CHITWAN: With the tightening of the Indian border entry and exit points due to the elections in India, the illegal import of eggs into Nepal has been stopped. As a result, the price of eggs in Nepal has increased drastically, effective from today.

The price list issued by the Nepal Layers Poultry Breeders Association has increased the retail price of eggs. Accordingly, the price of extra large (XL) eggs has been fixed at Rs 520 per crate (of 30), large eggs at Rs 505 and medium at Rs 490.

According to the Association’s president, Binod Pokharel, it is an increase by Rs 55 per crate compared to the previous price. Nepali eggs have finally got the cost price after the illegal import of Indian eggs from the border was stopped. He said that the illegal import of eggs has not been allowed into Nepal due to the tightening of the border due to the elections in India.

The cost price of eggs in Nepal is 16.57 rupees per unit. Egg consumption increases during the winter and hence the increase in the demand.

Three months ago, the price of XL size egg had reached 530 rupees per crate but it gradually fell to 400 rupees. The latest increase is to a point where farmers can get at least the cost price.

It is estimated that around 4 million eggs are produced daily in Nepal.