Namakkal: India’s Egg Hub Meets Global Demand

Exporters from Namakkal have shipped eggs to the United States for the first time. They plan to increase shipments based on consumer feedback from the American market. Known as India’s ‘Egg Town,’ Namakkal houses over 1,500 poultry farms that produce around 7 crore (70 million) eggs daily. Producers distribute most eggs to Kerala, Karnataka, and Puducherry and supply schools in Tamil Nadu through the noon meal scheme. Tamil Nadu ranks second in India’s egg production, behind Andhra Pradesh, but leads in producing export-quality table eggs weighing 52–55 grams. The state accounts for 95% of India’s table egg exports. Namakkal eggs regularly reach markets in Dubai, Bahrain, Qatar, and Oman.

Breaking Barriers: U.S. Market Opens for Namakkal Eggs

Until now, exporters could not send eggs to the U.S. due to strict trade policies, certification procedures, and quality standards. However, a recent bird flu outbreak in the U.S. caused a shortage, prompting officials to approve Namakkal eggs for export. C. Panneerselvam, president of the Tamil Nadu Egg Exporters Association, said discussions with a U.S.-based company secured export approval about 20 days ago. Since then, exporters have sent one crore (10 million) eggs in 20 air-conditioned containers from Thoothukudi port. Each egg weighs 55 grams, and the shipment is expected to arrive in the U.S. next week.

Future Growth Hinges on U.S. Consumer Feedback

Panneerselvam added that exporters will hold further negotiations based on U.S. consumer feedback. He also noted that boosting exports could help stabilise egg prices in Tamil Nadu’s domestic market.

Source: The Hindu