Department of Agriculture will introduce several programmes to increase domestic milk production as part of efforts to strengthen the livestock sector, Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation Minister K.D. Lal Kantha said.
The minister made the remarks during an inspection visit to the Milco company’s facilities in Ambewela on Saturday (8).
During the visit, the minister also attended an event where ten dairy cows from the Ambewela company were distributed to farmers.
Lal Kantha said increasing national milk production is one of the country’s key priorities in the livestock sector.
“At present, we produce only about 40% of the country’s milk requirement. There is still a gap of around 60% that needs to be filled,” he said.
The minister said dairy farmers play a crucial role in the sector and require adequate support to sustain their livelihoods.
He noted that funds allocated in the most recent budget for dairy development are being used to implement a national programme called the “Dairy Hub” initiative.
Minster also said global developments, including ongoing conflicts, could affect food security, making it essential to increase national production.
He added that the government regularly reviews food security issues and has identified strengthening domestic production as a key strategy.
Amid the administration having plans to sell Milco, the decision was called off under the present government and new programmes were introduced aiming at strengthening the local dairy industry.
As a result, the company has returned to profitability and has shared dividends with employees and dairy farmers. (NewsWire)