MRP for poultry products unacceptable -ACEMA

The All Ceylon Egg Manufacturers Association (ACEMA) says the unbearable prices of maize and soya which are the major feeds used by poultry farmers have resulted in the high cost of chicken and eggs in the open market.

ACEMA, Chairman Sarath Ratnayaka said in addition to maize and soya prices of vitamins and other related medicines, used by poultry farmers for hens have also been increased in the market and the Government should consider this situation before imposing price restrictions.

According to the Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) the maximum retail price of a white egg has been set at Rs. 43 while a brown egg should be sold at Rs. 45.

Meanwhile an extraordinary gazette notification was also issued on Friday declaring the maximum retail price (MRP) for eggs. Mentioning about the high

ACEMA, Chairman  Sarath Ratnayaka

production cost of eggs and chicken Ratnayaka said under a such situation it is not ethical for CAA officials to take a decision that poultry farmers should reduce the prices of eggs in order to bring a relief to consumers.

“Even Agriculture Minister Mahinda Amaraweera also recognized the problems faced by poultry farmers due to the massive shortage of poultry foods such as maize and soya as well as vitamins,” he said.

Ratnayaka said the Minister has also advised officials to cultivate more maize and soya bean even in abandoned paddy fields since soya and maize are also the major food of cattle. It is said a period of at least five months are taken to a well- breed hen to lay eggs and farmers will have to bear a huge cost to maintain a poultry farm and other labour charges including the transportation of hens from one place to another. According to reports there are over 5,000 large scale poultry farms in the country, owned by companies and also individuals.

A leading poultry farm owner in Chilaw John Fernando said most poultry farmers have started to produce only high quality eggs with the thick yellow coloured yolk as there is a great demand for such eggs which are highly nutritious.