Egg prices will also increase

By Rathindra Kurruwita

All-Island Egg Producers’ Association (AIEPA) yesterday claimed that the production cost of an egg was around Rs. 18, but it was increasing rapidly.

Chairman of the AIEPA, Sarath Ratnayaka said that the animal feed prices had increased by over 100% and that the price of eggs would increase soon.

“Corn accounts for round 45% of animal feed. Six months ago, a kilo of corn was about Rs. 60, now a kilo of corn is over Rs. 100. A kilo of soy that was Rs. 85 six months ago is now Rs. 185. The livestock dietary supplement, DCP, which was Rs. 85 is now around Rs. 250. Most of these are imported,” he said.

Ratnayaka said that the cost of producing an egg was between Rs. 17.50 and 18.50. The average price of an egg in the market was about Rs. 22, he said.

“Each week the cost of production increases by about 50 to 75 cents. So, we will have to increase prices. However, the long-term solution is to reduce the farmers’ cost of production. Otherwise, this will keep on happening. A lot of egg producers are in trouble,” Ratnayaka said.