The price of eggs in Nepal has reached an all-time high due to a significant drop in production. As a result, farmers are now finally receiving prices that cover their production costs.
The Nepal Layers Poultry Farmers Association has set a support price based on rates published by various poultry farms. Effective from today, the rate for large eggs has been fixed at Rs. 525 per crate (30 eggs), while the rate for medium-sized eggs has been set at Rs. 495 per crate.
These rates have been determined with Chitwan as the reference point. As eggs are distributed to different parts of the country from Chitwan, the market rates are adjusted accordingly. According to the Association’s President, Binod Pokhrel, the selling price per peti (7 crates) has been fixed at Rs. 3,855 for large eggs and Rs. 3,645 for medium-sized eggs.
President Pokhrel noted that the previous highest price for large eggs was Rs. 510 per crate in the month of Bhadra last year. “This is the highest egg rate we’ve seen so far,” he stated, adding that farmers are now finally able to meet their production costs. The cost of production per egg stands at Rs. 16.56.
The surge in price is attributed to a reduced number of laying hens, which has caused supply to fall short of demand. Additionally, due to the sale of old hens and the inability of farmers to introduce new chicks, production has been further impacted.
Pokhrel remarked, “Looking at the current situation, egg prices are expected to continue rising.” The price increase has brought optimism among farmers. Although there is no exact data, it is estimated that current daily production stands at around 2.8 to 3 million eggs—nearly half of what it used to be.
