News
Egg imports decision triggers industry hand-wringing
View(s):By Yoshitha Perera
Small and medium-scale poultry farmers are ready to invest for the future, the All Island Poultry Association said, insisting that imports of eggs are not needed.
“We ask the Government to revive the collapsed small and medium-scale egg production without importing (eggs). The local egg production which collapsed last year is returning to normalcy,” said Ajitha Gunasekara, chairman, All Island Poultry Association.
In December, the poultry sector did not supply enough eggs, raising fears of a deliberate attempt to raise prices, and prompting a Government decision to import eggs.Pix by M. A. Pushpa Kumara
In December, the poultry sector did not supply enough eggs, raising fears of a deliberate attempt to raise prices, and prompting a Government decision to import eggs. Once the import news became known, there was a flood of eggs on to the market.
Egg production had declined from around March last year and the Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) set a fixed price in August. But, after August, the industry recovered. But, the maximum retail price set by the CAA is lower than the cost of production.
“Due to this reason, we could not meet demand during the festive season in December. Generally, around two million eggs are required a day during such festivals. Now, we have time for the next festive season and we urge the Government to provide animal feed,” Mr. Gunasekara said.
Ajith Gunasekara - Chariman All Island Polutry Association
According to statistics, daily egg production in 2020 was 8 million, 7 million in 2021, and 4 million in 2022. With the worsening forex crisis, soaring animal feed prices, and import restrictions, one of South Asia’s best poultry industries has contracted.
Trade Minister Nalin Fernando said imports from India will proceed after obtaining food safety certifications. A report on the quality of the eggs will be prepared.
“State officials have also met with the local poultry mafia and urged not to buy eggs from India due to bird flu fears, and to buy from other countries to help the monopoly,” Mr Fernando said.
K.D.Nimal
Eggs cannot be imported from India or Pakistan due to recent outbreaks of bird flu, according to Dr. Hemali Kothalawala, director general, Animal Production and Health Department.
“There are no restrictions on imports of eggs,” she said. Imports must conform to the Animal Production and Health Act.
Meanwhile, the Sri Lanka Veterinary Association has warned about the possible introduction of bird flu from India and Pakistan.
“Sri Lanka is free from bird flu and it could spread. It is harmful to both our people and our industry. Our export market will further contract,” said Dr. Dilan Satharasinghe, president, Sri Lanka Veterinary Association.
L.D. Anthony
According to information from India, there have been outbreaks of bird flu over the last six months, he said.
There are nearly 100,000 small and medium-scale poultry farmers, and among them 20,000 had left the industry since pioneer poultry companies have stopped buy back schemes.
Antinora Farm in Pamunugama, which was once busy, is now operating at a smaller scale.
“There used to be about 2,000 chickens on this farm, but now there are only 500. The reason for this is the increase in the price of animal feed. Now we get only 50 to 100 eggs in the mornings, which is not sufficient to maintain the business,” said K.D. Nimal, a worker from the Antinora Farm.
L.D. Anthony, a worker at a farm shop, said business had dropped.
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