Daily fresh milk production to be doubled
Within three months:
Dharma SRI ABEYRATNE
The National Livestock Development Board will double the daily fresh
milk production within three months, National Livestock Development
Board Deputy Chairman Lakshman Hulugalle said.
The NLDB produces 9,000 litres of milk daily which equals to three
percent of national daily milk consumption. In line with short term milk
production increasing program, the present daily milk production will be
increased to 15,000 litres per day.
Israel has expressed its willingness to provide the required
technology to Sri Lanka to double the daily milk production following
discussions with NLDB officials.
"According to the technology and methods available in Israel, a cow
in Israel gives 40 litres of milk daily while a local cow gives eight to
10 litres of milk per day.
Therefore, Israel will assist us to increase our milk production to
18 to 20 litres per day using the Israel methods and technology.
According to them this is not an unachievable target", Hulugalle said.
Under the long-term milk production development program, suitable
cows will be imported. Before importing cattle, climate, environment and
other related factors will be highly considered.
The NLDB will encourage newcomers, especially youths who are
interested in dairy farming.
The NLDB will consider the possibility of granting soft loan
facilities.
The NLDB will seek the assistance of Security Forces personnel to
establish dairy farms in the North and the East.
Stray cattle in the North and East will be brought to farms which
will be established in ideal places, the Deputy Chairman Added. |