Goa: Retail egg prices in Goa have surged to ₹100 per dozen, sparking concern among leading poultry farmers and breeders across Karnataka, who argue that the steep increase is not supported by production or supply conditions. The rise comes amid winter demand, fluctuating inter-state supply, and increased exports to Gulf nations and Sri Lanka.
Reports from Panaji indicate that prices climbed from ₹96 to ₹100 per dozen within days. Retailers allegedly purchase eggs at about ₹70 per dozen and sell them at ₹100, while wholesalers are charging around ₹84. Reduced inflow from Karnataka and Maharashtra has added pressure to the Goan market, retailers claim.
Farmers Question High Margins
M. S. R. Prasad, NECC Chairman (Hospet Zone) and senior member of the Karnataka Poultry Farmers and Breeders Association (KPFBA), questioned the justification for current retail rates.
“Exports have had some impact, but retail prices should not exceed ₹96 per dozen,” Prasad noted.
He said Karnataka continues to supply Goa regularly and even increases shipments when required.
“We are supplying at around ₹80 per dozen. Even after wholesalers add margins, prices should remain below ₹96,” he added.
Prasad’s Kittur Chennamma Poultry Farm Group alone supplies nearly 10 lakh eggs per day to Goa. He predicts prices will ease after the winter demand peak, potentially falling to ₹75 per dozen by January.
Industry Maintains Production Is Stable
Sanjeev Deshpande, Director of Kwality Animal Feeds Pvt. Ltd. and producer of the Belchick brand, said production has remained consistent.
“Supply doesn’t drop. Sometimes we sell at a loss while waiting for the high-demand season. The market swings purely on consumer cycles,” Deshpande explained.
Retailers Cite Procurement Costs and Logistics
Retailers, however, argue their pricing reflects real procurement challenges.
Belagavi-based retailer Javeed Gove said on Monday the wholesale rate stood at ₹650–₹675 per 100 eggs, with retail prices at around ₹90 per dozen.
“Rates are high everywhere this season,” he said.
Retailers in Goa say the state’s dependency on imported eggs, combined with transport fluctuations, makes pricing volatile.
Appeal for Market Monitoring
Poultry farmers and breeders have urged the National Egg Coordination Council (NECC) to step in and monitor retail margins more closely to prevent consumer exploitation.
Stakeholders agreed that while exports and logistics contribute to fluctuations, they alone do not justify the sharp retail spike. A coordinated approach between farmers, wholesalers, and retailers could stabilise prices through the winter and ensure fair access for consumers.
With winter demand expected to continue rising, further dialogue is anticipated among NECC and state industry representatives to bring transparency and standardisation to egg pricing in Goa and neighbouring markets.
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