Chitwan, April 27: After a continuous decline in egg prices, the trend has now started to reverse. Farmers, who had been worried about not even covering their production costs, have felt some relief with the recent price increase.
Last year, the price of eggs per crate (30 eggs) had reached up to Rs. 525 but had dropped to Rs. 350. Now, the price has increased to Rs. 450. According to Binod Pokharel, President of the Nepal Layer Poultry Farmers’ Association, beginning today, the farm gate support prices per crate (30 eggs) have been set at Rs. 430 for large eggs, Rs. 380 for medium-sized eggs, and Rs. 450 for XL eggs. Previously, the price of large eggs had fallen to Rs. 350 per crate. The decision to raise egg prices was made during the Association’s meeting held on Saturday, he informed.
The farm price per seven crates has been set at Rs. 3,140 for XL eggs, Rs. 3,000 for large eggs, and Rs. 2,650 for medium-sized eggs. This adjustment is expected to provide some relief to farmers. In Nepal, the production cost per egg is around Rs. 16.56. When egg prices were at their highest, a peti (seven crates) of large eggs had reached up to Rs. 3,675.
Pokharel mentioned that while farmers could cover their production costs during the price peak, the recent drop had made it difficult for them to even meet their expenses. “Due to high temperatures, egg production has decreased and market demand has risen, leading to the price increase,” he said. The extreme heat has caused various diseases among poultry, significantly reducing production.
According to the Association’s Secretary, Madan Pokharel, the number of egg-laying hens has decreased while demand has risen. “Given the current situation, egg prices are expected to continue rising,” he said. “The farmers are encouraged by the price increase.” Currently, around 3 million eggs are being produced daily. Many poultry farmers in Nepal have been displaced after failing to recover their production costs. #egg #poultry #nepal
