CHITWAN: Rising temperatures and increased demand have driven up egg prices, while production has dropped significantly. Compared to previous months, average egg production has declined by about 25 percent.
Dr. Ananta Dahal, Associate Professor at the University of Agriculture and Forestry in Rampur, explained that the intense heat has caused chickens to eat less feed, resulting in lower egg output.
He noted that heat stress, compounded by high humidity during the rainy season, makes chickens more susceptible to diseases, further reducing productivity.
Binod Pokharel, Central President of the Nepal Layers Poultry Breeders Association, said that the current production shortfall has made it difficult to meet market demand.
In response, the association has introduced new support prices, effective today. The farm price in Chitwan has been set at Rs 480 per crate for large eggs and Rs 450 for medium-sized ones—an increase of Rs 30 per large crate.
At the wholesale level, traders are now selling a large carton (seven crates) for Rs 3,540 and a medium carton for Rs 3,330. Pokharel noted that daily egg production, which stood at 40,000 cartons just four months ago, has now dropped to around 28,000–30,000 cartons.
He added that many poultry farmers have exited the business due to rising feed costs and falling egg prices. The recent reopening of schools, colleges, and the return of tourists have pushed up demand, but many farmers had already sold off their hens due to financial strain.
Last year, egg prices peaked at Rs 525 per crate before plummeting to Rs 350. The current cost of production per egg in Nepal is estimated at Rs 16.56.
Dr. Bijay Kumar Shrestha, head of the National Poultry Disease Research Laboratory in Bharatpur, confirmed that samples from Chitwan and neighboring districts showed the presence of H9 virus infections in 50 farms.
Additionally, cases of cholera and salmonella have also been reported. He explained that moldy feed, common during the rainy season, combined with the heat, further contributes to the spread of disease and declining egg production.
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