Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Jul 9: With the ongoing deep-sea fishing ban and limited fish availability along the coast, demand for eggs has surged in the coastal districts, pushing prices upwards. The absence of sufficient local egg production has further worsened the situation, forcing suppliers to depend on eggs from other districts, often at higher prices.

The fishing ban during June and July, a period when coastal residents typically rely heavily on fresh fish, has caused a supply crunch. While a few local boats continue to venture into the sea, their catch is minimal. Most available fish are frozen imports from other states like Kerala and Odisha, which are not widely preferred by local consumers. Adding to this, fish prices have doubled during the monsoon, prompting many non-vegetarians to turn to eggs as an alternative protein source, a trend that sees a slight spike during the rainy season.

Eggs are also distributed in large quantities as part of the midday meal scheme in schools. With schools reopening after the summer break, bulk deliveries of eggs have resumed, including to anganwadis and pregnant women. This sudden surge in institutional demand has disrupted the supply-demand balance, affecting prices in the open market.

Traders anticipate a price dip during Aashada, a month when many households shift to vegetarian diets. Last year, egg prices in the wholesale market fell to Rs 4.20 per egg during this time. A similar trend is expected this year. From August onwards, with the fishing ban lifted and fresh fish availability restored, many are likely to return to regular fish consumption, further easing egg demand.

The coastal climate is not favourable for large-scale poultry farming, resulting in minimal local egg production. Only two small-scale production centres exist — one in Mandarthi (Udupi) and another in Bhatkal — which cannot meet local demand. Hence, eggs are largely sourced from Hosapete, Mysuru, and Davanagere.

On Tuesday, eggs were sold at Rs 6.60 per piece in the wholesale market and between Rs 7 and Rs 7.50 in the retail market. Prices have increased over the past two weeks and have remained stable for the last few days, according to traders.

“With eggs being a rich source of protein, their consumption remains high. Eggs are a staple in military rations, school meals, fast food items, cakes, and even in pet food. Furthermore, eggs are also exported to countries like the USA, Oman, and Qatar. Despite the current price hike, traders remain optimistic that prices will drop during Aashada,” Dr Sushanth Rai Bellippadi, member, Veterinary Board.