After potato, Odisha sees surge in egg prices; minister warns of action against hoarding

Fisheries and Animal Resources Development Minister Gokulananda Mallik on Tuesday cautioned that strict action will be taken against hoarding and black marketeering of eggs in Odisha.

Speaking to media in Bhubaneswar, the minister also admitted that prices of eggs have recently witnessed a surge in the state amid shortage due to rising exports to the neighbouring West Bengal.

As per Mallik, West Bengal receives shipments of eggs from both Odisha and Andhra Pradesh. However, due to recent poultry diseases, it is only importing eggs from Odisha.

“I am aware that egg prices have risen at a few locations in the state. Owing to a disease outbreak in Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal is completely reliant on us hence large quantities of eggs meant for Odisha are being exported to the neighbouring state,” he stated.

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The sudden surge in exports as well as increased demand due to winters has led to some shortage of eggs in Odisha, resulting in a temporary price surge which will soon be brought under control,  added Mallik.

Meanwhile, the state is reportedly taking steps to increase egg production. The government is planning to produce over 10 lakh eggs daily and is extending support to farmers for this purpose. Odisha aims to achieve self-sufficiency in egg production and will no longer rely on other states for its supply, the minister reiterated.

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The shortage and rise of egg prices in Odisha comes at a time when potato prices have witnessed rapid skyrocketing in prices. However, in the case of potatoes, Odisha is over-reliant on West Bengal, which has led the Mohan Majhi-led government to focus on increasing potato farming and production in the state.