Chicken is one of the most popular meats among the non-vegetarians of India, and when it comes to flavor, nothing can beat the good old country chicken. The indigenous hen markets in the country continue to thrive despite the emergence of large poultry brands because the aroma and taste that country chicken provides to a dish cannot be paralleled by other varieties of chicken. In the rustic parts of Maharashtra, country chicken markets are a bi-weekly affair where chicken lovers can find the freshest, most succulent country chicken or “desi” chicken. Islampur is one such city where the tradition of hen markets has been observed for approximately 50 years. Here are some of the reasons why you should head over to an indigenous hen market this weekend if you are looking for an offbeat experience around Pune.

The Legacy Of The Markets

The country chicken market of Islampur is not a typical market but a symbol of a tradition that is deeply embedded in the local culture. Every Thursday and Sunday, the streets of the region come alive with the enthusiastic bargaining of the customers and the vendors. These markets offer a rare opportunity to immerse in the rural culture of Maharashtra by experiencing it at close quarters. The shops are devoid of fancy technology and display the simplicity of the traditional ways of doing business.

Unique Bargaining Methods

Another unique aspect of these country chicken markets are the bargaining methods adopted by the buyers. The price of the chicken is estimated by the connoisseurs of the meat by guessing the weight of the bird. Then the bargaining ensues. The market has its own sign language that is utilized for bargaining, which involves making hand symbols under a handkerchief. You must give this sign language a try because this is something you won’t get to see in the urban markets.

Understanding The Local Economy Of The Hen Market

The hen markets of Islampur and the neighboring regions are small-scale businesses that rely on the seasonal demand of chicken for their sustenance. At the chicken market, you can interact with the merchants to understand the local economy and the factors that impact their business. You will get to learn about the demand and supply model for country chicken and how it affects the sales. For example, the month of Ashad that falls before Shravan witnesses the highest demand for country chicken, which helps these merchants make better profits.

A Chance To Enjoy The Rich Flavors Of Country Chicken

At the indigenous hen markets, you will be able to purchase the freshest and juiciest country chicken that is devoid of any harmful preservatives. Unlike the chicken available in the urban markets, country chicken does not contain any chemicals, just the authentic taste that is loved by every foodie. You can also ask the merchants to share their special recipes for preparing this meat. These traditional recipes will help to bring out the flavors of the chicken in the best manner possible.

Support The Local Poultry Farmers

It is our responsibility to support the local, small-scale businesses that face many challenges due to the entry of established brands into the poultry business. The merchants at country chicken markets provide unadulterated meat at extremely reasonable prices and therefore deserve all the support and recognition that they can get. By buying your poultry from these traditional markets, you will not only get great value for your money but will also be able to help out the local economy and contribute to the sustenance of the hard-working poultry farmers.

These are some of the reasons why a visit to a country chicken market is an enriching and delightful experience. Do not miss out on this chance to learn more about the local economy and cultural heritage of the rural parts of Maharashtra and plan a trip to a hen market for your next getaway.