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Dramatic increase in egg prices
The price of eggs that plunged to their lowest level of ten rupees during the lock-down, has shot up sharply during the past few days.
All Ceylon Egg Producers' Association (ACEPA) President Sarath Attanayake told Daily Mirror the poultry farmers in the Northern Western Province were finding extremely difficult to supply eggs to the market because of the excessive price of forage including that of maize.
“A kilo of maize which was sold at Rs.55 has now risen to Rs.85. It is near impossible for poultry farmers to buy maize at such exorbitant prices," he said.
“Maize is one of the main ingredients making up 45% of the feed which consists of 17.7% protein fed to hens daily. The increase price of Maize results in the rising price of eggs.”
However, Mr.Attanayake said they distributed eggs for free among pregnant mothers and children during the curfew period.
“We also agreed to supply a sufficient quantity of eggs for food processing at quarantine centres," he said and added that the price of eggs would drop to an acceptable level in another two weeks while it is vital for the Government to provide maize at a reasonable price to poultry farmers.
Vendors said the retail price of eggs was currently Rs.23.50 while in certain areas it had increased to Rs.24 or 25.
The average consumption of eggs per day is 8.5 million. However, the daily consumption of eggs has reduced by 30 percent.
The reasons like declining poultry in larger proportion in farms, suspending the importing hens to breed and excessive prices of forage (animal food), have influenced in ending up the price in such a degree. (Sheain Fernandopulle)
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