National Food Promotions receives green light to import 25,000 MT of maize

The National Food Promotions Board received the Cabinet nod to import 25,000 MT of maize or alternative grains for the production of animal feed.  

The decision was made in an effort to address the current shortage of maize in the country that has been brought about by the foreign exchange issues. 

The proposal was put forward by Agriculture, Wildlife and Forest Resources Conservation Minister Mahinda Amaraweera, as recommended by the Animal Production and Health Department. 

The annual requirement of maize for manufacturing animal food is estimated at 600,000 metric tonnes. As of June 2022, 38,000 metric tonnes of maize were imported into the country to cater to the local demand.  

Although permits were issued to import 225,000 metric tonnes of maize prior to December 31, 2022, through food production companies and animal food raw material marketers, the stakeholders are unable to finance imports, due to the ongoing forex crisis. 

As a result, the price of a kilogram of maize in the local market increased to Rs.220 per kilogram, leading to skyrocketing prices of chicken and eggs. In addition to affordability, the consumers are also faced with the availability of these products becoming irregular. 

“It has been observed of an impending crisis in the animal husbandry sector in the future, due to those engaged in poultry farming tend to sell eggs without breeding and stepping out of poultry farming,” the Government Information Department said. 

Further, the non-availability of synthetic fertilisers and agrochemicals has also impacted the local maize cultivations, with maize yields declining in the range of 50-60 percent. (NF)