Poultry traders association request halt of egg importation

All Ceylon Poultry Traders Association (ACPTA) President Ajith Gunasekara requested the Government to refrain from importing eggs since the local egg production is gradually improving as more famers have expanded their existing poultry farms.

“Some of these farms were closed during the C-19 pandemic and they are now reopening while others are expanding since they see a demand.”

He also said that although currently eggs were sold at Rs.60 to Rs.65, eggs could be sold at Rs. 42 to Rs. 48 and this amount will further come down during the festive season. Speaking to ‘Daily News Business’ Minister of Agriculture, Mahinda Amaraweera said according to countrywide egg producers, unlike earlier country’s egg production has significantly improved at this moment and the benefit will definitely go to consumers.

He assured that consumers will be able to purchase locally manufactured eggs below Rs. 35 each during the forthcoming New Year festive season. The Minister also requested middlemen and traders to refrain from making high profits by increasing egg prices at this moment and pass the benefit to consumers.

Minister Amaraweera also said in addition to eggs the price of chicken should also be reduced by traders, especially during the festive season considering the price reduction of poultry foods following the recent tax relief granted by the Government on several commodity items including animal foods.

Responding to Minister Amaraweera’s announcement the All Ceylon Bakery Association, President N.K. Jayawardana said if eggs could be sold below Rs.35 as mentioned by the Minister the prices of all varieties of cakes could also be reduced by Rs. 100 a kilo or more than that.

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