Morung Express News
Dimapur | March 19
Dimapur is once again facing an unexplained pork shortage phenomenon. Supply has reportedly been erratic for the past one month or so, prompting retailers to shut shop frequently. While the retail outlets downing shutters have been noticeable of late, the reason for the alleged short-supply remained a mystery.
There was no veritable explanation but according to retailers, the supply of pork from the traditional source markets— Punjab, UP and from the country’s southern region, became erratic not long after the Dimapur Municipal Council last revised the rate on February 22.
One retailer said that he could open shop for only 9 days in March so far. He surmised that it could either be the suppliers/wholesalers wanting to affect a rate hike or a genuine shortage at source.
Asked how the pork business works, he said that his information was limited. He though added that the main suppliers/distributors transport it to Dimapur, which is then purchased by the wholesalers and on to the retailers. The business is said to be dominated by a handful of suppliers/wholesalers.
The existing rate, as fixed by the DMC, is Rs 255 per kg (wholesale) and Rs 350 per kg (retail).
Pork from outside the northeast region is also facing stiff competition from Assam in recent years.
