With the Indian egg powder market valued at $36.87 billion in 2023 and expected to grow at a very healthy rate with a CAGR of 7.1% through 2029, there is no denying the fact that the Indian egg powder is definitely a dynamic and evolving sector within the country’s food industry. It is noteworthy to state that egg powder obtained from the dehydration and processing of eggs, has gained a significant importance in recent years due to its versatility, convenience and extended shelf life.
Additionally, this market in India has witnessed a substantial expansion in recent years due to many factors namely changing consumer preferences and lifestyles, increased demand for convenience foods and versatility of egg powder as an ingredient.
Egg powder issue raised in Parliament
It was only recently last week when MP Sanjay Raut put up a question in Parliament that whether there was a demand for Indian egg market in international market and how did the government plan to capture the export market. Minister of Fisheries Parshottam Rupala while replying to the query in an affirmative tone said while there was an increasing trend in export of Indian egg powder, the government had taken a proactive approach to mitigate the risks associated with the highly pathogenic avian influenza by adopting a concept of poultry compartmentalization which was an important tool that enhanced animal health, reduced risk of disease outbreaks and enabled the trade poultry and poultry related products. He added that the government had submitted a self-declaration of freedom from high pathogenicity avian influenza related to poultry compartments to the WOAH which would smoothen the export of poultry and poultry products.
Experts speak
Poultry and livestock expert Ricky Thapar said the main issue was of rates. He added if the government permitted import of GM maize and soy, main components of poultry feed, rates would be reduced. It is to be noted that at present maize is also being diversified into making of ethanol and human food consumption. The grain’s price are shooting up and in the time to come as consumption and demand rise, the prices of maize will shoot steeply. Now why this important because it is to be understood that the cost of poultry feed which constitutes a large portion of the overall production expenses can be influenced by factors like global grain rates etc. Fluctuations in feed costs can affect the profitability of egg producers and in turn the pricing of egg powder.
Govt initiatives
In order to encourage export of egg and egg products, the government has undertaken steps like trade fairs, buyer-seller meets etc. Also, it is implementing the Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund (AHIDF) for incentivising various activities including poultry farms. There is a provision to provide 3% interest subvention to the individuals, Farmers Producer Organisations, Private Companies, Section 8 companies and MSME on loans taken under AHIDF.
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