Scrambling for Solutions: Government Moves to Tackle Rising Egg Prices by Boosting Local Production
In a decisive move to calm the public’s growing frustration over soaring egg prices, the Cabinet of Ministers, chaired by President Wavel Ramkalawan on Wednesday, 4 June, has greenlit a series of targeted interventions to stabilise the market and reinforce Seychelles’ self-sufficiency in egg production.
Top of the agenda? No egg imports. The Cabinet reaffirmed its commitment to local sustainability by opting to avoid the importation of table eggs—a bold stance in the face of rising consumer complaints and volatile supply.
Instead, the government is placing its bets on ramping up domestic production, with a multi-pronged approach that includes:
- Importing more pullets (young hens ready to lay)
- Developing a high-tech layer farm
- Improving access to quality animal feed for existing producers
The measures were presented by the Ministry of Agriculture, which painted a clear picture: local producers are capable of meeting national demand, but only if structural barriers—like inconsistent feed quality and outdated production systems—are addressed head-on.
“Eggs are a basic part of the Seychellois diet, and we cannot allow the price or supply to be dictated by external shocks,” said a senior agricultural official during the presentation. “These initiatives will not only make eggs more affordable, but also empower our farmers.”
The government also hinted at the broader benefits of this strategy, from job creation in the agricultural sector to reducing reliance on imports amid ongoing global supply chain disruptions.
With these new directives, the Cabinet hopes to turn what’s been an egg-cellent source of public discontent into a success story of food security and smart policy.
Whether the plan cracks the code on egg prices remains to be seen—but for now, it’s clear the government isn’t chicken when it comes to taking bold steps.
