The country is currently facing an egg shortage leading to soaring prices. Owing to the shortage, a tray of eggs costs as high as Nu 490 in the capital. A few weeks earlier, a tray of eggs costs between Nu 350 to 380. Moreover, some residents said it is not easily available.
According to a shopkeeper in Thimphu, the egg suppliers charge more than Nu 3,000 per carton, which usually costs about Nu 2,200.
“Before we used to sell eggs at much lower prices than now. It used to be sold from Nu 350 to 380. But now the minimum price is Nu 450. I do not know the reason behind the increase but the suppliers charge Nu 3000 per carton. So, we are compelled to sell at a higher price too,” said Phuntsho, a shopkeeper.
BBS visited some of the poultry farms in Tsirang and the farmers said the egg production has reduced drastically this time.
“Earlier, I used to supply 40 cartons of eggs in Thimphu in a week. But now I am able to supply only 25 carton. I feel it is because of the lack of protein in the feed, which has reduced production. When I had 40 cartons a week, I used to sell them at a price of Nu 300 per tray. These days, I sell 25 cartons of eggs. That is the reason why we sell it at a higher price,” said Passang Tamang, a poultry farmer.
“If we talk about egg demand and supply before one year, BLDC imported eggs and sold, which was lower than the farmer’s egg price here in Bhutan. But the feeds prices here are higher. So, big poultry farms in Sarpang and Tsirang are closed. There are only a few farms in the country, so the supply is low,” said Dewash Kharel, another poultry farmer.
The farmers added that the situation was further aggravated by middlemen who charge a higher price.
According to the agriculture and livestock minister, the country is facing an egg shortage due to a mismatch of demand and supply.
The minister added that the farmers are unable to buy feed due to increasing prices. However, the minister said they are working to solve the problem.
On the other hand, Karma Feeds is reducing the price of the feeds from tomorrow.
According to the company, the feeds price is being reduced as the price of the raw materials has decreased.
Officials added that the price of the feeds fluctuates according to raw material prices, which are imported from India.
Sonam Yuden/Pema Tshewang
Edited by Tshering Zam
