Sri Lanka egg output has plummeted by 30 percent following Cyclone Ditwah, which killed approximately 500,000 layer chickens. The sharp decline has driven retail egg prices higher, disrupted farms, and reshaped poultry production across the country.
Egg production in Sri Lanka falls sharply as Cyclone Ditwah devastates layer flocks
Cyclone Ditwah has inflicted severe damage on Sri Lanka’s poultry industry, causing a sharp drop in egg output. The storm claimed around 500,000 layer chickens, prompting a 30 percent decline in daily egg production, according to Ajith Gunasekera, President of the All Island Poultry Association.
Prior to the cyclone, Sri Lanka produced roughly 1.1 million eggs daily, surpassing domestic consumption of around 900,000 eggs. This oversupply had kept retail prices moderate, ranging between 22 and 28 rupees per egg, with farmgate prices at 21 to 22 rupees depending on size. Production costs, however, were higher at 28 rupees due to rising maize prices linked to import restrictions.
Following the cyclone, egg prices have surged dramatically to between 43 and 45 rupees per egg. The fatalities among layer chickens, which were at various stages of growth, have significantly disrupted the production cycle. It typically takes around five months for a chicken to mature and begin laying, meaning full recovery will take several months even as farms restart operations.
Gunasekera explained that the floods also interrupted feed supply to operational farms. “When feed is limited, chickens naturally adjust by reducing egg production to conserve calcium,” he said. “Power outages further reduce laying rates, as hens experience stress during such disruptions.”
Domestic demand has also been affected. With tourism coming to a standstill and social events curtailed due to the cyclone, some excess production has remained unsold. Nevertheless, higher egg prices provide a strong incentive for surviving farms to replenish ageing layers and expand operations.
Day-old chick prices, which collapsed to around 50 rupees during the floods, have now rebounded to 400–450 rupees for layers and 275–350 rupees for broilers. This recovery in pricing is expected to support farmers in rebuilding flocks over the coming months.
The cyclone also caused massive losses in broiler production. Approximately 1.4 to 1.5 million broiler chickens have died due to floods. Broilers, which have a short production cycle of around 35 days, are expected to recover faster than layers. However, the combined impact on both sectors has placed immense pressure on Sri Lanka’s poultry supply chain.
Rising feed costs are another challenge. Maize prices have climbed to 200 rupees per kilogram compared with previously imported maize at around 120 rupees per kilogram, after accounting for taxes. This increase has further heightened production costs for farmers trying to rebuild their flocks.
In response, the Sri Lankan government has announced compensation of 200,000 rupees per farm to support recovery efforts. This assistance aims to help farmers restore their poultry operations and mitigate the economic impact of Cyclone Ditwah on the sector.
Despite these challenges, the poultry industry shows signs of resilience. Surviving farms are adjusting strategies to optimize production under higher costs, while market demand is expected to normalize as domestic activity resumes. Seasonal recovery periods, combined with government support and market price adjustments, will play a critical role in stabilizing egg production in the months ahead.
The cyclone’s aftermath highlights the vulnerabilities of Sri Lanka’s agricultural and livestock sectors to extreme weather events. Beyond immediate losses, such natural disasters can create cascading effects—disrupting feed supply, transportation, production, and market prices. Experts stress the importance of building stronger disaster response mechanisms, resilient supply chains, and strategic support for farmers to protect food security and sustain local livelihoods.
As the country continues to recover, stakeholders are closely monitoring production levels, prices, and the overall health of layer and broiler flocks. Rebuilding the poultry sector will not only stabilize egg supply but also restore confidence among farmers, suppliers, and consumers alike.