Papua's Surplus Egg Production Strengthens Supply for Free Nutritious Meal Programme

The Papua provincial government has announced that egg production in four districts has surpassed daily community needs, reaching a surplus of 561,750 eggs per day, thereby strengthening regional food self-sufficiency and becoming a primary supply source for the Free Nutritious Meal Programme (MBG).

Acting Head of the Papua Food Office, Sri Utami, stated in Jayapura on Tuesday that egg production in the four areas covers Jayapura City, Jayapura Regency, Keerom Regency, and Sarmi Regency. "These four regions are known as the Tanah Tabi area because they are on the same landmass," she said.

According to Utami, current data shows the population of laying hens has increased by 28.8 percent, from 582,700 birds in 2025 to 750,679 birds by June 2026, with a production capacity reaching 561,750 eggs per day. "The increase in the laying hen population is also influenced by a national egg production surplus of around 13 percent, which has led to an abundant supply and a drop in egg prices in Papua," she explained.

She noted that this situation ensures egg stocks in Papua are at a safe level to meet daily community needs and support the implementation of the MBG Programme. "With these conditions, we are confident that egg stocks in Papua are more than sufficient, both to meet the needs of the MBG Programme and the daily needs of the community," she said.

Therefore, her office has requested that all Nutritional Fulfilment Service Units (SPPG) prioritise the use of locally produced eggs as long as they meet the established standards for price, quality, and grade. "This policy is a form of government support in protecting local farmers while ensuring the national programme provides economic benefits for the people of Papua," she stated.