Egg Powder Production to Tackle Poultry Glut

By Esther Korantemaa Offei

The government is considering converting excess eggs into powder and other processed products as part of efforts to address recurring egg glut challenges affecting poultry farmers across the country.

The initiative forms part of the proposed national poultry master plan aimed at reducing waste, stabilising market prices, improving storage systems, extending shelf life, and creating new market opportunities within Ghana’s poultry sector.

Chief Technical Advisor to the Minister of Food and Agriculture, Kwesi Etu-Bonde, explained that the current oversupply of eggs has largely been driven by lower feed costs resulting from increased maize and soya production, which has encouraged more poultry farming activities.

According to him, government is also directing the School Feeding Programme to purchase more eggs from local poultry farmers as part of broader interventions to support the industry and reduce losses associated with oversupply.

One citizen, who spoke to The New Finder, described the initiative as a practical and timely intervention.

“Yes, I think it is a good and practical solution to recurring egg gluts. Too often farmers suffer losses because we produce without enough processing and storage systems,” the respondent stated.

The citizen added that converting excess eggs into powdered products could extend shelf life, reduce waste, and create employment opportunities in agro-processing.

“It can actually create jobs in agro-processing and strengthen the poultry value chain. The fact that it is going to be used for the school feeding programme is also a smart intervention,” the respondent said.

However, the individual stressed that processing alone would not permanently solve the problem and called for improved agricultural planning, better market coordination, and increased public education on the nutritional value of eggs.

The respondent further indicated a willingness to buy powdered egg products if they meet proper safety and quality standards.

Another respondent also welcomed the initiative, particularly for industrial use.

“I think it is a step in a good direction because you have to look at alternatives when there is glut. Making eggs into powder is good for industries and companies because they can use it for production,” the respondent said.

The individual, however, expressed doubts about consumer acceptance among ordinary Ghanaians.

“Individuals will not easily buy powdered eggs because many Ghanaians are slow to adapt to change. Personally, I would still prefer fresh eggs,” the respondent added.

The citizen nonetheless supported the decision to channel more eggs into schools under the Free SHS and School Feeding programmes, arguing that many students currently receive inadequate protein intake.

Another resident also emphasised the importance of government support beyond processing.

“I think the School Feeding Programme buying more eggs will help farmers while helping children get nutritious meals,” the respondent noted.

The citizen further called on government to invest in storage facilities, transportation systems, and export market opportunities for poultry farmers.

“If government does not support farmers with storage and access to markets outside Ghana, the problem may continue,” the respondent warned.

Regarding powdered eggs, the respondent acknowledged that acceptance may take time because most consumers are more familiar with fresh eggs.

“But I would personally like to try it if it is safe, affordable and properly packaged, especially for cooking and baking,” the citizen added.

The government’s proposed poultry master plan is expected to form part of broader efforts to modernise Ghana’s poultry industry, improve food security, and reduce post-production losses in the agricultural sector.