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Egg and poultry shortage looms, warns Minister

17 Oct 2022

By Buddhika Samaraweera According to Minister of Agriculture Mahinda Amaraweera, the production of eggs and poultry could be “very problematic” in 2023, due to a large reduction in the number of hens imported to Sri Lanka this year and the problematic situation that has arisen with regard to animal feed production and importation. Speaking to the media, he said that the production of maize used in the production of animal feed has greatly decreased due to the ban on chemical fertilisers and agrochemicals imposed by the Government in 2021. He said that the animal feed crisis that emerged as a result of the said ban has become further aggravated in view of the prevailing economic crisis. “Generally, the annual production of eggs in our country is between 1,000-3,000 million. However, due to the scarcity of animal feed and their high prices, egg production has decreased significantly in the last few months. For example, last year, the production of eggs was 2,934 million. However, in the period up to June this year, the production of eggs was only 1,963 million. It is a 34% decrease compared to the egg production recorded at the same time last year,” he elaborated. Speaking further, Amaraweera said that compared to last year, the number of hens imported to the country for breeding purposes has decreased significantly this year. He said that about 80,000 hens were imported last year, but that only 7,000 hens have been imported so far this year. When considering all the above matters, he warned that egg and poultry production will be “very problematic” in 2023. “Ten years ago, the per-capita consumption of eggs in Sri Lanka was recorded at 35. However, by the end of 2021, it has increased to 125. In the current situation, the price of eggs has increased along with the increase in prices of all other goods. However, it is very clear that the egg and poultry industry is facing a major crisis. Egg and poultry production in 2023 could be very problematic,” Amaraweera said. He said that the Cabinet of Ministers has approved the importation of 250,000 metric tonnes (MT) of maize for the production of animal feed, which, he believes, will increase the production of eggs and poultry in the country, making the country self-sufficient and enabling foreign exchange earnings through relevant exports. He also said that the Maldives has placed a large order to purchase chicken from Sri Lanka, and added that the relevant parties are doing their best to supply that order on time. Taking the warnings from egg and poultry industrialists of a possible egg and chicken shortage in the country in the coming months into account, the Agriculture Ministry recently stated that a joint programme will be launched by the ministry, the Department of Animal Production and Health, and the Consumer Affairs Authority to mitigate the potential problems.  


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