Poultry farmers in Namakkal are staring at a sharp blow to their overseas business as Qatar, a major importer of eggs, has put in place new restrictions.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.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 TN sent to Qatar will be turned down from Nov 10.
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 rejected. "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 advantage over those from other regions.
In addition to Qatar, Namakkal eggs are also exported to countries such as Sri Lanka, Oman, Dubai, Muscat, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). 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.
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 between 50 and 60g, questioning the rationale behind Qatar's regulations.
Though the eggs weigh only 50 to 60g, poultry farmers say the nutritional value of Namakkal eggs is maintained at globally accepted standards.
K Singaraj, chairman of the Namakkal Egg Coordination Committee (NECC) and the All-India Poultry Products Exporters Association, said the new policy could severely impact the egg export sector in Namakkal and across the entire country.Egg exporters, poultry farmers, and association representatives are calling on state and central governments to hold talks with Qatar to get the new policy deferred.
M.K.VyasH IND POULTRY
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