Sri Lanka Achieves Self-Sufficiency in Poultry Production
Sri Lanka’s poultry industry has reached a major milestone. The country now produces enough chicken meat and eggs to meet local demand. Ajith Gunasekara, President of the All Island Poultry Association (AIPA), reports a surge in egg production.
Daily egg production in Sri Lanka has hit 07-08 million. This matches daily consumption needs. In 2021, Sri Lanka produced 2,934.55 million eggs and 236.79 MT of chicken meat.
The chicken population is estimated at 24 million. Local feed sources and better farming practices support this growth. Home cooking waste makes up 40.93% of feed for village chickens.
The industry faces challenges like disease outbreaks. These include Coryza disease, chicken cholera, and chicken pox. However, the sector shows resilience in overcoming these issues.
Village chickens have a 78.32% hatchability rate. In the Batticaloa District, farmers raise an average of 102.2 birds yearly. This success ensures a stable supply of affordable protein.
The thriving poultry sector supports many farmers’ livelihoods. It also employs countless workers in related industries. This achievement offers hope amid Sri Lanka’s economic challenges.
Poultry Industry Growth and Self-Sufficiency
Sri Lanka’s poultry industry has boomed recently, achieving self-sufficiency in production. Farms now meet domestic demand for chicken and eggs. They also export to the Maldives and Middle East, boosting foreign exchange. This growth promotes sustainable agriculture in Sri Lanka.
Increased Egg Production and Market Supply
The poultry industry’s growth has boosted egg production, ensuring steady market supply. Optimal temperatures and artificial lighting have increased egg production by 20-30 percent.
However, temperatures above 28° Celsius can reduce egg production by 10 percent. Despite this, the industry meets Sri Lanka’s growing egg demand.
Daily Chicken Meat Production Surpasses Demand
Sri Lanka now produces 600 metric tons of chicken meat daily. This surpasses the domestic demand of 500 metric tons. The excess has led to self-sufficiency and lower market prices.
Poultry manufacturers have agreed to reduce chicken prices by Rs. 100 per kilo. This benefits consumers and ensures industry sustainability.
Poultry Meat and Egg Production Reaches Self-Sufficiency Levels
Sri Lanka’s poultry industry has hit a major milestone. It now produces enough poultry meat and eggs to meet local needs. This growth comes from smart government plans and tough poultry farms.
Minister Mahinda Amaraweera praised the government’s efforts to boost poultry production. These steps have led to a thriving industry that meets domestic demand for poultry meat and products.
Government Measures to Boost Poultry Production
The government’s active support has been key to achieving self-sufficiency. Importing eggs helped stabilize the market when prices were a concern. Now, with current production levels, egg imports are no longer needed.
Poultry Farms Recover from COVID-19 Setbacks
The poultry industry bounced back from the COVID-19 pandemic. About 3,000 farms closed during the peak due to sales issues. Now, all these farms are up and running again.
This recovery shows how adaptable the industry is. It also proves that government support measures work well. Sri Lanka’s poultry sector is ready to meet growing demand for meat and eggs.
Challenges Faced by Small and Medium-Scale Producers
Small and medium-scale poultry producers in Sri Lanka face significant challenges. Egg prices have dropped to Rs. 30-40, down from Rs. 65 a few months ago. Chicken meat prices have also fallen from Rs. 1,750 to Rs. 850-975 per kilogram.
High production costs, especially for feed, make it hard for smaller farms to stay afloat. They struggle to compete with larger, more efficient farms. Large-scale producers, who have quality certifications, control 90% of the poultry population.
To support smaller producers, targeted interventions are needed. These could include making feed crops more affordable and accessible. Improving processing capacity could help reduce input costs.
Enhancing access to suitable poultry genetics and equipment is crucial. Better veterinary services and financing options are also necessary. These measures can create a more inclusive and sustainable poultry sector.