Egg prices go up quickly in Azerbaijan

Mass perishing of domestic birds in several regions of Azerbaijan has caused the rising of egg price. The prices doubled to 20-25 kopecks. According to Chingiz Farajov, head of department in Ministry of Agriculture, the reason of this is related to seasonal factors and decrease of production.

According to him, the other reason of rising is perishing of domestic birds from diseases: “The egg production in 2010 has decreased by 31 mln units or 2.05% from 2009”.

He considers that the prices are expected to fall in April: “The prices will not exceed 10-12 kopecks in May”.

Besides, the rising of wheat and barley prices has influenced the egg price. According to APA’s Karabakh bureau, the barley price makes 50 kopecks, wheat – 40 kopecks.

The mediating companies in eggs trade increase the prices on the eve of Novruz Holiday. These mediating businessmen keep a part of eggs and put up them to sale on the eve of holiday. These men earn 1.5-2 times more money than the producers. These are mainly wholesale points.

Azerbaijan Poultry Association chairman Aydin Valiyev says that, the import of mixed feed must be exempted from VAT. Note that, the pedigree chick and the equipments used in enterprises have already been exempted from VAT. But he says that these are not enough for decrease in prices: “The equipments are purchase once in some years, but the feed is always necessary. If extra steps are not taken, the egg prices will start to decrease in June”.

Remind that, mass perishing of domestic birds was observed in the regions of Azerbaijan, in November-December, 2010. , At early of January, 2011, the State Veterinary Service addressed veterinary offices and responsible persons in connection with switching to the serious working regime of poultry institutions. Deputy Chief of the Service Emin Shahbazli explained it with increase of the risk with the bird flu in Azerbaijan due to winter season.

For taking the situation under control, the service addressed SCC and demanded to disinfect all vehicles coming from abroad. In parallel, the shooting of wild birds has been forbidden in Azerbaijan, temporarily, for prevention of bird flu risk. Monitoring on determination of bird flu cases has been started in the country.


/APA/