Egg Farmers in Nepal Finally Seeing Profit After Years of Losses

Chitwan, Mangsir 22: Layers poultry farmers in Nepal, who have been incurring losses for a long time, have finally received egg prices that allow them to make a profit. 

After over 75% of farmers were displaced in recent years due to not recovering their cost price, the current pricing ensures profitability for the remaining farmers.

The Nepal Layers Poultry Farmers Association, which issues support prices based on the rates of poultry farms across the country, has implemented new prices effective from Tuesday. 

According to this new rate, the price per crate (30 eggs) for Extra Large (XL) eggs is set at Rs 580, Large at Rs 565, and Medium at Rs 550. Previously, the price for a crate of large eggs had reached an all-time high of Rs 560 in July but subsequently dropped to as low as Rs 400.

According to the Association's President, Binod Pokhrel, the price has increased by Rs 20 per crate compared to the previous rate. He stated that Nepali eggs are receiving their cost price because the illegal entry of Indian eggs across the border has been halted. 

Due to strict surveillance at the border during the Indian election and increased consumption and price of eggs in India itself, Indian eggs have not been able to enter Nepal illegally, he explained.

He said, "It is evident that Nepali farmers will receive a fair price if the border checkpoints with India can be strictly controlled." He stressed that the government must save Nepali farmers by enforcing strict measures at the border. 

According to Trilochan Kandel, advisor to the Association, the price of eggs has also increased in India. He noted that the incentive to illegally smuggle eggs into Nepal has decreased as they fetch a good price even in India.

The cost price of an egg in Nepal is approximately Rs 16.57 per piece. At the current selling price, Nepali farmers are making a profit, he confirmed. Rajendra Lamichhane, former president of the Poultry Entrepreneurs Forum and engaged in the Association's egg marketing campaign, stated that the consumption of eggs increases during the winter months.

In his view, the demand has also increased because of public awareness campaigns promoting egg consumption to protect against the cold during winter. It is estimated that Nepal currently produces around 4 million eggs daily. 

While small farmers have been displaced due to unremunerative egg prices, the remaining farmers, who took bank loans to raise a large number of chickens, are able to meet the demand.