Chitwan, Dec. 28: Poultry farmers in Nepal are set to receive the highest-ever prices for eggs starting Saturday, offering much-needed relief after months of financial losses.

The farm price for large eggs has been set at Rs 3,600 per box (7 crates), while medium eggs will be priced at Rs 3,500. Retail consumers will pay Rs 22.50 per egg.

According to the Nepal Layers Poultry Farmers Association, this price adjustment will help farmers cover their production costs, estimated at Rs 16.56 per egg.

Binod Pokharel, President of the association, explained that factors such as reduced production in winter, fewer egg-laying hens, increased tourism, and the reopening of schools and colleges have driven up demand and prices.

“With this price adjustment, farmers will finally receive their production cost, which will help motivate them after enduring significant losses,” Pokharel said.

Current egg production stands at approximately 2.2 million eggs daily, but many farmers are struggling due to the inability to replace aging hens with new chicks.

Rajendra Lamichhane, outgoing president of the Poultry Traders Forum, and Trilochan Kandel from the Chitwan Industry Association, emphasized that while the price hike offers welcome relief, the poultry sector remains fragile.

“If farmers continue to face losses, many will be forced out of the business,” Kandel warned.

The rise in egg prices reflects broader challenges in the poultry industry, with stakeholders urging sustainable measures to prevent further displacement of farmers.