https://www.sundaytimes.lk/230903/ By Ryan Casiechetty
The government’s decision to approve a proposal to import 92.1 million eggs from India for three months has drawn strong reactions from the local poultry businesses, which fear that it would affect the industry in the long run, but the government says imports will continue until prices are stabilised.
Approval was given, citing the importance of stabilising prices.
Following the elimination of the maximum retail price, both producers and consumers were hopeful about the probable decline in the price of an egg below Rs. 50. They believed that this would enable the market to establish equilibrium based on supply and demand dynamics.
Stakeholders, however, were perplexed.
The All-Island Poultry Farmers’ Association had previously promised self-sufficiency by December and that the price of an egg would fall below Rs. 35. However, the association urged the government to gradually cut back on imports from India, as local producers will increase supply in the upcoming months following the 50% reduction in the import duty on corn.
Ajith Gunasekera, the president of the All-Island Ceylon Poultry Association, told the Sunday Times there was a severe threat to the local poultry farmers due to excess imports.
Also, the poultry industry will fall into the same state as it was after the economic crisis. The government’s main aim is to import eggs until the local market price reduces to Rs. 35 per egg, he said.
He called on the government to treat the poultry industry equally with other industries.
Mr. Gunasekera emphasised the importance of eggs and chicken as the cheapest protein foods. “Very soon, poultry farmers will be on the streets protesting,” he warned.
The future of the poultry industry is uncertain due to the next generation investing in other ventures, he said.
Anton Appuhami, the chairman of the All Island Egg Traders Association, said the government had so far imported around 250 million Indian eggs. Noting the fresh imports of 92 million eggs would be unnecessary, he, however, added that selling eggs for Rs. 35 would be a big loss, as requested by the government.
Asiri Walisundara, chairman of the Sri Lanka State Trading Corporation, told the Sunday Times they would be importing eggs until the local market price dropped to Rs. 35.
He claimed that the production cost per egg is around Rs. 25, and the local producers are earning a reasonable profit. “Our main concern is the welfare of consumers, and we will be working towards it,’’ he added.
Quotations have been called from three Indian companies recommended by the Department of Animal Products and Health.
Market watchers, however, said a right balance needs to be struck, taking into consideration the welfare of consumers and the welfare of the local poultry industry.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
No comments:
Post a Comment