A sharp increase in egg prices across Karnataka has become a major challenge for two of the state’s most important nutrition programmes– the Mid-Day Meal Scheme for schoolchildren and the Anganwadi nutrition programme for pregnant women, lactating mothers, and young children. Contractors and suppliers are now warning that the continued supply of eggs may soon become financially unsustainable.
Eggs are one of the cheapest and most nutritious sources of protein under these welfare schemes. However, the recent increase in market prices has caused a severe mismatch between the government-approved procurement rate and the actual market cost, rendering suppliers increasingly exposed to losses.
Government rates fall behind market prices
In just a few months, eggs were available in the retail market for around ₹5 to ₹6 per piece. Now prices are at record levels due to increasing demand and supply constraints.
At the wholesale level, eggs are selling between ₹7.40 and ₹8.00 per piece, while retail prices in some parts of Karnataka are going up to ₹8 to ₹9 per egg. With the rise in prices, it is becoming difficult for contractors to get quality eggs at the rates set by the government.
Suppliers are now forced to either incur enormous losses or fail to deliver to schools and Anganwadi centres.
Nutrition Programmes Under Pressure
The Mid-Day Meal Scheme serves lakhs of students studying at government and aided schools in Karnataka. Similarly, the Anganwadi programme under the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) provides nutritional support to pregnant women, nursing mothers, and children below 6 years of age.
Eggs are central to such nutrition programs because they possess protein, vitamins, and important nutrients for health in children and to combat malnutrition.
If the current pricing issue has not been resolved, stakeholders are concerned that the supply of eggs may be disrupted and the nutritional intake of the beneficiaries would be impacted.
Contractors Seek Immediate Revision
Contractors in the Mid-Day Meal Scheme are calling on the state government to adjust procurement rates in line with market prices.
They say it’s difficult to keep providing eggs at the current government-approved rates when wholesale prices continue to rise almost every week.
There are some suppliers that fear that if they have to continue to incur long-term losses, they may cut or stop supplies until procurement costs are reduced.
Reasons Behind the Price Rise
The egg prices so far have been driven by a number of reasons, industry experts say.
Higher poultry feed costs, higher transportation expenses, seasonal fluctuations in production, and consumer demand have all contributed to the rise in prices. And due to weather-related problems with poultry farms, in some areas, the supply of poultry is scarce; hence, prices are even higher.
The high prices could remain elevated unless production improves substantially in the coming weeks.
Impact on Beneficiaries
Such disruption in egg supply could have severe effects on children and women who depend on government welfare programmes for their daily nutritional needs, nutrition experts say.
For many students from economically weaker backgrounds, the Mid-Day Meal is one of the most reliable sources of balanced nutrition. Pregnant women and young children at Anganwadi centres also rely on these food supplements to maintain good health.
A shortage would undermine the intended objectives of these public welfare programs, which are to reduce malnutrition and improve health.
Government Expected to Review the Situation
Officials will assess the economic impact of the price rise and discuss how suppliers and the poultry industry will react to it.
Stakeholders are optimistic that the government will revise procurement rates or provide temporary financial assistance to ensure the continuous supply of eggs for schools and Anganwadi centres.
Meanwhile, contractors continue to struggle with rising procurement costs, and thousands of beneficiaries need to see that these vital nutrition programmes continue without disruption.
