Post-Sankranti Focus Shifts to Champion Roosters in Andhra Pradesh
With the Sankranti cockfighting season now concluded across Andhra Pradesh, the spotlight has moved decisively from the arenas to the victorious birds themselves. Breeders across the state are concentrating their efforts on these winning roosters, making substantial financial investments to acquire and breed them. Their clear objective is to reproduce the strength and fighting characteristics that led these birds to triumph.
Heavy Investment in Winning Genetics
While owners are busy arranging medical care for injured roosters that survived the fierce contests, poultry breeders are spending lakhs of rupees to purchase the champion birds. They aim to cultivate superior strains of the native Aseel chicken breed in preparation for the next Sankranti season. "Winning birds carry proven strength and stamina. That is what every breeder is looking for," explained M Ramaraju, a breeder based in Bhimavaram.
As people return to their hometowns after the festival, including from cities like Hyderabad, breeders have already initiated preparations for future seasons. They are meticulously documenting the details of roosters that demonstrated exceptional fighting spirit during the 2026 Sankranti cockfights. This careful record-keeping forms the foundation for selective breeding programs.
Technology Enhances Breeding Selection
This year's cockfighting season witnessed widespread adoption of technology. Most major arenas, particularly in locations like Tadepalligudem and Bhimavaram, arranged live video recording and streaming of the events. Breeders are now utilizing these recordings to identify birds that consistently and easily dominated their opponents.
"There is huge demand for roosters that were involved in bets worth nearly ₹1 crore," stated Komma Venkata Ramana, a rooster trader from Tadepalligudem. "Such birds are considered valuable breeding stock, and even their eggs fetch premium prices."
Lucrative Economics of Champion Breeding
Breeders highlight the highly profitable economics of this specialized market. Eggs produced from winning roosters are sold for approximately ₹400 each. Week-old chicks from these lineages can command prices up to ₹1,500. "If raised carefully for four months, the price of a single chick can rise to ₹8,000. With proper breeding, a single rooster can generate earnings of ₹5 to ₹6 lakh," detailed breeder Inti Pradeep.
Encouraged by the overwhelming public response to this year's cockfights, rooster breeders announce plans to significantly scale up their operations. They intend to meet the rapidly growing demand ahead of the next Sankranti season, signaling a robust and expanding niche industry within the state's agricultural landscape.
