The local poultry producers have agreed to reduce the price of chicken by Rs.100 per kilogram, the Ministry of Agriculture announced.

However, Trade Minister Nalin Fernando mentioned that the President has granted approval for importing chicken for food industrial purposes.

The minister expressed that the decision was reached during a special discussion chaired by the President regarding the cost of living, in view of reducing the difficulties faced by the people due to the high prices of chicken in the market.

Fernando also asserted that if the prices of chicken in the market are not controlled by this decision, steps will be taken to import chicken for consumption in the future.

In addition, President Wickremesinghe has instructed the agricultural authorities to prepare a program to provide chicken and eggs at an affordable price to the people of the country through increasing production in the future.

However, the President had also instructed to take necessary measures to import parent birds in order to produce more chicks through breeder farms.