Mysuru: The city’s already-crowded footpaths have taken on a new identity — as thriving hubs for live poultry sales, featuring everything from everyday chickens to exotic, rare native breeds like the famed Kadaknath.
In recent months, footpath poultry vendors have outpaced traditional meat shops in popularity. Free from rent and taxes, these sellers can offer competitive prices, making them a go-to for budget-conscious buyers. While shops and small sheds continue to sell cleaned meat, the live bird market is booming right on the roadside.
One such seller is Kemparaju, a poultry vendor from Kanakapura now based in Mellahalli, Mysuru. Every morning, he loads his tempo with birds and sets up shop near the Veterinary Hospital on Manandavadi Road — a spot that has become popular for native poultry lovers.
Native vs Broiler: The Health-Conscious Shift
Kemparaju’s mesh enclosures showcase an impressive range of poultry — including chickens, ducks, turkeys, and the increasingly sought-after Kadaknath. Prices are modest: ducks go for ₹200, turkeys for ₹250, native chicken for ₹200, and Kadaknath for ₹300.
He sources these birds from farms around Kanakapura, and often recommends buyers purchase hens and roosters in pairs to breed naturally at home. The advice is catching on, especially as more consumers turn away from chemically fattened broilers in favour of leaner, naturally reared native varieties.
Kadaknath: The Star Attraction
The black-feathered Kadaknath chicken has become the star of Mysuru’s footpath poultry scene. Native to Madhya Pradesh’s tribal belt — especially Jhabua and Dhar — Kadaknath is revered for its black flesh, resistance to disease, and high nutritional value.
From its black beak and legs to its bluish-black chicks, the bird is visually striking. It’s not just appearance that sets it apart: Kadaknath meat is low in fat, rich in amino acids, and packed with flavour — a delicacy that’s also aligned with health trends.
Culturally, Kadaknath holds a special place in tribal traditions across Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Rajasthan, where it’s often considered sacred and offered in rituals after Diwali.
While native chickens, turkeys, and ducks are no longer a rarity in Mysuru, Kadaknath remains a novelty. Curious passersby often gather just to admire them, adding to the vibrant, bustling vibe of the city’s roadside poultry markets.
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