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Poultry farmers assure drop in prices while crying foul over chickens from India
View(s):Next week’s arrival of imported maize stockpiles will bring down the price of chicken, and if the government decides to remove the tax on poultry products, it might go even lower, say farmers.
Recently, the government stated that the import tariff on maize would drop from Rs. 75 to Rs. 25 per kilo.
All-Island Poultry Farmers’ Association chairman Ajith Gunasekare claimed that as a result, the cost could be cut by Rs. 100, and chicken could be sold for Rs. 1250 per kg.
Currently, a full chicken (weighing about 1.3-1.5 kg) costs between Rs. 2000 and Rs. 2400 in supermarkets and retail stores.
“At a meeting recently, the Trade Ministry said chicken will be imported from India and sold at Rs. 850. Importing chicken now will discourage the local poultry farmers who are preparing for the festive season,” Mr. Gunasekare said.
He said many local farmers have shown interest, and this could result in high production or even a surplus by December. He added that if the government were to consider a tax reduction or complete removal, a kilo of chicken could be brought down to Rs. 1000.
At present, a 15 percent VAT and
2.5 percent social security levy are imposed (about Rs. 200 per kg).
“Imported chicken will have to be subjected to taxes, which would increase its price. If the imported stocks are given tax relief, local producers will take legal action,” he warned.
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