The price of commercially produced eggs has dropped significantly in recent weeks, pushing poultry farmers into financial distress. After several years of high egg prices, farmers across the sector expanded production, a move that has now resulted in an oversupply and a sharp fall in market prices.
On December 4, farm-gate prices in Rajshahi stood at Tk 7.10 per piece for white eggs and Tk 8.10 for brown eggs. According to industry estimates, farmers are currently incurring an average loss of at least Tk 1 per egg.
Zayerul Islam, a 32-year-old poultry farmer from Kalipur village in Godagari, Rajshahi, said egg prices usually decline slightly during winter, but the situation this year has become unsustainable. He attributed the sharp price drop to production exceeding market demand.
Zayerul operates a farm with 6,500 laying hens, producing an average of around 5,300 eggs per day. He noted that in October, white eggs were selling at Tk 8.10 per piece and brown eggs at Tk 9.10, but prices have since fallen by nearly Tk 1 per egg. Due to the price slump, he reported losses of approximately Tk 50,000 in November alone.
Explaining the reasons behind the declining prices, Zayerul said both the number of farms and overall egg production have increased. At the same time, winter vegetables and locally sourced fish are now widely available, leading many consumers to reduce egg consumption.
Sujon Ali, a 26-year-old farmer from the Dogachi area of Godagari who raises 2,200 white-layer hens, said his farm is operating at more than 90 percent production capacity. However, despite production costs of nearly Tk 8 per egg, he is being forced to sell eggs for less than Tk 7. He warned that if the situation persists, he will need to rely on external financial support to continue operating his farm.
Mohammad Asaduzzaman, a 27-year-old graduate and new poultry farmer from Afi Nepalpara in Paba upazila, said his farm of 1,300 hens produces around 1,250 eggs daily. While production remains strong, he expressed concern over whether the farm can remain viable given the current market prices.
The main wholesale hub for egg trading in the district is Moslemer Mor in Paba upazila. Mizanur Rahman, 32, manager of Rocky Traders at the hub, said his business handles around 55,000 eggs daily. Recently, however, demand from wholesalers has declined, causing prices to fall unexpectedly. He added that current prices are insufficient to cover farmers’ production costs, resulting in widespread losses.
Zainal Abedin, a trader and large-scale poultry farmer from the same area, said he has already reduced his 30,000-hen operation by half to avoid further losses. In addition to his own production, he collects more than 150,000 eggs daily from surrounding areas. He warned that despite stable production levels, weak demand is making it increasingly difficult to sell eggs, and many small-scale farmers may be forced out of the market if the situation continues.
Commenting on the overall market situation, Kazi Jahin Hasan, Director of Kazi Farms, said egg prices are entirely driven by supply and demand. He explained that sustained high prices over the past few years encouraged farmers to expand production.
He noted that Bangladesh lacks accurate nationwide data on egg production, as eggs produced by backyard poultry in rural households are not formally recorded. However, based on industry estimates, commercial farms are currently producing more than 52 million eggs per day, compared to around 35 million eggs during the same period last year. The ongoing price decline, he said, clearly indicates that supply has exceeded demand.
Addressing allegations of cartelization, Hasan said if any cartel had the power to control prices, such a steep decline would not have occurred. He emphasized that thousands of farmers and traders sell eggs daily, making the market inherently competitive.
Professor Asrar Chowdhury of the Department of Economics at Jahangirnagar University said eggs are a perishable commodity that cannot be stored for long periods, forcing farmers to sell quickly and often at lower prices. He added that winter brings an abundance of vegetables and alternative food options, prompting consumers to adjust their diets. According to him, the combined effects of supply-demand imbalance, availability of substitutes, and perishability are the primary factors driving the current decline in egg prices.
