Sri Lanka to import 80,000 metric tons of maize for animal feed
Sri Lankan authorities have reportedly decided to permit the importing of 80,000 metric tons of maize to the country for animal feed before January 31st next year while the bulk of the license is issued to a state operated agency. The decision to permit the importing of maize was taken following a shortfall in domestic production.
The Cabinet of Ministers has given approval to the state operated National Food Promotion Board to import 50,000 metric tons of maize to be distributed on request to animal husbandry companies, the local media has reported.
Licenses for another 30,000 metric tons are to be issued to feed manufacturers and poultry firms that are registered with the Department of Animal Production and Health, reports further state.
A tax of Rs. 10 is also to be charged for each kilogram of maize.
According to reports, in the 2018/2019 main cultivation season (Maha) about 250,000 metric tons of maize was estimated to have been produced, lower than the 330,000 metric tons originally expected following fall army worm and pest damage, despite 89,000 hectares being sown.
OSL take:
The recent changes experienced in the weather patterns have had an adverse impact on Sri Lanka’s agriculture sector. This has resulted in shortages in certain agricultural crops. This has resulted in the need to import certain crops creating a business opportunity for foreign businesses to explore. Interested foreign businesses could consider its business potential and look at forming joint ventures/partnerships with local companies to import such crops to Sri Lanka. The continuing changes in the weather patterns would continue to create such requirements in Sri Lanka’s agriculture sector.
| Article Code : | VBS/AT/16082019/Z_3 |