Off the menu
Aizawl, Apr 14 : The Mizos, strictly meat-eaters, are faced with an unpalatable problem these days — spiraling prices of chicken, beef and especially pork.
In the bustling markets of Burrabazar and Khatla in Aizawl, 1kg of pork, the favorite delicacy of tribal Mizos, nowadays costs Rs 170. Last year, pork sold for Rs 80 a kg.
The prices of chicken and beef have also skyrocketed, available at Rs 190 and Rs 200 a kg.
“We simply cannot afford meat at such high prices. It is difficult now to have meat for both meals,” said Sangliana, a teacher in a secondary school in Aizawl.
The huge gap in demand and supply has led to the problem, sources said. Mizoram needs 6,000kg of pork everyday but suppliers can only provide 2,500kg.
The director of animal husbandry and veterinary, L.B. Sailo, said over phone that at present pigs are being imported from adjacent Myanmar in small numbers.
Sailo said the Mizoram government has asked the Centre for Rs 5 crore to build a slaughterhouse and also a pork processing plant in Aizawl to produce bacon and ham.
Meat prices in Mizoram markets are always inflated and these do not reflect the market conditions.
The Mizoram government, in order to control the prices of animal products and agriculture produce, passed a bill last month, the State Agriculture Produce Marketing (Development And Regulation) Bill, 2010.
“Armed with this new regulation, we will be able to control the soaring meat prices,” said Mizoram’s trade and commerce minister Lalrinliana Sailo.
Mizos generally prefer their pork boiled, usually without oil or spices. The dish, popularly called sihneh buhchiar, is a boiled delicacy with potatoes and beans. Sometimes, garlic is used in some households as are vegetable stems and leafy vegetables. Chillies, red or green, are a strict no-no.
[ via Telegraph India ]
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