Why Egg Prices Rise During Summer

Summer in India brings soaring temperatures, and often, soaring egg prices along with it. This seasonal spike is a recurring phenomenon that affects household budgets across the country. But what are the underlying factors driving this trend? It's a combination of biological realities, market dynamics, and supply chain logistics.

1. Heat Stress and Reduced Production

The primary driver is the impact of heat on the hens themselves. Poultry are highly sensitive to temperature changes. When temperatures consistently rise above 30°C (86°F), hens experience heat stress. This leads to several consequences:

• Reduced Feed Intake: Hens eat less in hot weather to reduce their metabolic heat production, which in turn reduces the nutrients available for egg formation.
• Lower Laying Rate: The frequency of egg-laying drops. A flock that might have a 90% laying rate in cooler months could drop to 70-75% during peak summer.
• Smaller Egg Size: The eggs that are laid are often smaller and may have thinner shells, making them more prone to breakage during transport.

This biological response directly shrinks the overall supply of eggs entering the market.

2. Increased Mortality Rates

Severe heat waves can also lead to increased mortality rates in poultry farms, especially those with less sophisticated cooling systems. The loss of laying hens further compounds the supply shortage.

3. Supply Chain and Transportation Challenges

Transporting eggs in extreme heat is a logistical nightmare. The risk of spoilage and breakage increases significantly. This necessitates the use of more expensive refrigerated vehicles or faster, costlier transportation methods, adding to the final price.

4. Increased Input Costs

Farmers often have to spend more on managing their farms during summer. Costs for electricity (to run fans and cooling systems), water, and special feed supplements designed to mitigate heat stress all go up. These increased production costs are inevitably passed on to consumers.

In conclusion, the rise in egg prices during summer is not an arbitrary market fluctuation but a direct consequence of the physiological impact of heat on poultry, coupled with logistical and operational challenges. As consumers, understanding these factors can help us appreciate the complexities of the food supply chain and the efforts farmers make to bring this protein-packed staple to our tables year-round.