• Suggests that Govt. permit liquor manufacturers to import same
• Agri. Ministry notes need for alternatives    

The All-Island Egg Producers’ Association (AIEPA) raised concerns over the increasing use of large quantities of maize/corn in ethanol production, warning that this could lead to a rise in the prices of eggs and poultry meat, specifically of chicken, due to shortages of the same for the poultry industry, for feed production.

Speaking to The Daily Morning yesterday (14), AIEPA Treasurer Vijaya Alwis highlighted the scale of the issue. “More than 50 metric tonnes (MT) of maize are used annually for ethanol production. This has resulted in a severe shortage of maize required for poultry feed production,” he stated.

Alwis noted that Sri Lanka's total maize requirement stands at 600,000 MT per year, however, domestic production falls significantly short, with local farmers producing less than 30,000 MT. The country is therefore heavily reliant on imports to meet its needs. 

In this context, he emphasised the risks this poses to the food security of the nation, stating that the shortage has a direct impact on the prices of eggs and chicken, vital sources of protein for the population.

Hence, he urged the Government to take immediate remedial steps, suggesting that a reliable supply of maize must be ensured for the poultry industry to stabilise prices and safeguard the protein requirements of the people. He also proposed that companies engaged in ethanol production should be permitted to import the necessary maize, thereby freeing up local supplies for poultry feed production. 

“If such measures are implemented, the required quantity of maize for poultry feed could be sourced from the local market without causing disruption,” Alwis added.

However, when contacted, a highly-placed Agriculture Ministry source told The Daily Morning that the Government is still considering a potential solution to minimise the use of the domestic maize harvest for alcohol production and whether to allow alcohol producers to import maize. 

“We have not taken any decision on whether to import maize for alcohol production. The same issue is identified with the rice shortage as well. The Government is very well aware of the issue and is taking measures to minimise the use of the domestic rice and maize harvest for secondary purposes such as alcohol production.  We should look for possible alternative actions,” the source said.