Sirajganj Poultry Farmers Halt Egg Sales Indefinitely Over Unfair Prices

Poultry farm owners in Sirajganj have suspended egg sales indefinitely, citing a sharp decline in wholesale prices driven by market syndicates. The decision came after farmers faced unsustainable financial losses, as wholesale rates fell far below the actual cost of production. The strike has triggered an immediate supply shortage across local kitchen markets. Mostak Ahmed, owner of Supto Poultry Farm and Feed, confirmed that the suspension followed a strategic meeting of district farm owners held in the Shialkol area of Sirajganj Sadar.

The striking farmers revealed that producing a single egg currently costs approximately 9 Taka, driven by the escalating expenses of poultry feed, veterinary medicine, and labour. Despite these overheads, influential wholesale syndicates have artificially depressed procurement rates to as low as 7.70 Taka per egg. Lokman Hossain, a local farmer, expressed frustration over the pricing mechanism, stating that whilst farmers bear all production risks, a handful of corporate traders dictate the market prices. He noted that these middlemen purchase eggs cheaply at the farm gate and retail them at premium rates across major cities, pocketing substantial profit margins.

The operational halt has severely disrupted retail supply chains. Local shopkeepers reported a drastic decline in daily deliveries, making it difficult to meet standard consumer demand. Retailer Alauddin mentioned that his regular wholesale supplies have stopped, forcing him to source smaller quantities at higher wholesale rates, which complicates retail pricing. For average consumers, who rely heavily on eggs as an affordable source of protein, the sudden market instability poses a direct challenge to daily household budgets.

Stabilising the volatile poultry sector requires a coordinated intervention involving producers, wholesale traders, and regulatory authorities. Regional analysts warn that prolonged deadlock could trigger wider food inflation across neighboring districts. Commenting on the situation, the Sirajganj District Livestock Officer, Dr A.K.M. Anowarul Haque, clarified that official market pricing remains a government prerogative rather than a choice for independent traders. He attributed the current price drop to a temporary seasonal decline in consumer demand and assured that the administration is reviewing the grievances of the farmers to restore market equilibrium.