Annually, Sri Lanka incurs a hefty cost of Rs. 70 billion to import milk powder, as revealed by Dr. Hemali Kotalawala, the Director General of the Animal Production and Health Department. Despite a demand for 1,200 billion litres of liquid milk per year, only 35 to 40 percent of this demand is met domestically, leading to significant reliance on imports and economic strain due to the outflow of funds to foreign countries.
Speaking at a farmer leader training program at the Gannoruwa Training Institute, Dr. Kotalawala emphasized the pressing challenge of increasing liquid milk production within the country. She noted a decline in production since 2018 and highlighted the importance of adopting new technologies in farming to boost liquid milk output. This shift is crucial not only to meet domestic demand but also to curb the substantial expenditure on milk imports, which adversely impacts the national economy.
The Director General’s remarks underscore the urgent need for strategic measures to enhance local milk production and reduce dependency on imports. Addressing this challenge requires collaborative efforts between farmers, industry stakeholders, and government initiatives aimed at promoting technological advancements in agriculture. Such endeavors are vital for fostering self-sufficiency and economic stability within Sri Lanka’s dairy sector.
Efforts to increase liquid milk production align with broader goals of agricultural sustainability and economic resilience. By investing in innovative farming practices and supporting local dairy farmers, Sri Lanka can mitigate the financial strain caused by milk imports while ensuring a stable and secure supply of milk for its population.