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| Sunday, 7 March 2004 |
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| News Business Features Editorial
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Big export demand for our chicken By Chanuka Mannapperuma
The major chicken producers in the country are negotiating with foreign buyers in the Middle East and the Maldives to resume exports since there is a big demand in the world market. According to All Island Poultry Association Chairman, Dr. D.D. Wanasinghe, at present our chicken is the best in the world, as it has not been afflicted by the bird flu or any other contagious disease and it is certified by the Department of Animal Production and Health and Sri Lanka Animal Quarantine Department. During the period between September and October 2003, Sri Lanka had exported around 2000 metric tones (Mt) of chicken, but since it could not compete with international prices, it had to temporarily suspend exports, he said. Compared to major suppliers, our quantity of exports was very small but it opened up a lot of avenues for Sri Lankan producers. " I am confident that the major producers will get a big breakthrough in the near future and this will no doubt bring in a lot of valuable foreign exchange." As the major producers, Bairaha, Prima and Maxies had the HACCP certification and after the orders had been confirmed, they could start exporting, which would give them the added advantage of entering into new markets as well. The other major producers in the country are St Anthoney's farm, Weehena, Five Star farm and Pussellawa farm. The major producers and exporters of chicken to the world market are Thailand, Brazil, Poland, China, Hong Kong, Korea, Japan, Cambodia and Indonesia. Most of these countries had to destroy their entire production due to the bird flu and this had created a shortage of chicken in the world market. Fresh chicken without infection had a big demand in the world market. Therefore, we could take the opportunity and exploit it as it would open new markets as well. Since chicken was a perishable item, it should be exported carefully and quickly or else we might lose the markets, said an exporter. |
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