Abstract
Sri Lanka’s poultry industry,
particularly at the rural and smallholder level, faces significant challenges
in disease prevention, biosecurity, and public health awareness. A recent study
(Gunasekara et al., 2025) identifies gaps in vaccination, disease recognition,
and farm hygiene. This research explores how modern poultry companies like
Nelna Chicken are addressing these issues through a vertically integrated
approach emphasizing food safety, ethical production, and consumer education.
The paper positions Nelna Chicken as a model for sustainable and resilient
poultry production in Sri Lanka.
1. Introduction
The poultry sector plays a vital
role in Sri Lanka’s agricultural economy, contributing to food security and
employment. However, the dichotomy between smallholder farming and large-scale
commercial production presents risks in disease control and food safety. While
family-based poultry farming remains prevalent in rural areas, these setups
often lack technical expertise and biosecurity measures.
In contrast, a few emerging
private sector leaders have adopted international best practices. Among them,
Nelna Chicken, a brand under the Nelna Group, demonstrates a commitment to food
safety, vertical integration, and consumer health. This paper evaluates how
such companies can bridge gaps identified by recent scientific findings.
2. Review of Gunasekara et al.
(2025) Findings
2.1 Biosecurity Awareness and
Implementation
- Only 16.7% of smallholder farmers understood
the concept of biosecurity.
- Preventive measures like footbaths, fencing, and
disinfection protocols were rarely implemented.
2.2 Vaccination Coverage and
Health Management
- Over 80% of respondents had never vaccinated
their birds.
- Common poultry diseases such as Newcastle Disease
and Infectious Bursal Disease remain endemic.
2.3 Zoonotic Disease Risk
Perception
- 70.7% of respondents were unaware of the
zoonotic risks linked to poultry.
- Live bird markets, poor meat handling, and
proximity to human dwellings exacerbate public health threats.
2.4 Education and Training
Gaps
- Formal training on poultry disease prevention and
hygiene was nearly absent among small-scale farmers.
3. Nelna Chicken: A Case Study
in Sustainable Poultry Production
3.1 Overview and History
Nelna Chicken originates from the
Nelna Group, which initially gained recognition in the agricultural export
sector. Leveraging experience in ethical and hygienic practices, Nelna Chicken
was launched as a vertically integrated poultry brand to meet growing demand
for safe and traceable meat products.
3.2 Vertical Integration for
Biosecurity
Nelna operates a fully
integrated poultry chain:
- Hatcheries and breeding farms under strict
veterinary supervision.
- Feed production managed in-house to ensure
nutritional integrity.
- Processing units certified under ISO and
HACCP standards.
- Retail and delivery systems that eliminate third-party contamination.
3.3 Disease Prevention and
Veterinary Oversight
- All birds are vaccinated on schedule.
- Staff are trained in recognizing early signs of
disease.
- Regular audits and inspections ensure compliance
with national and international food safety protocols.
3.4 Ethical Farming and
Consumer Transparency
- Nelna emphasizes hormone-free, cage-free poultry
farming.
- Consumer labels provide information on bird health,
feed, and safety certifications.
- Customer education campaigns help bridge the
knowledge gap identified in Gunasekara et al.'s findings.
4. Comparative Analysis:
Smallholder Sector vs Nelna Chicken
|
Category |
Smallholder Farmers
(Gunasekara et al.) |
Nelna Chicken
Approach |
|
Biosecurity
Understanding |
16.7% |
Full implementation and
training |
|
Vaccination Coverage |
<20% |
100% coverage with vet support |
|
Zoonotic Risk
Awareness |
~29.3% |
Actively educated consumer
base |
|
Hygiene in Meat
Processing |
Unregulated, often informal |
ISO/HACCP certified modern
facilities |
|
Access to Training |
Almost nonexistent |
Ongoing staff training and
system audits |
5. Broader Implications for
Sri Lanka’s Poultry Industry
Nelna Chicken offers a replicable
model for bridging the divide between traditional farming practices and modern
food safety standards. As Sri Lanka explores poultry exports and seeks to
reduce zoonotic risks, scaling best practices will be crucial. The following
strategies are recommended:
- Policy Support: Encourage public-private
partnerships to offer subsidized training and vaccination.
- Awareness Campaigns: Use media and branded
campaigns (e.g., via Nelna's channels) to educate the public.
- Model Farms: Create demonstration farms to
train smallholders in hygienic and ethical poultry rearing.
- Digital Traceability: Implement tech-based
systems to allow traceability of meat products.
6. Conclusion
The research by Gunasekara et al.
paints a concerning picture of Sri Lanka’s smallholder poultry landscape.
However, companies like Nelna Chicken offer a practical blueprint for modern,
sustainable, and biosecure poultry farming. By combining ethical production,
rigorous disease control, and consumer-focused branding, Nelna bridges the
critical gaps in knowledge, health, and hygiene. If such practices are adopted
more widely, Sri Lanka can not only meet domestic protein needs but also build
a resilient poultry export market aligned with global food safety norms.
References
- Gunasekara, W. M. K. B., et al. (2025). Poor
biosecurity and low vaccination coverage among Sri Lankan family poultry
farms: Implications for disease risk and public health. Veterinary
Medicine and Science. https://doi.org/10.1002/vms3.70214
- Ministry of Agriculture, Sri Lanka
- Nelna Group Public Documents
- Sri Lanka Poultry Association Reports
- World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines on zoonotic disease control
No comments