Bangkok: Farmers are urgently convening with the Department of Livestock Development to address the issue of falling egg prices, which have decreased three times in a span of 20 days. The president of the Southern Egg Farmers Association, Suthep Suwannarat, has announced plans to meet with the department to explore measures to mitigate the ongoing price decline, which has seen the cost of mixed eggs at farms drop to 3 baht per egg.
According to Thai News Agency, Suthep Suwannarat highlighted that egg prices have experienced a significant reduction, with today marking the third drop within less than three weeks. Initially, prices had remained stable at 3.60 baht per egg for several months before they were reduced to 3.40 baht on October 14th, then to 3.20 baht on October 27th, and finally to the current 3 baht. The cumulative reduction amounts to a decrease of 60 satang per egg.
The current cooler weather, indicative of winter’s onset, is contributing to increased egg production as hens lay more eggs. Despite intermittent rain and unstable weather conditions, the health of the chickens remains largely unaffected. However, the completion of the vegetarian festival and the end of the school term have led to an increased supply of chicken eggs in the market.
Compounding the issue, a decline in egg exports to Hong Kong has been observed. Competing countries with lower production costs are able to offer eggs at more competitive prices. Even though Thai exporters attempt to reduce domestic supply by exporting below cost, they are struggling to remain competitive. Farmers are calling on the Department of Livestock Development to introduce measures such as enforcing the removal of hens from cages at a specified age and seeking additional export markets.
Veterinarian Rakthai Ngamphak, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Livestock Development, has been tasked by Veterinarian Somchuan Rattanamangklanon, the Director-General, to engage in discussions with egg farmers on November 6th. The aim is to develop strategies that will alleviate the financial strain caused by the persistent decline in egg prices.