Dhaka, Sep 13 (V7N) – The government's efforts to stabilize local egg prices through imports from India have yet to show results. Despite the arrival of eggs from India, retail prices remain unchanged, with a dozen eggs currently priced between Tk160 and Tk165.

Last November, the government sanctioned the import of 5 million eggs from India, with a delivery expected by September 10 this year. However, only 292,000 eggs have arrived to date.

Mohammad Liton, an egg seller at Dhaka’s Karwan Bazar, commented that the limited quantity of imported eggs has not influenced market prices. For the past month, a dozen eggs have been consistently priced between Tk155 and Tk160 in retail markets.

Visits to Moghbazar and Hatirpool also revealed that the price of a dozen eggs stands at Tk160, with four eggs costing Tk55. Vendors confirmed that prices have remained stable over the past month.

Small-scale poultry farmers, however, have expressed concern over rising animal feed costs, which they believe are driving up production expenses. They argue that reducing feed prices would naturally lower egg prices. Instead, they worry that continued egg imports could jeopardize local farmers, potentially forcing many out of business and creating long-term instability in the egg market.

On September 11, the Bangladesh Poultry Association (BPA) announced that they might halt egg and poultry production if egg imports persist. The BPA highlighted that local production exceeds daily demand, with a current output of 45 million eggs against a daily requirement of 40 million. They argue that imports could harm local farmers and exacerbate future shortages.

Sumon Hawlader, president of BPA, criticized the import policy and the high cost of feed. He revealed plans to file a case against feed suppliers for inflated prices, noting that feed costs in Bangladesh are significantly higher than in the international market. Producing an egg locally costs Tk7.50, compared to Tk5.50 in India. Hawlader called for measures to reduce production costs and address the role of corrupt officials and corporate interests in driving up feed prices.

Meanwhile, the price of broiler chicken remains steady at Tk175 per kilogram, unchanged from the previous week.

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