Due to the inability to continue with the egg production chain, there is a risk of rising the price of eggs in the future and there is a possibility of a collapse in the poultry egg farming industry, the All Island Egg Producers Association (AIEPA) said.
AIEPA Treasurer Wijeya Alwis told the Daily Mirror that the egg industry may have to be closed down due to the country's COVID pandemic, as producers are unable to bear the escalating cost of essential material and facing the difficulties to market the existing stock.
Transportation costs have increased as a result of the recent fuel price hike and this has a direct impact on the marketing entities in the egg production chain.
"Earlier, we had an excess stock of eggs. If the shops would open, the stocks in hand may not be enough to meet the country's demand for eggs. However, the existing stock seems sufficient due to the lull in the egg distribution network and the closure of retail outlets," Mr. Alwis said.
"Eggs which are in good condition could be stored for at least 21 days without becoming rotten. Therefore, eggs should be sold within that stipulated time frame, or there will be no way of providing poultry food for parent birds," he said.
Considering the rising cost of other essential commodities, the price of eggs still remains low. But, considering the prevalent situation, prices of eggs too need to be increased, Mr. Alwis added. (Daily Mirror)