Egg Prices Rise Again in Nepal, but Why Are Farmers Still Losing Money?

New Prices Effective Nationwide

The Nepal Layers Poultry Farmers Association introduced new egg prices across Nepal on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, after bird flu reduced domestic production while market demand began recovering. Under the revised farm-level rates, large eggs now cost Rs. 500 per crate of 30 eggs, medium eggs cost Rs. 470, and small eggs cost Rs. 415, representing an increase of Rs. 50 per crate in every category.

How Much Have Prices Increased?

The price of a crate of large eggs increased from Rs. 450 to Rs. 500, while medium eggs rose from Rs. 420 to Rs. 470. The association said the new small-egg rate is Rs. 415 per crate.

These are farm or support prices determined by the association after collecting price information from major poultry farms. Actual retail prices paid by consumers may be higher after transportation, distribution and shop margins are added.

Bird Flu Cuts Daily Production

Association President Binod Pokharel said Nepal previously produced approximately 45 lakh eggs every day. However, bird flu and the losses experienced by poultry farms reduced daily production to around 28 lakh eggs.

This means the country is currently producing nearly 17 lakh fewer eggs per day, a decline of almost 38 percent from the earlier production level. The reduction in supply, combined with improving consumption, has placed upward pressure on prices.

Prices Have Remained Unstable

Egg prices had reached around Rs. 550 per crate at the end of Jestha. They later dropped to approximately Rs. 450, leaving farmers with lower returns before the latest Rs. 50 increase.

The changing rates show how quickly Nepal’s egg market can move when disease outbreaks, production levels and consumer demand change. Earlier price revisions in 2026 also reflected declining output, high farming expenses and shifting market conditions.

Farmers Still Selling Below Cost

Although consumers will now pay more, poultry farmers say the revised prices are still not enough to cover production expenses. According to the association’s estimate, producing one crate of 30 eggs costs approximately Rs. 573.60, equal to around Rs. 19.12 per egg.

At the new large-egg price of Rs. 500, farmers are still receiving approximately Rs. 73.60 less than the estimated production cost on every crate. This suggests that the price increase may reduce farmers’ losses but does not yet make egg production profitable.

Why Production Costs Remain High

Commercial egg farmers must continuously spend money on poultry feed, medicines, vaccines, electricity, labour, transportation and farm maintenance. When a disease outbreak kills birds or forces farmers to remove infected flocks, production falls while many operating expenses continue.

Farmers also require time and significant investment to replace laying hens. As a result, the egg supply may not immediately return to previous levels even after a bird-flu outbreak is brought under control.

Call for Government Assistance

The Nepal Layers Poultry Farmers Association has urged the government to provide relief and support to poultry farmers who suffered major losses because of bird flu. The association says affected farms need assistance to rebuild their flocks, resume production and prevent further closures.

Without effective compensation, disease-control measures and support for farm recovery, smaller poultry businesses may struggle to remain operational. Continued farm closures could further reduce supply and create additional price pressure in the market.

What Consumers Should Expect

Consumers may experience higher retail egg prices in the coming days as the revised farm rates move through wholesalers and local shops. However, future prices will largely depend on how quickly production recovers, whether bird flu remains under control and whether demand continues to rise.

For farmers, the immediate concern is not simply securing another price increase but reaching a stable selling rate that covers production costs. For consumers, the challenge is ensuring that an important and affordable source of protein does not become increasingly difficult to purchase.