Bhubaneswar: Emphasizing the nutritional and economic importance of eggs, Minister for Fisheries and Animal Resources Development, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Gokulananda Mallik on Friday said that Odisha aims to achieve 500 crore eggs in annual production by 2029.
Speaking at the state-level World Egg Day celebration held at the Lok Seva Bhawan Convention Centre, the Minister said eggs are a “complete food” — rich in essential nutrients and affordable for all. “Eggs not only form the foundation of children’s health but also strengthen the rural economy by creating livelihood opportunities,” he noted.
Currently, Odisha produces about 1.17 crore eggs per day, amounting to 372 crore eggs annually. The per capita availability stands at 80 eggs per year, against the recommended 182 eggs required for a healthy diet, the Minister informed. He urged young entrepreneurs from every block and district to participate in making the state self-reliant in egg production.
Addressing the gathering, OUAT Vice-Chancellor Prabhat Kumar Roul called for a collective commitment toward self-sufficiency in egg production.
Additional Secretary Rina Mahapatra highlighted government schemes supporting the poultry sector, while Director of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services Bijay Amruta Kulange delivered the welcome address. Additional Director Hadibandhu Bhoi offered the vote of thanks.
Observed every year on the second Friday of October, World Egg Day celebrates the role of eggs in nutrition and livelihoods. This year’s theme was “Powerful Eggs: Packed with Natural Nutrition.”
To mark the occasion, awareness programs on the benefits of eggs were conducted in various Bhubaneswar schools — including Unit-I, Unit-II, Unit-IX, CRP, and Capital High School. The department also distributed eggs to inmates of several orphanages across the city.
