Egg exports suffer for want of trays

Shortage in paper trays is halting export of eggs from India. According to All India Poultry Products Exporters Association, there is a dearth of specially made, water-proof, chemically treated paper trays.

In fact, exports started reviving only after the United Arab Emirates lifted the ban on egg imports from India last month.

All India Poultry Products Exporters Association said with exporters identifying new markets, Indian exports had surged to 40 lakh eggs per day, from 31 lakh eggs per day a month ago, creating demand for paper trays.

Nearly 15-20% of the export orders could not be executed immediately due to shortage of trays.

In addition to the major export markets like Syria, Jord an, Oman, Lebanon, India has started exporting eggs to new markets, including Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Denmark for the first time. The trays are primarily produced in Andhra Pradesh and Krishnagiri region in Tamil Nadu.

With monsoon active across South India, conditions are not ideal to dry paper trays. Moreover, some exporters are stocking trays in large quantities anticipating higher exports (of even 50 lakh eggs per day) in the next few weeks.