Professional revolution in dairy farming soon:

President predicts 'white revolution'

Rasika Somarathna

President Mahinda Rajapaksa yesterday predicted a professional revolution in dairy farming in Sri Lanka with self-sufficiency in dairy produce in the not too distant future being the cherished goal.

"If India can launch a 'white revolution' successfully then why cant we," the President questioned while emphasising that the Government was committed to providing support facilities to dairy farmers to improve their trade.

Addressing over 3,000 dairy farmers from all corners of the island at Temple Trees yesterday, President Rajapaksa emphasized the need to convert dairy farming into a highly-professionalized business.

While pointing out that the Government spends Rs 20 billion annually to import milk powder products, the President said this large expenditure could be saved and utilized for other development activities if country could achieve self-sufficiency in dairy production.

"I strongly believe that we have the potential to produce our own dairy requirements. I have no desire to fatten wallets of foreign farmers with dollars. I want this money to go to our farmers' pockets," he said.

"Through this trade in 2007, Rs 1,400 million went into the villages. And in 2009 this increased to Rs 1,700 million. This is how we develop the villages. We have not limited these enterprises to Colombo alone."

President Rajapaksa also emphasized that the Government was committed to protecting other local enterprises and giving support to local farmers engaged in other trades.

"The first Cabinet memorandum I put forward was to provide the fertilizer subsidy at a cost of Rs 10,000 million. As a result when a bag of fertilizer shot up to Rs 850 we were able to provide it for Rs 350 and when it went up to Rs 9,000 too we provided it for Rs 350," he added.

Ministers C.B. Ratnayake, Maithripala Sirisena and K.A. Baiz along with MILCO and Ministry officials also participated.