India and Sri Lanka to collaborate on animal husbandry, dairy sectors

Cabinet Co-Spokesman and Minister Bandula Gunawardena

By Charumini de Silva

In a move aimed at enhancing cooperation in the field of animal husbandry and dairy, the Governments of India and Sri Lanka are set to sign a joint declaration of intent. 

The proposed declaration outlines a shared commitment to improving the quality of dairy products in Sri Lanka, achieving self-sufficiency in milk production and boosting the income of small-scale dairy farmers.

Upon the Attorney General’s office clearing the drafted Joint Declaration of Intent, the Cabinet of Ministers at its meeting on Monday approved a combined proposal presented by President Ranil Wickremesinghe in his capacity as the Finance, Economic Stabilisation and National Policies and the Agriculture Minister Mahinda Amaraweera.

“The collaboration between India and Sri Lanka holds immense potential for the dairy sector in both countries. India, being one of the world’s largest producers and consumers of milk, possesses valuable expertise and advanced technologies in the field of animal husbandry and dairying. By leveraging India’s knowledge and experience, Sri Lanka aims to enhance its dairy industry’s overall productivity, efficiency, and quality standards,” Cabinet Co-Spokesman and Minister Bandula Gunawardena said at the post-Cabinet meeting media briefing yesterday. Through knowledge sharing, technical assistance, and capacity-building initiatives, he said India will assist Sri Lanka in developing sustainable dairy practices and modernising its dairy infrastructure.

“The joint declaration of intent in animal husbandry and dairying stands as a testament to the commitment of India and Sri Lanka to foster agricultural innovation, promote rural development, and achieve self-sufficiency in the dairy sector,” he added. Gunawardena said Sri Lanka used to produce 1.2 million litres of fresh milk before the pandemic and it has now gone done significantly low levels.

“By implementing advanced techniques and best practices, the country can reduce its dependence on imported dairy products and bolster domestic production. This, in turn, will enhance food security and provide economic opportunities for small-scale dairy farmers,” he added.