Egg Prices Rise as Demand Surges, Support Prices Increased

The Nepal Layers Poultry Farmers Association has increased the support prices of eggs effective from Tuesday, citing a sharp rise in demand amid declining production. According to the association, the support price for XL eggs has been set at Rs. 560 per crate (30 eggs), large eggs at Rs. 545, medium eggs at Rs. 500, and small eggs at Rs. 3,000 per seven-crate box. Association President Binod Pokharel said egg production has declined significantly after bird flu outbreaks and the death of a large number of chickens, pushing up market demand and prices. However, despite the recent price increase, farmers are still struggling to recover their production costs. The cost of producing an egg is estimated at Rs. 19.12 per piece, equivalent to around Rs. 573.60 per crate, which remains higher than the current support price for XL eggs. Farmers have suffered substantial losses due to bird flu and have increasingly been leaving the poultry business after failing to receive prices that cover their costs. Business operators said declining production, recurring poultry diseases and financial pressure have forced many farmers to depend on bank loans, further increasing the challenges facing the sector.