Egg, chicken imports to be banned from 2024

The Agriculture Ministry says the egg imports could be completely banned from next year since current statistics have revealed that there is a vast improvement in local egg production.

Agriculture Minister Mahinda Amaraweera told the Daily News that the price of local eggs will be drastically reduced in the local market within the coming months.

The Minister predicted that in addition there will be a vast reduction in the prices of chicken also during the forthcoming festive season commencing from early December.

He said unlike earlier, now more poultry farmers are being engaged in farming considering the current high prices of eggs and chicken when compared to the price reduction of many other local consumer items.

“Considering the current progress of the local poultry industry the Government has also abandoned the idea of importing chicken in order to strengthen our farmers,” he said.

The Trade Ministry said the maximum selling price of one kilo of chicken is Rs. 1,250 and requested countrywide super markets to sell fresh chicken at this amount or less than that.

The Ministry also said steps have so far not taken to import fresh chicken since adequate chicken stocks are currently available in the country.

Considering the Government’s price control on chicken, some shop owners have taken undue advantage by selling only skinless chicken and chicken parts rather than the whole chicken at exorbitant prices.

The All Ceylon Poultry Product Manufacturers Association (ACPPMA) also complains that although poultry farmers sell chicken to buyers at reasonable prices the traders sell them to customers at different prices.

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