Rs.550 per kg.
Among ducks and other poultry, Pani Hass has been increased from Rs.420 to Rs.520, China Hass (male) from Rs.1,000 to Rs.1,150 per bird and China Hass (female) from Rs.650 to Rs.700. Raja Hass recorded the highest increase, rising by Rs.400 from Rs.2,600 to Rs.3,000 per pair. The rate of pigeons has also been revised upward from Rs.350 to Rs.450 per pair.
While a few fish varieties including Goicha, Singi, Tangra, Moka and Rani recorded reductions, the overall revision reflected an upward trend in the retail prices of fish and poultry products sold in Kohima markets.
The revised rates have come into effect despite there being no reports of corresponding increases in wholesale prices of fish and poultry commodities in Dimapur, the state’s principal wholesale market and sources from other parts of the country.
Market sources further indicated that the supply of these commodities remained smooth, with no major disruption in availability or demand.
With the new rates now in force, consumers are expected to shoulder a higher cost for fish and poultry purchases, particularly households that rely on these commodities as regular sources of protein.