Wholesale egg prices are on the rise with the onset of winter in North India.

The National Egg Coordination Committee (Namakkal zone) has increased the price of an egg by seven paise to Rs 2.87.

Spiralling input costs, pick-up in consumption due to winter and spurt in confectioneries' demand on account of Christmas are the reasons for decision to increase the price.

Prices of egg feed are now ruling at Rs 22 a kg against Rs 15 last year.

Broiler gains

Meanwhile, Palladam-based Broiler Co-ordination Committee (BCC) has increased the rates of cull birds by Rs 3 a kg to Rs 58. NECC’s layer rates (for birds of 1.3 kg) are ruling flat at Rs 36.

Namakkal and Palladam prices are the benchmarks for eggs and chicken respectively in the country.

Shipments rise

On the export front, egg shipments from India increased to 736.82 lakh in November this year against 302.28 lakh in the same period last year.

This is mainly because of exporters tapping newer markets such as Afghanistan and Morocco.

“Poultry prices are likely to increase in the coming days because of the approaching Christmas and New Year festivals besides the winter season,” NECC sources said.

gayathri.gururajan@thehindu.co.in

comment COMMENT NOW