Sri Lanka’s corn harvesters and poultry farmers clash over grain imports

Maize harvesters in Sri Lanka have asked the government to increase import duties on maize, claiming they are unable to sell their locally grown stocks.

However, representatives of the poultry industry have opposed the move, warning that it would lead to higher prices for eggs and chicken meat. Currently, imported maize attracts a duty of US$0.08 per kilogram.

The harvesters met with Agriculture, Livestock, Lands and Irrigation Minister Lal Kantha, stressing that domestic maize prices have fallen sharply since the government allowed 300,000 tonnes of imported grain in March.

All Island Poultry Association President Ajith Gunasekera told Asian Agribiz that the demands by the harvesters were unfair. He said it was their practice of holding back sales that led to the need to open up imports. “The government has given enough time for the local harvest to be completed before issuing import licenses. If we are forced to buy corn from local suppliers at a higher price, this will inevitably lead to an increase in the price of chicken and eggs,” he explained.

According to him, out of the total volume of 300,000 tons, large feed mills have already imported about 200,000 tons. Another 50,000 tons have been distributed to small and medium producers through the government food promotion agency.

Imported corn costs producers $0.43-0.46 per kilogram, while harvesters demand $0.56 for the local product.

The minister, in turn, said that he does not plan to intervene in the situation with corn prices for now, since the priority remains to contain the cost of eggs and chicken on the domestic market.

Tags: corn, Sri Lanka