Imported maize for poultry farmers

Priyanka KURUGALA

The Agriculture Ministry has decided to import a certain percentage of maize and reduce the tax on it, Agriculture Ministry Additional Secretary Shantha Amitiyagoda said.

This decision was taken at a meeting held under the patronage of Agriculture Minister Mahinda Yapa Abewardena recently. Poultry farmers, Animal Seed producers, Maize Production Societies, Maize Collectors and Government officials participated at the meeting, the Additional Secretary said.

Recent floods have destroyed at least 50 percent of maize cultivation. Due to this situation, the Ministry expects a shortage of maize for animal foods, he noted.

Nearly 85 percent of the country's maize had been cultivated during the Maha season. This amounted to 160,000 tons. The country needs 15,000 tons of maize monthly for the poultry industry, he said.