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Annual contribution to dairy sector over Rs. 1.4 b:
Nestle's role commended
Minister for Livestock Development R.M.C.B. Rathnayake, visited the
Nestle factory at Pannala recently. He spent time in the 'Milkmaid
Sweetened Condensed Milk' and 'MILO Ready- to-Drink' production areas.
These products are manufactured from local fresh milk collected from
dairy suppliers countrywide. The Minister commended Nestle's role in the
dairy sector.
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Managing Director Nestle Lanka, David Saudan, Minister C B
Rathnayake and Vice President Technical, Nestle Lanka Sant-Lal
Girdhar at a commercial farm in Dandegamuwa in the Kurunegala
District. |
Since 1980 the company has been involved in the collection of fresh
milk and the development of the dairy sector. Today, Nestle Lanka is the
largest private sector collector of fresh milk in the country.
The company procures an average of 100,000 litres of milk daily which
contributes around Rs. 1.4 billion to assure steady income for 12,000
milk farmers. Nestle Lanka continues to procure milk from the north and
east supporting the government's initiative to develop these areas
through Nagenahira Navodaya and Uthuru Wasanthaya.
Minister Rathnayake showed keen interest in the milk collection
points and chilling centres set up by Nestle Lanka that are providing
employment opportunities to rural entrepreneurs. He also visited the
commercial farms which are supplying milk to Nestle.
The company operates 676 milk collection points and 80 milk chilling
centres equipped with generators and large refrigeration units to chill
fresh milk to the optimal storage temperature of 2 C.
The Company promotes best practices for high quality milk, which
encompasses animal health, breeding, milking, hygienic premises, proper
milk handling, storage, pasture development and farmer incentives for
Artificial Insemination. Testing equipment has been installed at all the
80 chilling centres to check the quality of milk and the company works
closely with the relevant authorities, the Government veterinary
department and public heath officers to train farmers.
As part of the company's initiative to assist farmers develop their
dairy businesses many suppliers also received interest free loans.
During the visit the Minister distributed milk churns to dairy farmers.
Addressing the gathering the Minister commended Nestle's significant
contribution to the development of the dairy industry in Sri Lanka.
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