Poultry and eggs shortage
Sometime before the Government decided to import chicken as there was
a possible shortage.
There was protest from local suppliers against this importation
stating that it has an adverse effect on local products and the market.
Now the price of chicken has increased from Rs 350 to 420 per kg and now
it is sold at Rs 500 per kg.
It could be seen that the interest of our local producers is to have
the market. Domination to earn super profits. The price of eggs have
increased by Rs 5 and further increase is expected. I understand that
our local producers had agreed that they could not meet with the demand
for the Christmas season.
Whenever the Government tries to take corrective action, it is
blocked by black marketeers.
Broilers take 45 days to mature and therefore if material imports of
day old chicken are made in November, adequate supply will be available
for the Christmas season.
The Government has decided to import incubators for artificial
breeding of chicken which has to be commended.
I admit the eggs shortage cannot be rectified as normally hens take
about five months to commence laying. It is the duty of all to
co-operate with the Government when constructive steps are taken for the
benefit of consumers.
It is better to search for suitable substitutes in this regard. Duck
farming is popular in India and China. In India it is grown at village
level. We also could consider duck farming after a proper study and
reduce short supply of flesh and egg considerably.
Ostrich lay eggs for 18 years. Ostrich farming is already popular in
Canada, China, America Australia and India. Their flesh, feathers, skin
and the oil have a good demand. I suggest a proper study be taken to
commence this project.
I am afraid that protests will come from some religious groups. It
should be remembered that economic plans should not be based on
religion. I am of the opinion that fresh water fishing would be
successful and further goat farming would be beneficial (milk, mutton,
leather) for the country. At village level we could commence goat
farming. The path of prosperity is visible now.
S R Balachandran
Colombo 6 |
