Leading poultry farmers and breeders across Karnataka have voiced concern over retail egg prices in Goa reaching Rs 100 per dozen, calling the steep rise unjustified despite seasonal demand and increased exports to Gulf countries and Sri Lanka. The remarks come as Goa grapples with limited supply and surging market prices, prompting scrutiny of retailer practices.
According to reports from Panaji, egg prices recently climbed from Rs 96 to Rs 100 per dozen. Retailers reportedly buy eggs at around Rs 70 per dozen and sell them at Rs 100 due to high demand, while wholesalers sell at Rs 84 per dozen. Limited inflow from Karnataka and Maharashtra has added pressure to the market.
Farmers surprised by steep retail margins
M S R Prasad, NECC Chairman (Hospet Zone) and a senior figure in Karnataka’s poultry sector, said there is no reason for prices to hit the Rs 100 mark. “Though there is some effect of exports to Gulf and Sri Lanka, the retail prices should not exceed Rs 96 a dozen,” he said.
Prasad, who also serves on the Karnataka Poultry Farmers and Breeders Association (KPFBA), stated that Karnataka continues to supply Goa with a consistent volume of eggs. “We are supplying the same quantity as always, and even more when required. Currently, we supply at around Rs 80 per dozen. Wholesalers may add their margin, but prices should still remain below Rs 96,” he added.
His Kittur Chennamma Poultry Farm group supplies nearly 10 lakh eggs per day to Goa. Prasad noted that egg prices typically moderate after winter and predicted that rates may drop to around Rs 75 per dozen by January next year.
Industry says production remains steady
Other industry stakeholders echoed similar views. Sanjeev Deshpande, director of Kwality Animal Feeds Pvt Ltd and producer of the Belchick brand, said production levels remain stable throughout the year.
“Many times, we supply chicken and eggs at a loss while waiting for the right season. Prices are driven purely by market dynamics,” he said, pointing to the cyclical nature of consumer demand.
Retailers defend rising prices
Egg retailers, however, say their sale prices reflect current procurement rates. Javeed Gove, a Belagavi-based retailer, said the rate on Monday stood at Rs 700 for 100 eggs and Rs 90 per dozen. “We get eggs at Rs 650 to Rs 675 per 100, and sell at Rs 90 per dozen. The rates are high this season everywhere,” he said.
Retailers in Goa attribute the price increase to fluctuating deliveries from the neighbouring states and the higher cost of transporting eggs into the state. With Goa dependent entirely on imported eggs, any disruption in supply significantly impacts local pricing.
Need for closer monitoring
Farmers and breeders have urged the National Egg Coordination Council (NECC) to monitor retail margins more closely, emphasising that unreasonable hikes create hardship for consumers and distort the market.
They also stressed that while exports contribute to price fluctuations, they cannot solely justify such steep increases. A coordinated effort between suppliers, wholesalers and retailers, they said, could help stabilise prices across the region.
With demand expected to remain high through winter, stakeholders anticipate further discussions within NECC and state poultry associations to ensure transparency and fair pricing for consumers.