First batch of animal feed on the market today |20 September 2023
The first batch of animal feed will be on the market as of today
Following the decision to import animal feed by the department of agriculture, the first batch of the commodity will be on the market as of today.
The decision for the department of agriculture to import animal feed was taken as a means to bring about more competition in the market, and align local prices with those of the global market, following the phasing out of the previous subsidies on the product.
Since September 15, local farmers were no longer benefiting from the subsidy which was introduced through a policy enforced in 2020 when the Covid-19 pandemic and related economic implications resulted in soaring commodity prices across the globe.
It is to note that a 25 percent reduction in subsidies became effective on August 15, and by September 1, this was further reduced to 50 percent, before being totally phased out.
There are presently three suppliers of animal feed to the local market, while the agriculture department has partnered with the Seychelles Trading Company (STC) to facilitate the importation of the first batch of animal feed, after being allocated appropriate storage facilities at Providence.
Keven Nancy, principal secretary for the department of Agriculture, said compared to when there was the subsidy whereby animal feed was being sold to livestock commercial producers only, now all farmers who are rearing animals can benefit from the service.
Available on the market are Pig Weaner Crumble (40kg), Pig Grower Pellet (40kg), Pig Finisher Pellet (40kg), Broiler Starter Crumble (40kg), Broiler Grower (Crumble (40kg), Broiler Finisher Pellet (40kg), Chick Starter Pellet (40kg), Poultry Grower Pellet (40kg), Layer Developer Pellet (40kg) and Layer Feed Pellet (40kg).
Mr Nancy noted that they are already communicating with the suppliers for the next batch of animal feed since they know that the actual batch will finish quickly based on the price.
Roland Duval
