Retail egg prices across Odisha have climbed from Rs 7 to Rs 9 per piece over the last few days, putting financial strain on household budgets, government officials said on Sunday.
Addressing the price surge, Fisheries and Animal Resources Development Minister Gokulananda Mallik explained that Odisha remains heavily reliant on neighbouring states to meet its internal egg consumption needs.
The minister attributed the recent price hike to a combination of lower domestic output and a sharp increase in global demand for Indian poultry products.
“Farms are currently selling the poultry product at a wholesale rate of Rs 7.15, which translates to a Rs 9 price tag for retail consumers. One reason behind the price hike is increased exports to Asian and African countries,” Mallik stated.
He further noted that domestic egg production took a hit this year because severe heatwave conditions across the region led to a higher mortality rate among poultry birds.
Detailing the supply gap, the minister said that Odisha produces roughly 460 crore eggs annually, whereas the state’s actual annual demand hovers much higher, between 800 and 900 crore eggs.
“Our government has taken steps to enhance egg production to meet our domestic demand. The state is providing subsidy of up to Rs 1 crore to egg producers,” he added.
