PUNE: The demand for chicken and mutton has nearly doubled since the ban on beef was imposed in the state.

Chicken, which was selling at an average rate of Rs 90-Rs100/kg till a fortnight ago is now going at Rs 160-Rs 180/kg in Shivaji Market, the meat hub of Pune. Price of mutton too has increased to Rs 440/kg in the city to as much as Rs 460/kg on the city's outskirts from the earlier average of Rs 350-Rs 380/ kg since the beef ban was imposed, said traders.

Higher rates for chicken and mutton are no deterrent as business has picked up for both, resulting in a short supply of both. Ilyas Chaudhary , a meat trader in Shivaji market said, "Demand for mutton has doubled while that for chicken has increased by more than four times. While this means good business for me, I am unable to meet the demand as the animals are in short supply now, which is further pushing up the price."

Another trader, Arif Chowdhary of the All India Jamat ul-Qureshi, Pune, who dealt with beef till the ban was imposed, said not only has business taken a severe beating, but their lives too are at stake. "We were assured protection by the police, but they are not even taking down our complaints. Our only source of livelihood has been taken away by the government. Moreover, police have become strict in imposing the ban that it has become difficult for dealers of these animals to even transport their animals from one place to another," he said.

Insisting that demand for beef continues, Chowdhay said the ban is affecting those dealing with the meat and those who cannot afford the more expensive meats.

