China is preparing to import one lakh monkeys from Sri Lanka, according to reports. While the talks are ongoing, a final decision has not been taken yet. The Sri Lankan government claims that the population of monkeys in their country has crossed the maximum level, leading to significant losses in agriculture. In this article, we will explore the possible implications of this move by China and the Sri Lankan government.
The Background of the Monkey Trade between China and Sri Lanka
According to recent reports, China has requested to import one lakh monkeys from Sri Lanka to keep in their one thousand zoos. While the Chinese government has agreed to cover the costs of capturing and exporting the monkeys, a final decision has not yet been made. It is worth noting that China has previously purchased donkeys from Pakistan.
The Sri Lankan government has held three rounds of talks with China on this issue. Many senior ministers in Sri Lanka are in favor of exporting monkeys to China, arguing that agriculture in the country is suffering due to the excessive population of monkeys. They also claim that China will keep the monkeys in zoos rather than using them for meat.
Sri Lankan Agriculture Minister Mahinda Amaraweera said that a final decision has not been made yet regarding the export of monkeys to China. A special committee has been formed to look into legal matters related to this matter.
The Impact on Agriculture in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is a country that relies heavily on agriculture. However, the increasing population of monkeys in the country has resulted in significant losses for farmers. The Sri Lankan government claims that there are currently over three million monkeys in the country, which has led to losses of around Rs 15 billion per year in agriculture.
The export of monkeys to China could potentially alleviate the problems faced by farmers. However, it remains to be seen how this move will impact the ecosystem in Sri Lanka. Monkeys play an essential role in maintaining the balance of the ecosystem, and their removal could have unintended consequences.
The Ethics of the Monkey Trade
While the Sri Lankan government claims that the monkeys exported to China will not be used for meat, there is concern about the welfare of the animals. Capturing and exporting wild animals can be a traumatic experience for them, and it is essential to ensure that their welfare is not compromised in any way.
There is also concern about the impact on the ecosystem in Sri Lanka if the monkey population is significantly reduced. Monkeys play a crucial role in seed dispersal, which is vital for maintaining the biodiversity of the country’s forests.
The Potential Profit for Sri Lanka
The export of monkeys to China could potentially be a lucrative business for Sri Lanka. It costs approximately Rs 5,000 to capture a monkey in Sri Lanka. However, China is reportedly willing to pay up to Rs 50,000 to capture, keep, and export each monkey. This could potentially bring significant revenue to the Sri Lankan government.
However, it is worth considering the long-term impact of this decision. While the export of monkeys could bring immediate revenue, the impact on the ecosystem and the welfare of the animals must be taken into account.
FAQs
Q: Why is China buying monkeys from Sri Lanka?
A: China is reportedly buying monkeys from Sri Lanka to keep in their zoos.
Q: How many monkeys will be exported to China?
A: China has requested to import one lakh monkeys from Sri Lanka.
Q: Will the monkeys be used for meat?
A: The Sri Lankan government claims that the monkeys will not be used for meat.
Q: What impact will this have on agriculture in Sri Lanka?
A: The export of monkeys could potentially alleviate the problems faced by farmers due to the excessive population of monkeys ?
