December 8, 2010

Sri Lanka to import chicken from India to meet shortages

Sri Lanka has decided to import up to 2,000 tonnes of chicken from India to meet shortages in the domestic market ahead of the Christmas holiday season.

The Sri Lankan government was immediately placing an order for 500 tonnes with the balance to be imported before the holiday season, trade ministry officials said.

The All Island Poultry Association (AIPA) said it was targeting a production of 10,000 tonnes of chicken this month, but admitted it may not be able to meet the full demand.

"Our production is about 9,800 tonnes a month and we can increase it to 10,000 this month, but there can be a shortage," a spokesman said.

He said there was a demand-supply gap of one million one-day old chicks due to a sudden increase in the arrival of foreign tourists.