Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhtar on Friday urged the government to declare eggs as an essential food item, citing their importance in terms of accessibility and availability for all citizens, regardless of income or social background.

“Eggs are crucial for ensuring nutritional security, and there should be no disparity in their availability,” the adviser said while speaking as the chief guest at the 2024 World Egg Day event, held at Krishibid Institution Bangladesh (KIB) in Dhaka.

She also stressed the need to encourage rural women to raise poultry to increase egg production, noting that in the past, rural women contributed to the economy by selling ducks and chickens to wholesalers.

“We need to bring back that system and take all necessary steps to support rural poultry farming,” she said.

She further pointed out that the demand for eggs rises in the Bengali months of Ashwin and Kartik when vegetable supplies decrease. Eggs often pass through several intermediaries from producers to consumers, driving up prices. “Efforts are underway to streamline the supply chain, allowing eggs to be delivered directly from producers to consumers,” the adviser said.

Additionally, she mentioned that during Ramadan, egg consumption declines, and the government is considering cold storage options based on demand. She acknowledged the challenges posed by recent floods, which have damaged many farms, impacting overall supply.

Blaming syndicates for driving up egg prices, the adviser said the government is taking measures to address the issue. “Market inspections are ongoing, and wholesale prices have already started to decrease. Prices will stabilize soon,” she added.