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

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 ...