Eggs from Namakkal mark historic entry into US market

CHENNAI: In a landmark development for the poultry export industry in India, particularly Tamil Nadu, a consignment of one crore eggs from the NamakkaL poultry belt has been shipped to the United States via VOC Port, Thoothukudi, following official approval from Washington.

The temperature-controlled dispatch consisting of 21 containers, each carrying around 4.75 lakh eggs, departed late last month and is slated to arrive on American shores within the next couple of days.India currently exports approximately 200 million eggs monthly to several nations in the Middle East, including the UAE, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, etc., and several African countries. “But the US approval is a massive endorsement of our production standards and disease-control protocols,” said V Subramaniam, former member of the Tamil Nadu Livestock Development Agency and the president of Tamil Nadu Muttai Kochi Pannaiyalargal Marketing Society.

E xport opportunities like this help stabilise domestic prices, especially during times of surplus. Without a robust external market, farmers suffer due to price crashes. That’s why diversifying export destinations is critical,” Subramaniam said.

The timing coincides with widespread outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in major egg-exporting countries, such as Brazil, Turkey, Canada, China, Belgium, and the UK, which have disrupted production.

“The US, which is traditionally reliant on North American and domestic suppliers, has turned to India to meet burgeoning demand. The US decision was influenced by a mix of demand pressure and limited supply from traditional exporters battling avian flu outbreaks,” explained Dr M Balaji, coordinator of the Tamil Nadu Veterinary Graduate Federation.

“India, particularly Tamil Nadu’s Namakkal region, emerged as a viable alternative due to its relatively disease-free status and consistent production volumes..

“This shipment could mark the beginning of a long-term commercial relationship between Indian egg producers and American buyers. With global producers battling disease outbreaks, India stands at a strategic vantage point—provided we continue to maintain rigorous standards,” said P Elangovan, a poultry researcher.

The poultry farmers also expressed hope that this inaugural shipment may pave the way for regular monthly exports to the US.

 BIG BREAKTHROUGH

1 crore eggs exported to the US in 21 refrigerated containers ·

90% of Indian egg exports are from Namakkal zone ·

India exports 200 million eggs monthly to Gulf and African nations

US import mandates: 60g per egg, Grade A/A+ quality, No-HPAI certification