Ande Ka Funda: TN egg producers see room in Ukraine war-triggered shortage

The egg traders of Namakkal want the government to explore the Russian market for their eggs on their behalf

By Lakshmana Venkat Kuchi from Bengaluru

If everything works out all right, Russians may be making omelettes out of Namakkal eggs, as many do in India.

Namakkal in Western Tamil Nadu, the egg capital of the country with a per day egg production of some 4 crore eggs out of the total 5 crore eggs from Tamil Nadu, sells 95 per cent of its produce outside the state across India and exports to a few countries as well.

With Russia facing a shortage of eggs, due to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, Namakkal egg traders see an opportunity and hope that the central government helps and sells the idea to Russia. Already, some Russian buyers have been asking for eggs from the traders of this TN town. Now, there is hope among the egg manufacturers and traders after exporters’ details were sought by the central government.

The central government has asked the state government for details of exporters of eggs.

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“Only today we have given a list of top producers and exporters of eggs to the Tamil Nadu government and the central government,” said Vangili Surbamaniam, president of Tamil Nadu Egg Poultry Farmers Marketing Association.

“A list of 10 exporters has been sent to both the governments,” noted Subram Beaniam.

“Our eggs are known for quality and are considered the best in the country,” said Subramanian, adding: “Our eggs are also going to Oman and Qatar. At present, some 10 crore eggs are sent to Oman every month.”

If the government explores the Russian market and puts in a good word with Russia in negotiations, then Namakkal can further gain, Subramanian said.

India has been importing crude oil from Russia and if the central government can work out a good deal, then Namakkal can surely help Russia meet its egg shortage. According to the Poultry Farmers Marketing Association office bearer, talks are already on between the two countries.

The Russian authorities are concerned over the egg crisis, which has hiked the prices of this essential commodity in that country.

Russian buyers have asked for eggs, and if the government helps, Russia can be a big market for Namakkal eggs, Subramanian said.

At present, there are no repeat restrictions on the export of eggs in India, but foreign countries have stringent conditions and strictly regulate the entry of food products like eggs, milk, fruits, or vegetables, among others.

The egg traders of Namakkal want the government to explore the Russian market for their eggs on their behalf. The ongoing Russia-Ukraine war triggered an egg shortage in Russia, and the government there is also apparently concerned about this problem.

(Main Image by Monika from Pixabay)