Bhubaneswar, July 20: Odisha is witnessing a sharp rise in egg prices, with retail rates climbing to ₹9 per egg, up by around ₹2.50 over the past month. While the government reimburses ₹7 per egg for Anganwadi nutrition programmes, workers say they are being forced to cover the price gap from their own pockets.

The All Odisha Anganwadi Ladies Workers' Association has decided to write to the state government, urging it to revise the reimbursement rate. Workers warn that continued price hikes could disrupt egg distribution to children, pregnant women, and lactating mothers under the state's nutrition scheme.

Wholesale egg prices are currently around ₹7.50 per egg, while a carton has reached ₹1,600. Traders attribute the increase to lower production and expect prices to rise further, leading to higher costs for egg-based food products as well.

Anganwadi workers noted that the reimbursement rate was increased from ₹5 to ₹7 last year after remaining unchanged since 2018, but it no longer reflects current market prices. Many workers, especially in rural districts, say they cannot afford to bear the additional cost.

Fisheries and Animal Resources Development Minister Gokulananda Mallik said the price rise is driven by higher global demand, increased exports, and poultry losses caused by this year's extreme summer heat. He added that Odisha currently produces about 12.6 million eggs daily, against an annual demand of 8–9 billion eggs, and the government aims to raise daily production to 20 million eggs.