Pork shortage in Ukhrul amid price dispute
Source: Chronicle News Service / R Lester Makang

Ukhrul, October 20 2024: Residents of Ukhrul town are grappling with a prolonged shortage of pork, a beloved local delicacy, which has persisted for several months now.

The crisis stemmed from a standoff between local butchers and the Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL) over meat pricing.

Earlier this year, TNL agreed to a hike and set the price of pork at Rs 400 per kilogram, an increase from the previous rate of Rs 380.However, local butchers have responded by demanding a further hike to Rs 450 per kilogram.

This disagreement resulted in local butchers ceasing the sale of pork entirely across the town.

Talking to The People's Chronicle on Sunday, a TNL official informed that the price adjustment to Rs 400 was made after considering the overall rise in commodity prices and the economic conditions of the town's consumers.

"Sudden, abnormal rises in prices of any commodities are discouraged, as they can.significantly impact the economy of the general public, most of whom are living in poverty,'' the TNL official said.

In contrast, local butchers feel that they would be terribly short-changed if the new rate is implemented.

A butcher operating in Phungreitang Bazaar, who preferred to remain anonymous, argued that the revised price is insufficient.

He explained about the significant costs incurred in transporting pigs, which are largely sourced from outside the district.

"At Rs 400, we would incur losses given our transport and other expenses," he asserted.

Meanwhile, the TNL official informed that the TNL will convene a meeting on Monday to address and find an amicable resolution to the ongoing price dispute so as to enable butchers to resume pork sales.

He said that they will look into the difficulties faced by local butchers but also without losing sight of the potential impact inordinate price hike could have on the public.

The TNL official pointed out that the crisis is largely due to insufficient pork production in the district, in the absence of large-scale commercial pig farming.

As the impasse continues, town residents, left without one of their staple foods, are feeling the pinch of the situation.

Local resident Ramyo expressed his frustration, noting that it has been a long time since he had last enjoyed pork.

"Pork is hard to come by these days, so we have to make do with beef or fish," he rued.

Another resident, Solomi, shared that the only way to obtain pork during this dry period has been through occasional home butchering by a few private pig owners, where they could get it for Rs 420 per kilogram.

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