Govt ushers dairy boost

Dharma Sri ABEYRATNE

Co-operative and Internal Trade Ministry has taken measures to boost local milk production aiming to minimize country's foreign exchange spent on importing milk powder.

The Co-operative and Internal Trade Ministry will be assisted by Nestle Limited to carry out the program as a pilot project in Nikaweratiya Electorate in Kurunegala district.

The officers of the Co-operative and Internal Trade Ministry have completed the concept paper. Following the concept paper the project report has also been completed now. A feasibility study will be made within the next few weeks, the Ministry official said.

The Ministry has planned to import cattle which have reputed pedigrees and are suitable for Sri Lankan climate from foreign countries. A study is being conducted to find out the most appropriate type of cattle for the country.

A Government owned 700 acre farm which has been abandoned in Nikaweratiya will be utilised for this dairy farming program.

Interested dairy farmers will be given cattle at a reasonable price. Moves are under way to arrange a soft loan facility through Rural Banks for purchasing cattle. Nestle Ltd has agreed to purchase milk from farmers.