Call to reduce taxes on animal food

by Chanuka Mannapperuma

One of Sri Lanka's leading animal food producers, 'Super Feed (Pvt) Ltd' held its annual meeting recently in Kegalle with the participation of its islandwide clientele. Fifty chicken farmers who are super feed agents also participated.

A leading chicken farmer, G.Narayanasami of the Galagamuwa farm said that at present escalating fish prices were around Rs.300 per kilo irrespective of quality.

A kilogram of chicken has dropped to Rs.280. He said the various meat added to the competition in the market. "Though we use expensive vitamins and poultry feed for chickens it's difficult to compete in the local market", he said.

M. Anas, Director, Kybar State (Pvt) Ltd said there was potential to develop the industry. "There is a good demand for chicken but we are not in a position to compete due to the high taxes. We pay around 15 per cent tax to import poultry food and other essentials and the per capita consumption is very low. If the government could reduce this tax we could step up production", he said.

Dr. N. Samarasinghe, Director, Super Feed (Pvt) Ltd said that the main objective of the meeting was to educate the people in the industry. According to Dr. Samarasinghe, farmers should be aware of animal food and quality. Super Feed (Pvt) Ltd produces animal food except dog food.

"We have 30 different food varieties including vitamin mixtures", he said. "I am confident of what I produce for my clients and we sell animal food at 5-10% less than other products.

The company produces 2000Mt per month. If the government could give a tax relief of 15%", I will be able to provide animal food at a cheaper rate, he said.

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