business π₯ Egg prices jump 40% due to maize diversion π₯
Egg prices have seen a sharp increase of around 40% in a year, with farm-gate prices at Rs 7 and retail prices hitting nearly Rs 9. This hike is linked to maize diversion for the Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) programme across India. In ESY 2024β25, 125.75 lakh metric tonnes of maize were used for ethanol production. Experts warn that prices could increase further as winter demand rises for this cheap protein source. Poultry farmers face higher feed costs because maize, a key ingredient, is being channeled to distilleries.