MILCO to buy total milk produce

*Glass of milk for N’Eliya schoolchildren

*Incentives to boost milk production

Nadira GUNATILLEKE

Cabinet approval has been granted to purchase all liquid milk produced by farmers through MILCO Ltd. In addition, a free glass of milk is to be provided to all schoolchildren in the Nuwara Eliya district using fresh milk purchased from farmers, Acting Media Minister and Acting Cabinet Spokesman Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena said.

Addressing the weekly Cabinet press briefing at the Government Information Department Auditorium yesterday, he said Cabinet paid special attention to the collection and sale of liquid milk

as the country’s milk production has increased considerably due to incentives given by the government to dairy farmers. Accordingly, it was agreed that liquid milk collected by organizations from dairy farmers in various parts of the country, will be purchased by MILCO Limited to be sent to its factories for the manufacture of powdered milk and other milk products.

According to the Acting Minister, the Cabinet of Ministers also decided to increase the import duty on milk powder, other than infant milk with immediate effect,with the view to safeguarding the interests of dairy farmers.

The price paid for one litre of fresh milk has been increased from Rs. 32 to 50. The government purchases 50 per cent of the milk production. Required monetary allocation will be provided to the Nuwara Eliya District Secretary.

Acting Minister Yapa pointed out that a political hand which was behind the ‘liquid milk issue’ joined hands with multinational companies to create a problem, but, the government has already taken all possible steps to protect the farmers and to ensure that they get the highest price for their milk.

A free glass of milk will improve the nutrition requirements of school children. The programme is to be extended to other districts on requirements.

The government is in the process of coming to an agreement with companies.