Bhubaneswar: With price of eggs rising sharply in Odisha over the last few days, the state government on Sunday said concrete steps are being taken to substantially increase production to meet the demand.
According to information, prices have gone up in the market with one egg now selling for Rs nine. Just a few days ago, the price was Rs 7.15, marking a sudden increase of around Rs 2 per egg.
The increase is also reflected in wholesale rates. An egg tray that used to cost Rs 180 earlier is now being sold for Rs 270.
Speaking on the issue, Fisheries and Animal Resources Development Minister Gokulananda Mallick attributed the egg price rise to several factors, including increase in demand.
While traders are currently selling egg at Rs 7.15 paise, while retailers are selling to consumers at around Rs 9. He attributed the increase to rising global demand and higher egg exports. This apart, chicken mortality rates have gone up this summer, which has impacted overall production, he said.
To address the supply gap, the government has announced additional support for the poultry sector. The government is already giving a subsidy of up to Rs 1 crore. Another subsidy of Rs 10 crore will be provided now so that the demand for eggs can be met, he said.
The Minister said prices are expected to drop once production picks up. The state government has set a target of producing two crore eggs per day to meet growing demand and stabilise the market.