Egg prices drop by Rs 1.5 in Bengaluru as seasonal trends take effect

Bengaluru: Egg prices softened by Rs 1.5 following the peak winter season, offering slight relief to consumers.According to the National Egg Coordination Committee (NECC) website, the prices dropped from Rs 603 per tray (100 eggs) in Jan to Rs 561.3 in Feb. As of Wednesday, an egg cost Rs 7 at retail outlets and Rs 6.2 to Rs 6.5 in wholesale stores.
Bengaluru gets its eggs from Kolar, Chikkaballapur, Tumakuru, Mysuru, and parts of north Karnataka, besides some inflow from Tamil Nadu. Nearly 70% of Karnataka's eggs come from within the state.Consumers are happy with the drop. Isha G, 41, a working professional from Banashankari 2nd Stage, said: "We buy nearly 150 eggs a month, as my family eats about five eggs a day. With prices coming down, it eases our monthly budget. I also bake as a hobby and cook regularly for my family, so eggs are a staple in our kitchen. When prices rise, it pinches. I only hope there is greater awareness and clearer guidelines on quality. At times it is hard to tell which eggs are good."Traders and poultry industry representatives say the decline is seasonal, linked to rising temperatures resulting in a dip in consumption. As demand eases, farmers are lowering rates to keep stocks moving, reversing the highs seen in Dec and Jan when tighter supply and strong demand pushed up prices.A wholesale trader at Banashankari 3rd Stage said: "An egg is sold for Rs 6.2, as the rates came down over the last few days... At one time, we even sold the eggs for Rs 7 to Rs 7.5. But now the temperatures are higher and the production is also up, eventually resulting in lower prices."Inayath Ulla Khan, former executive secretary of Karnataka Poultry Farmers & Breeders Association (KPFBA), said: "Chicken and egg prices were stable and remunerative during the winter season, especially towards the end of Dec, supported by festive and holiday season demand. With the onset of the summer season and annual examinations, consumption typically declines, and this softer demand is expected to continue for the next couple of months, prompting farmers to reduce prices to sustain market movement."MSR Prasad, Hospet zonal chairman, NECC (Karnataka chapter), said: "We encourage consumers to continue including eggs and chicken in their diet, as they are affordable, high-quality sources of protein essential for good health."Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Valentine's day wishes, messages and quotes !