Dairy farmers taken on study tour to New Techno Livestock 2014

Saturday, 17 January 2015 03:23 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Fonterra Brands Sri Lanka recently hosted farmers from dairy communities in Hanwella and Kiriwattuduwa on a study tour to the New Techno Livestock 2014. Over 80 farmers were provided with access to the best practices on managing livestock and production. The free expo was hosted by the Department of Animal Production and Health and saw over 2000 farmers and entrepreneurs in the industry visiting to browse and learn from the companies and organisations present. In supporting the New Techno Livestock 2014, Fonterra experts participated through a dairy hub, offering interactive learning experiences and advice to participating dairy farmers.

Operations Director of Fonterra Brands Sri Lanka, Satish Karunakaran said this initiative is a great example of connecting dairy communities with training and technical leadership opportunities. “Our farmers are our partners and we believe in growing together. By providing them with an opportunity to visit the Expo they were able to empower themselves with knowledge that would help improve their business and livelihoods.” Fonterra also marked its three-day presence at the Expo as an exhibitor by showcasing its dairy management techniques to thousands of participants through an interactive dairy hub. Dairy development experts on site spoke to dairy farmers about feeding, fodder management and cultivation, milk quality, paddock and shed construction and design, animal welfare, usage of effluent for irrigation and calf management. “We were able to share the same expertise that resulted in participants of our Farmer Education and Training Program (FETP) in Hanwella seeing average milk production increases of 42% and income growth of 55%,” said Karunakaran. “Initiatives like this are all aimed at growing and developing the local dairy industry and we thank the Department of Animal Health and Production for organising this timely event, bringing farmers and suppliers together to deliver practical and economical solutions.”