Bright future for livestock farming

Action will be taken to uplift the living conditions of those engaged in animal husbandry in the Kilinochchi district by developing livestock farming in the area, Traditional Industries and Small Enterprise Development Minister Douglas Devananda said.

He was speaking at the opening ceremony of the veterinary office at Puliyanpokkanai in the Kandavalai Divisional Secretariat Division on September 7.

Minister Douglas Devananda

The minister said Kilinochchi district was once in the forefront, not only in the production of milk but also in the production of other agricultural produce.

Devananda said he will take action to enhance the production of milk through the development of livestock farming and extending marketing support for dairy products.

He said it had been contemplated to import and distribute among the farming community, improved varieties of cows and goats to make the country self-sufficient in milk.

“The government's attention has been directed to fully develop the war- affected animal husbandry in the area. The opening of the veterinary office is a right move towards this task,” he said.

Devananda said the government had taken measures to improve the welfare of those engaged in livestock farming.

Jaffna district Member of Parliament Murugesu Chandrakumar said Kilinochchi district was in the forefront in the production of milk and agricultural produce before the war.

“The war saw an end to these activities,” he said.

The MP said there were about 60,000 cattle in the area of which only less than half were alive at present.

“The prime objective of opening the veterinary office and annual clinic at a cost of Rs 7 million was to encourage the farmer community to take to livestock farming. Four veterinary offices and animal clinics will be opened in all four Divisional Secretariat Divisions in Kilinochchi,” Chandrakumar said.

Minister Devananda distributed implements among livestock farmers in the area. Northern Provincial Agriculture Ministry Secretary Thavanathayan Kilinochchi also participated.