Indian egg traders in a fix as Qatar introduces new restrictions: Report

Published: 9 November 2024

NT Bureau
Doha

Poultry farmers in Namakkal in Tamil Nadu state have been dealt a sharp blow to their overseas business as Qatar, a major importer of eggs, has put in place new restrictions, Indian media have reported.

“According to the new egg import policy of Qatar, only those eggs which are classified as ‘AA’ and ‘A’ would be allowed for import into the Middle East nation,” The Times of India said in a report.

Eggs weighing 70g and above are classified as AA and those weighing 60g and above are graded as A. Eggs weighing 50g are graded as ‘B’ and those under 50g are categorised as ‘C.’

“Almost the entire quantum of eggs supplied from Namakkal belongs to the ‘B’ category, which means the entire lot from this poultry hub of Tamil Nadu sent to Qatar will be turned down from Nov 10,” the report added.

Dr P V Senthil, an egg exporter and general secretary of the Livestock Agri Farmers Trade Association (LIFT), said that shipments from Namakkal to Qatar, valued at Rs 5 crore, totalling one crore eggs, are currently at risk of being reject-ed. “These shipments are already en route and cannot be redirected,” he said.

Senthil said the shipments might reach Qatar on Nov 18, expressing concern that they could be sent back as per the new import regulations, resulting in significant losses for the egg exporters from Namakkal.
For over forty years, Qatar has been a primary importer of Indian table eggs, with Namakkal enjoying a lion’s share of the export market.

Namakkal district has contributed nearly 95% of India’s egg exports, as the eggs produced here have a competitive ad-vantage over those from other regions.

“Countries like Qatar show a preference for Indian eggs due to their dark yellow yolks and shorter delivery times, facilitated by the proximity of ports like Tuticorin in Tamil Nadu and Cochin in Kerala,” The Times of India said.

However, Turkey has emerged as a stiff competitor in the egg trade though it has priced its eggs higher than Indian exporters. Senthil said that a carton containing 360 eggs from Namakkal is priced at $28.
In contrast, Turkey charges at least $5 more for a carton. Nevertheless, Turkey has been making inroads into the Qatar market.

N K Saravanan, secretary of the Poultry Farmers Federation, said table eggs produced nationwide typically weigh be-tween 50 and 60g.