March 19, 2010

Sri Lanka's poultry consumption shows increase

Sri Lanka has seen a rising trend in chicken and egg consumption during the past few years.

The consumption of chicken per head/per year has risen to 5.19kg in 2009 from 5.05kg in 2005. Egg consumption has risen from 52 per head/ year in 2009 from 48 in 2006.

The end of the war has escalated the demand for poultry products. Last year has seen an increase in consumption in the North and East. The improved tourist activity has also contributed to this demand.

However this has led to a shortage in supply. The present requirement of poultry is 11,000 tonnes per month with the present supply being 8,250 tonnes; 75% of the requirement.

The current retail price of one kilo of chicken has increased to LKR350 (US$3.07) from LKR320 (US$2.81). Livestock Development Ministry Secretary, Sunimal Senaratna said these high prices were mainly due to increased production costs. With the rise of feed cost, the production cost is approximately LKR340 (US$2.98).

Senaratna said producers have been instructed to maximise their supply while in the case of a shortage, imports of poultry will be made from disease-free countries.

Action is to be taken to stabilise feed cost through the introduction of a maximum retail price for corn.