The Ministry of Agriculture has decided to import hatching eggs through the National Livestock Development Board (NLDB).
Thereby, arrangements have been made to import 176,000 hatching eggs instead of mother hens in a bid to solve the current shortage of chicken meat and eggs in the country.
NLDB chairman, Prof. H.W. Cyril mentioned that Sri Lanka is expecting 44,000 eggs per week within a period of one month.
The procedures to be done to end the nation’s shortfall of chicken meat and eggs were discussed during a meeting held at the Ministry of Agriculture this morning, June 8. The meeting was attended by the Minister of Agriculture, Mahinda Amaraweera, the Minister of State for Livestock Development, D.B. Herath, and other relevant officials.
The Agriculture Ministry noted that hatching eggs are being imported since the importation of mother hens causes a delay in the availability of eggs and chicks. The ministry noted that this action makes it quicker and easier to obtain hens for eggs and meat.
In order to provide the chicks from this stock of 176,000 hatching eggs imported from the Netherlands to the private sector chicken farms that had to close due to the Covid-19 pandemic crisis, Minister Amaraweera has asked the officials to take the necessary actions.
Within the coming month, Sri Lanka will get this batch of hatching eggs.
To further examine the issue, the Agriculture Minister has scheduled a meeting for tomorrow, June 9, at 11 a.m. with the owners of farms that store chicken eggs as well as those that produce them.
