The Booming Pet Market in Gorakhpur: A Reflection of Changing Lifestyles and Economic Growth

The city of Gorakhpur, known for its political significance as the constituency of UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, is now making headlines for a different reason – its booming pet food market. As the final phase of the Lok Sabha elections approaches, the streets of Gorakhpur are adorned not with political flags and posters, but with bright signboards advertising pet food.

What was once a hub for poultry feed sales on Station Road has now transformed into a thriving market for pet food, medicines, and accessories. According to local sellers and officials, the demand for pet food, particularly for cats and dogs, has seen a significant increase in recent years. With over 100 shops selling pet products in the city, the monthly demand for pet food is estimated to be between Rs 50-60 lakh, a stark contrast to the Rs 5-6 lakh demand five years ago.

Premium brands like Pedigree, Whiskas, and Royal Canin are now stocked in abundance by shop owners like Ashutosh Agarwal and Manish Kumar Gupta. Gupta, who transitioned from selling locks to pet food, now boasts a godown stocked with pet food worth Rs 40 lakh. The surge in demand for pet food, especially during the Covid pandemic, has led to a flourishing market for starter food for young pups and kittens.

The love for pets in Gorakhpur is not limited to its residents, as even Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is a proud owner of two dogs named Kalu and Gullu. As the city gears up for the elections, Adityanath faces the task of securing victory for the BJP candidate Ravi Kishan, amidst tough competition from the SP-BSP alliance and the Congress.

The pet industry in Gorakhpur reflects the changing economic landscape of the city, with estimates suggesting a monthly market worth of around Rs 1 crore. Officials at the Union Ministry of Animal Husbandry and Fisheries have identified the pet industry as a “sunrise” sector, with the market growing at a rate of 15 to 20 percent annually.

The increasing income levels and changing lifestyles in Gorakhpur have contributed to the growth of the pet market, with rising per capita income and the empowerment of beneficiaries of Central schemes playing a significant role. As the city’s economy continues to evolve, the pet market in Gorakhpur stands as a testament to the changing aspirations and lifestyles of its residents.