told Kaieteur News yesterday that pork production in 2011 was recorded at 200

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Pork lovers are now complaining of exorbitant prices for this meat as the local market is being faced with a shortage.Several consumers have aired their concerns about paying at least $500 per pound for this item.They believe that Brazilians who use pork in their restaurants are the fuelling the shortage.Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy, told Kaieteur News yesterday that pork production in 2011 was recorded at 200,000 kilogrammes.“The demand in the pork market is so great that there needs to be between 300,000 to 350,000 kilogrammes to meet this demand. More of the consumers that can afford are eating more meat such as chicken, beef, pork, mutton and such. Another reason is the change in demographics since there is an increase in the usage of pork in upscale restaurants throughout the country.”A sow feeding her pigletKaieteur News understands that while small farmers are responsible for pork production, the demand exceeds supply.However, this temporary shortage is not creating a crisis since there is a reasonable supply of beef and other meats. The demand for pork in the market does not drive for the importation of this meat.In 2008, the Ministry of Agriculture started its swine breeding project. Currently the project is being reinvigorated with the introduction of new breeds of swine.