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New Delhi/Lucknow. In the holy month of Sawan, while on one hand a large population is staying away from non-veg, on the other hand news is coming from the poultry market that will shock the common consumers. A sudden jump in the prices of eggs and chicken is being seen in the markets across the country. According to business and commodity experts, the main reason for this rise is the huge increase in the cost of chicken feed i.e. ‘Poultry Feed’. The two most important agricultural products used to prepare poultry feed—soybean and maize—have become expensive in the domestic and international markets, making it increasingly expensive for poultry farm operators to raise chickens. Why did poultry feed become expensive? Know the inside story: Poultry industry experts say that in making chicken feed, about 60 to 65 percent share is of maize and about 25 to 30 percent share is of soybean (soymeal). For some time now, due to adverse weather conditions, fluctuations in sowing and supply chain impacts, the wholesale prices of maize and soybean have increased by 20 to 30 percent. Additionally, due to the ban on import of GM (Genetically Modified) maize and soybean in India, the options for these grains in the domestic market are limited. This direct burden of cost is now falling on the plate of the general public. How much did the prices of eggs and chicken rise? According to the latest data received from the market: Chicken prices: In the retail market, the price of broiler chicken which was earlier being sold at ₹ 180 to ₹ 200 per kg, has increased to ₹ 240 to ₹ 260 per kg. Egg prices: There has been a jump of ₹30 to ₹45 in the price per crate (30 eggs) in the wholesale market. Due to this, the eggs which were earlier available at ₹ 6 in retail shops, are now being sold at the rate of ₹ 7.50 to ₹ 8.50 per piece. The world’s most expensive poultry feed is being sold in India, but also a relief. An interesting aspect is that due to heavy import tariffs and regulations, the world’s most expensive poultry feed is currently being sold in India. Indian farmers are paying 35 to 50 percent higher prices for maize than those in America, Ukraine or Brazil. However, what is a matter of relief is that despite such high costs, due to efficient management, eggs are still available to Indian consumers at very affordable rates globally (compared to Brazil or USA). What will be the prospects in the coming days? Officials of the Poultry Federation of India believe that feed prices may soften only after the progress of monsoon and the arrival of new crops of maize and soybean in the coming weeks. It is expected that by the last week of August, when the supply in the market will be normal after the festivals, then the prices of eggs and chicken may see a fall of ₹ 15 to ₹ 20. Till then consumers will have to adjust to these increased prices.