India, July 20 -- Egg prices have witnessed a sharp increase across Odisha over the past few weeks. The retail price of an egg, which had dropped below Rs5 around two months ago, has now climbed to Rs9 in many markets across the state.

The price of chicken has also increased. Chicken, which was earlier selling between Rs220 and Rs250 per kg, is now being sold at Rs260 to Rs300 per kg. Consumers have expressed concern over the sudden rise in prices.

Retail traders said they have been forced to raise prices as procurement costs at production centres have gone up. Poultry producers attributed the increase to several factors, including higher feed costs and rising production expenses.

Growing global demand for eggs has also led to increas...