Chennai, 11 July (H.S.) :

Egg prices in Tamil Nadu have climbed to an all-time high after the National Egg Coordination Committee (NECC) on Saturday raised the procurement price by 5 paise to Rs 6.55 per egg, reflecting mounting production costs and sustained demand in the market.

The latest revision, from Rs 6.50 to Rs 6.55 per egg, is the highest procurement price fixed by the NECC so far. The increase comes against the backdrop of rising poultry feed prices, strong domestic consumption and export-related factors that have pushed up the cost of egg production.

The impact of the revision is already visible in the retail market, where eggs are being sold at around Rs 8 each in many parts of the state. Traders expect retail prices to edge up further if feed costs remain elevated and consumer demand continues at the current pace.

Industry representatives said the cost of producing eggs has risen sharply due to higher prices of key feed ingredients such as maize and soybean meal, which account for the largest share of production expenses. They added that stable demand from households, hotels and institutional buyers has also supported the upward trend in prices.

Stakeholders also pointed to export-related factors and the continuing conflict in West Asia, which has affected logistics and increased input costs. The disruption in supply chains has added to production expenses, prompting producers to seek higher procurement prices to offset rising costs.

Tamil Nadu remains one of India's leading egg-producing states, with Namakkal recognised as the country's largest egg production and export hub. Procurement prices announced by the NECC often influence wholesale and retail markets across several states that depend on Tamil Nadu for egg supplies.

Although the latest increase is only 5 paise per egg, poultry farmers say the revision is essential to partially compensate for rising production costs. Traders, however, caution that consumers may have to bear higher retail prices in the coming weeks if feed prices remain high and there is no significant reduction in production expenses.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman