Chitwan, October 9
Nepal produces around 3.8 million eggs a day, falling short of the estimated daily demand of five million, despite a recent increase in the number of farmers raising layer chickens, according to the Nepal Layer Poultry Farmers Association.
Association central president Binod Pokhrel said commercial egg production was picking up as farmers began receiving prices that covered their production costs. He added that the inflow of eggs smuggled from India had stopped in April, providing relief to domestic producers.
The association aims to restore production to pre-pandemic levels of 6.5 million to seven million eggs a day. The number of large-scale layer farmers has risen from around 120 four years ago to 180 now, Pokhrel said.
Eggs are selling for around Rs 600 per crate of 30, while the production cost is approximately Rs 19 per egg. However, consumers pay Rs 25 to Rs 30 per egg at retail outlets.
Pokhrel said extreme heat, disease outbreaks and bird flu in April and May had reduced production. He expects output to increase as winter approaches.
On World Egg Day, the association organised a Zumba dance and an “Egg Walk” in Bharatpur to raise awareness of eggs’ nutritional value. The annual observance falls on the second Friday of October. This year’s theme is “The Mighty Egg: Packed with Protein, Powering and Protecting.”
