Sri Lanka’s National Livestock Development Board to launch massive upgrading programme
The National Livestock Development Board (NLDB) in Sri Lanka is to reportedly invest over Rs. 400 million this year to add new plants, infrastructure and value added products.
This investment also includes two joint ventures with Israel and technical assistance from China and Pakistan, the state owned Daily News reported.
NLDB Chairman Prof. H.W. Cyril has been quoted as saying that the Board would invest over Rs. 150 million to build a new factory in Rediyagama in the Hambantota area, with funding from a local bank. “We have imported 2,000 cows from Australia. Their population has now increased to 3,500. The NLDB would install new machinery to introduce tetra pack milk, ice cream and several new products and also upgrade their dairy. We will also introduce a laboratory in a bid to launch our R&D arm,” he has said.
He has noted that they would also increase the intake of students who follow Dairy courses at their Rediyagama Farm, as the NLSDB certificate they issue is more recognized in the world than others similar courses provided in Asia.
Responding to a question on whether the NLDB wished to get into the milk powder business, the Chairman has replied in the negative, stating that the supply of fresh milk is inadequate.
Cyril has said that since their coconut estates provide them the largest revenue, they would introduce Drip irrigation to 400 acres with the assistance of an Israel company to increase yields.
OSL take:
The upgrading programme undertaken by the NLDB would provide an investment opportunity for foreign businesses to explore. The government of Sri Lanka has already commenced a programme to uplift the country’s dairy industry. Therefore foreign businesses could explore business opportunities in Sri Lanka’s livestock and dairy industry.
| Article Code : | VBS/AT/07052019/Z_3 |