Baripada: During an interaction with Anganwadi workers and helpers in Baripada, Odisha Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Women and Child Development Pravati Parida on Monday said issues related to egg pricing under state nutrition programmes would be resolved at the earliest.

Parida, who is on a visit to Mayurbhanj district, acknowledged the state government is aware of the rising market prices of eggs. She emphasised while price fixation is based on prevailing market trends, ensuring adequate nutrition for children remains the government’s top priority.

Anganwadi workers during the discussion highlighted several challenges faced in implementing welfare schemes at the grassroots level. They pointed out the increase in egg prices has adversely affected the Supplementary Nutrition Programme (SNP) and Take Home Ration (THR) provisions.

The workers noted while the egg price under SNP was recently increased from ₹5 to ₹7, concerns persist over the THR billing structure, where eggs are accounted for as ₹5.50 and ₹1.50 separately. The All Odisha Anganwadi Workers and Helpers’ Association has been opposing this arrangement.

Association state president Nandini Panda said a memorandum was submitted to the minister, stating the current market price of eggs ranges between ₹8 and ₹10, making it difficult to manage within the existing allocation.

Egg prices have risen sharply across Odisha in recent weeks. The retail price, which had dropped below ₹5 about two months ago, has now climbed to around ₹9 in many markets.

Meanwhile, Odisha Fisheries and Animal Resources Development Minister Gokulananda Mallik recently stated eggs are being procured from production centres at ₹7.15 to ₹7.20 per piece and are sold in the retail market at around ₹9.