The commerce ministry sits today with breeders, poultry farmers, importers and officials of some other ministries to come to a decision on egg imports while the prices of the item soared in the local market.
The meeting will discuss egg production and demand as prices of eggs have increased 43 percent to Tk 40 every four pieces over the last two weeks.
“We have received applications from two companies seeking permission to import eggs,” a senior official of the commerce ministry said, asking not to be named.
The ministry will seek opinions from the breeders, growers, farmers and importers on whether the government should allow egg imports, he said.
“We will have to protect the interest of the domestic poultry industry," the official said. "But the government will allow in egg imports, if farmers or dishonest traders continue manipulating prices,” he said.
Currently, the government allows egg imports on a case-by-case basis where interested importers have to apply to the ministry quoting quantity, he said, adding that the ministry then gives the green light to selected importers after scrutinising the applications.
At today's meeting, the government may ask the manipulators to keep away from any foul play with egg prices.
According to the reports from the fisheries ministry, the country does not need to import egg now, as local poultry farms are producing enough eggs to meet the country's demand, he said.
The commerce ministry official blamed the price hike on the motive of making hefty profits.
MM Khan, secretary general of Bangladesh Poultry Industries Association, said the country has a shortage of egg production.
The country needs 600 crore pieces of eggs a year while local farms produce 350 crore pieces, Khan said.