Bhubaneswar, July 19: Egg prices have witnessed a sharp increase across Odisha, with the retail price rising to around Rs 9 per egg from Rs 7.15 a few days ago, reflecting an increase of nearly Rs 2.

The price surge has also been seen in the wholesale market. An egg tray that was earlier available for about Rs 180 is now selling at around Rs 270.

Fisheries and Animal Resources Development Minister Gokulananda Mallick said the rise in prices is due to multiple factors.

He noted that while traders are selling eggs at around Rs 7.15 each, consumers are paying nearly Rs 9 in the retail market.

According to the minister, increasing global demand and higher exports have contributed to the price rise. He also pointed to higher chicken mortality during the summer months, which has affected production and reduced supply.

"These factors have together led to the increase in egg prices," Mallick said.

To boost production and bridge the supply gap, the state government has announced additional financial assistance for the poultry sector.

Mallick said the government, which is already providing subsidies of up to Rs 1 crore, will extend an additional subsidy of Rs 10 crore to support poultry farmers and help meet the growing demand for eggs.

The minister expressed confidence that prices would stabilise as production improves.

He added that the government has set a target of producing 2 crore eggs every day to ensure adequate supply and keep prices under control.