India lowers egg prices to boost consumption

To increase poultry consumption, India's National Egg Coordination Committee has lowered egg prices by 25 paise to Rs 2.70 (US$0.05) each.
Prices reached a record Rs 3.13 (US$0.06) in December as a cold wave in the north and the intensification of cyclones in the south pushed up poultry prices. The price cut, say industry sources, is motivated by buyer resistance and the need to clear out stock that piled up during Pongal season, when schools are closed and fewer trade trucks run among the states. “We don't want to pile up these perishable products and hence we have trimmed the prices to perk up consumption,” said one source. The Committee has also lowered prices for layer birds, to Rs 30 (US$0.60) per kg from Rs 43 (US$0.86) per kg. The Broiler Coordination Committee has lowered the rate for cull birds to Rs 46 (US$0.91) from Rs 50 (US$0.99) per kg.