Namakkal: The egg procurement price in Namakkal has touched an unprecedented ₹6, with industry stakeholders predicting a further hike in the coming days.
Namakkal, home to over 1,600 poultry farms and a daily production of nearly seven crore eggs, follows the pricing fixed by the National Egg Coordination Committee (NECC). For the first time, Namakkal eggs were also exported to the U.S.A., adding to the region’s expanding international market footprint.
Record Prices Ahead of Winter Demand
Tamil Nadu and Kerala typically witness an increase in egg consumption during the winter season, which pushes procurement prices upward. Last year, the highest NECC-fixed procurement price was ₹5.90 on December 5, 2024. This year has already surpassed that, with rates touching ₹5.95 on Saturday evening and climbing to ₹6 on Sunday evening.
In the retail market, eggs were sold between ₹6.80 and ₹7.25 per piece.
Poultry farmers say that the current trend indicates a continued price rise.
Multiple Factors Fueling the Hike
Tamil Nadu Poultry Farmers’ Association (TNPFA) president and NECC Namakkal zone chairman, K. Singaraj, attributed the price increase to the onset of winter and the rainy season. Rising labour wages, higher power tariffs, and escalating fodder costs have also contributed to the surge.
He added that export demand remains strong, with eggs being shipped to the UAE, Maldives, and various African countries. “Farmers follow the NECC-fixed rate, and with current demand patterns, the price hike was inevitable,” he said.
Exports Keep Prices Firm Despite Festivals
Chairman of the Tamil Nadu Egg Poultry Farmers’ Marketing Society, Vangli Subramaniam, said the procurement price is set to rise further, estimating a steady annual increase of around 10%. Despite the start of the Sabarimala season, which typically affects egg pricing, he noted that strong export volumes would prevent any drop in rates.
“With satisfactory export levels, prices will remain firm and continue to rise,” he said.