Ban on import of eggs lifted, indefinitely

GANGTOK, 21 Jan: In welcome news for consumers and traders in the state, the Animal Husbandry Department has lifted the ban on import of eggs into Sikkim. It may be recalled that the ban was lifted for three months [Oct to Dec 2012] initially and there was much uncertainty over whether the ban had be reinforced with the New Year or whether the lifting of the ban would be extended. Department officials confirmed today that the lifting of the ban has now been extended indefinitely.
When the ban had been lifted for the initial period of three months, the Department was to undertake a detailed survey on the status of egg production in Sikkim, demand and future initiatives. It is clear that local production, which invariably dips in winters, is not enough to meet the market demand.
Speaking to NOW! today, the Secretary, AH&VS department, DP Sharma, confirmed that the State government has decided to approve the import of eggs into the state in order to meet local demand. While stating that the official order for the same would be issued and circulated by the department on Tuesday [22 Jan 2013], he mentioned that it was the decision of the department to pursue the lifting of the ban with the state government which had come through at the right moment.
The ban, it may be mentioned, did return this month and has been in place since 01 Jan 2013. Even as the ban on eggs has been lifted, it remains in force for other poultry products including dressed chicken.
“There are over 6 lakh people in Sikkim and this number keeps fluctuating [with the tourist season]. If you take half of these people as egg consumers, the demand is much higher than the overall production of eggs in Sikkim. There is so much protein requirement which we could not overlook, thus we decided that the solution would be to lift the ban indefinitely,” he explained.
Further, while highlighting that the ban on bringing in poultry was still in place and that only eggs were allowed to be brought from outside, he informed that the traders would still have to seek permission from the AH&VS Department to begin importing eggs.
“Every person can see that there is limited supply of eggs in Sikkim which is not meeting the demand. So, till the department feels that there is sufficient supply from inhouse farms, the relaxation of the ban will continue,” stated the Secretary.
Further, he also informed that the survey that was being undertaken by the Department in all the four districts regarding the feasibility of egg production would also be completed and the assessment report presented by the concerned Additional Director of the Department by 31 March 2013.
“We know what the survey report will highlight which is why we have lifted the ban. Since supply of chicken is not a problem in Sikkim and local farmers are benefitting from this trade, it is the state government’s policy not to lift the ban on import of chicken. However, the scenario of egg supplies is the opposite which is why the ban has been lifted,” he explained.
It was also informed that egg production in Sikkim is not proving to be feasible since the local farmers have expressed that the trade is not economically viable for them. The climate in Sikkim is another factor hampering egg production which is why it is still not an attractive proposition for farmers here. However, the department has stated that any farmer interested in egg production would be provided all technical and knowledge support along with subsidized loans from financial institutions to venture into this trade.
“We already have five demo egg production farms in Sikkim and if the proper methods are applied then egg production can prove feasible and sustainable for the farmers. We will also provide all assistance to local farmers and entrepreneurs who want to do this trade but till the supply to the rising demand is not met by the local farmers we shall continue with the relaxation in the ban,” he stated.