Dairy farmers in lucks way

Moves to uplift dairy farmers standard of living:

COLOMBO: The Livestock Development Ministry and Provincial Councils Ministry have launched extensive programmes to uplift the standard of living of national dairy farmers.

The Ministry’s intention is to promote milk production to 50 per cent by 2015. The Ministry at present meets the requirements of the country between 15 per cent and 18 per cent.

The Ministry has also taken steps to import 30,000 high bred female buffaloes in several phases.

These imported female buffaloes will be breeded and distributed among dairy farmers engaged in this industry, the Government Information Department said. Providing drugs and feed for animals at a subsidised rate, guidance and assistance for putting up sheds and growing grass would be undertaken under these programmes.

Dairy farming villages and self-administered dairy societies will also be established by Milco Co. under these programmes.

The Ministries of Provincial Councils and Livestock are engaged in encouraging the consumption of fresh milk by providing milk heating equipments and yoghurt producing machines.

Dairy farmers are paid between Rs. 20 and Rs. 30 per litre depending on the quality of the milk.

The Ministry of Livestock has recruited about 200 veterinary surgeons to accommodate them in the regional secretaries.

The Ministry intends to establish fully-fledged veterinary hospitals with laboratories in all districts. The Peradeniya Veterinary Hospital is the only one available at the moment.

The establishment of veterinary hospitals in Ratnapura, Hambantota, Nuwara Eliya and Anuradhapura have already commenced.

About 200 outlets have been established to encourage the consumption of fresh milk. The Ministry has taken steps to establish about 500 mini super markets to sell milk produced by the Highland and National Livestock Board.