From Wazwan to Weeknight Iftar: Kashmir’s Rs 100-Cr Poultry Surge in Ramadan
As mutton retains its festive crown, chicken quietly powers everyday Iftar plates
Valley markets witnessing a booming Rs 60–100 Cr poultry trade
Our Special Correspondent
Srinagar: As dusk settles over the Valley and the call to prayer echoes across neighborhoods, kitchens come alive with the aroma of simmering curries and sizzling kebabs. While the grandeur of traditional Wazwan continues to define special Iftar gatherings, it is poultry—humble, affordable, and versatile—that is steadily becoming the backbone of Ramadan meals in Kashmir.
Behind the scenes of this culinary rhythm lies a thriving trade. Though exact figures remain unofficial, market estimates suggest that Kashmir consumes poultry worth ₹60 to ₹100 crore during the holy month, forming a significant share of the overall meat economy.
Traders say the shift is driven by both economics and evolving food habits. With mutton prices remaining high, many households are turning to chicken as their go-to protein for daily consumption.
“Ramadan used to be all about mutton dishes, but now chicken is equally important,” said Ghulam Nabi, a poultry dealer at Bohri Kadal. “People still buy mutton for special days, but for routine Iftars, chicken is what sells the most.”
At Srinagar’s bustling markets—from Downtown to the city outskirts—poultry shops witness a steady stream of customers, especially in the late afternoon hours. Vendors say demand peaks just before Iftar, with customers opting for quick-cook dishes like chicken curry, tikka, and fried preparations.
“On an average day in Ramadan, my sales almost double,” said Aijaz Ahmad, a dealer in Batamaloo. “Chicken is affordable, cooks fast, and suits every household. We sell in bulk during this month.”
Industry insiders note that while mutton dominates in value—touching over ₹250 crore in Ramadan spending—poultry holds its own as the daily staple, consumed more frequently across households.
“There is a clear pattern,” explained a wholesale supplier from Parimpora mandi. “Mutton is for gatherings and special Iftars, but chicken is for everyday meals. Without poultry, the market wouldn’t sustain the same momentum.”
The surge in demand also reflects changing lifestyles, particularly among younger families and urban consumers, who prefer lighter and quicker meal options.
As the Valley observes the sacred month with devotion and togetherness, its food economy tells a parallel story—one of adaptation, affordability, and shifting tastes. And in that story, poultry, often overshadowed by tradition, is quietly carving out its own space on the Iftar table.
