US assistance to uplift Sri Lanka’s dairy industry with ‘Market Oriented Dairy’ programme
US Ambassador to Sri Lanka and the Maldives, Alaina B. Teplitz has reportedly met Sri Lankan dairy farmers benefiting from the ‘Market Oriented Dairy’ programme, which has been launched at a cost of Rs. 2.2 billion programme (US$14.1 million).
The US Embassy in Sri Lanka has stated that the project is estimated to increase milk production by 94 percent by 2022 and will help make Sri Lanka’s dairy production – and the livelihood of thousands of dairy farmers – more sustainable and profitable.
“Farmers are the backbone of the economy and this project helps the country meet its goal of reaching self-sufficiency in dairy products,” Ambassador Teplitz has said.
According to reports, assisting more than 15,000 Sri Lankan farmers, the project focuses on increasing the dairy sector’s commercial sustainability, quality and safety. Farmers receive training on best practices such as providing clean water to animals 24/7 and better feed techniques.
Participating farmers have achieved remarkable results since the project was launched in May last year, reports further state.
Seventy percent have increased milk production and 68 percent increased milk quality after adopting best practices. On average, farmers with about six milking cows have increased their income by at least Rs. 25,000–30,000 per month.
The Market-Oriented Dairy project is funded through the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food for Progress program. USDA is partnering with the International Executive Service Corps, the University of Florida, the Global Dairy Platform and Sarvodaya on the project.
OSL take:
Sri Lanka’s dairy industry is a growing business/investment opportunity for foreign businesses/investors. The US assistance received to uplift the industry indicates it’s growing business potential and foreign businesses/investors could explore business opportunities in Sri Lanka’s dairy industry and also look at forming partnerships/joint ventures with local companies.
| Article Code : | VBS/AT/15102019/Z_7 |