Saturday | 11 January 2025 | Reg No- 06
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Saturday | 11 January 2025 | Epaper

World Egg Day today

Published : Friday, 11 October, 2024 at 12:00 AM  Count : 181
Md Khalilur Rahman Sajal
World Egg Day, observed annually on the second Friday of October, serves as an opportunity to emphasize the vital role of eggs in global food security and increase awareness of their health benefits. Established by the International Egg Commission in 1996, this day acknowledges eggs as one of the most sustainable, affordable, and nutritious protein sources. The day's spirit is encapsulated by a theme chosen each year. The theme of this year's World Egg Day, "United by Eggs," acknowledges the amazing ability of eggs to unite individuals from all corners of the globe.

Eggs possess an extraordinary nutrient profile and are exceedingly adaptable in their culinary applications. A single egg is a source of high-quality protein, essential vitamins like B12 and D, and minerals like iron, potassium, calcium, selenium etc. This makes eggs an essential food source, particularly in developing countries where access to nutrition is a challenge. Understanding the dynamics of the egg industry as the global demand for eggs continues to increase is essential.

The poultry industry has been a fundamental component of Bangladesh's agricultural economy. Over the past few decades, the nation has witnessed an extraordinary increase in egg production. It has transformed from a modest industry to a highly organized sector, substantially contributing to food security and rural employment.

In Bangladesh, the annual demand for eggs has increased significantly due to population growth, urbanization, and heightened awareness of their nutritional benefits. The Department of Livestock Services reports that the annual demand for eggs is approximately 19 billion, with a per capita consumption of nearly 104 eggs. Nevertheless, this consumption should be increased to a minimum of 180 eggs per capita per year to ensure balanced nutrition and provide an affordable protein source. The annual demand will then be 31 billion.

Bangladesh is expected to produce nearly 23.74 billion eggs in 2024, resulting in a deficit that must be addressed through increased domestic production or imports. The poultry industry has made substantial investments in infrastructure, implementing advanced farming techniques to increase production efficiency. However, the supply chain continues to be affected by challenges such as disease outbreaks, high feed costs, and fluctuating market prices. 


In recent years, the cost of eggs in Bangladesh has fluctuated significantly. Egg prices increased in 2024 due to various factors, such as the increasing cost of poultry feed, which is significantly influenced by global grain markets. The 25-30% increase in feed prices directly impacts production costs. In addition, increased inflation and disruptions in the worldwide supply chain due to the COVID-19 pandemic have increased input costs. 

Depending on the geographic area of Bangladesh, the price of eggs is currently between Tk 140 and 160 per dozen as of mid-2024. This represents a substantial increase from the previous year when eggs were priced at Tk 100-120 per dozen. Government and industry leaders are striving to stabilize prices and guarantee that eggs continue to be an affordable source of nutrition for all despite the potential strain on lower-income households as a result of this price increase.

The poultry sector in Bangladesh is resilient, but it is confronted with various challenges, particularly in biosecurity, disease management, and fluctuating production costs. In the past, the poultry industry has been significantly affected by bird flu and other poultry-related diseases, resulting in significant price increases and decreased output. It is necessary to ensure biosecurity and provide financial assistance to small-scale poultry farmers in order to meet the increasing demand and maintain consistent production levels.

As we celebrate World Egg Day 2024, we must underscore the theme of "United by Eggs." During this day, the industry is encouraged to adopt sustainable practices and emphasizes the role of eggs in establishing a more food-secure and healthier world. The poultry industry must prioritize reducing its environmental impact by optimizing resource utilization, improving farm management, and increasing production efficiencies, particularly in light of the current global discourse on climate change and resource depletion.

Bangladesh, a rapidly expanding economy with a sizable population, must maintain a balance to satisfy the increasing demand and implement more sustainable farming practices. The sector's future success depends upon modernizing poultry production, reducing its carbon footprint, and establishing fair market prices.

It is crucial to remember that eggs are not merely an agricultural product; they are a solution to numerous nutritional challenges that millions of Bangladeshis encounter as we observe World Egg Day. The stability and sustainability of this industry are essential not only for the farmers and producers but also for the overall health and food security of the nation. Eggs may be small, but their influence on Bangladesh's economy, health, and future is anything but.

The writer is an Executive Director, Voluntary Consumers Training and Awareness Society (VOCTA)



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