Egg production at risk despite lower market prices: Producers

Colombo, June 30 (Daily Mirror) - Even though consumers are currently benefiting from reduced egg prices, the All Island Egg Producers Association (AIEPA) has raised concerns that the country’s egg production sector is under serious threat.

Speaking to the Daily Mirror, AIEPA Treasurer Wijeya Alwis revealed that the current market price of an egg is lower than its production cost, posing a risk to the industry’s sustainability.

“The production cost of an egg is Rs.34.85, but the farm gate price has dropped to around Rs.28. Due to an excessive number of parent birds in the country, egg production has surged beyond manageable levels,” Alwis explained.

He noted that many poultry farmers had turned to egg production in search of quick profits, resulting in overproduction. This oversupply has made it difficult to sell eggs at prices that cover costs. Alwis added that the existing market prices are likely to persist until the end of this year.

However, he warned that with the eventual culling of the current batch of parent birds, egg prices could soar to around Rs.40 by the next April New Year season.

Further compounding the issue is the rice shortage in the country. “The price of broken rice, a key component of poultry feed, has increased to Rs.150 per kilogramme, further driving up production costs,” Alwis said.

In light of these challenges, the AIEPA pointed out that it is urgently necessary to control production costs for the survival of the industry. The association also called for regulating the number of parent birds in the country to stabilise production and maintain a fair price structure for both consumers and producers.

Mahaweli authorities and agricultural policymakers have been urged to intervene and help balance the market before the industry faces lasting damage.