Resource Mobilization

Exploiting Dairy Production Potential in Sri Lanka

Small-scale dairying plays a crucial role in the livelihoods and food security of many smallholders and rural communities in Sri Lanka. Dairy products are essential to providing low-cost and high quality protein, minerals and vitamins, and great potential exists for the development of the dairy industry. However, domestic production falls short of its potential and much of the demand for dairy products is met by importing milk powder. Dairy production costs are relatively low for farmers, but development of the industry is hindered by a shortage of steady supplies of feed. Therefore, this project aimed to increase milk production by improving feeding and management techniques and increasing the feed base.

What did the project do

By engaging government staff and farmers, technical knowledge on new and improved feeding and management techniques was transferred and capacities were built in five pilot districts. The introduction of high-yield varieties of forage crop species and new practices improved feeding and milking efficiency. Farmers were provided with simple farm machinery, and farmer field days, demonstrations and training were held on dairy cattle feeding techniques, methods to improve the nutrition of feeding material and the use of feed supplements. As a result, average milk production per farm increased by 28 percent. Efficient record keeping and monitoring and evaluation systems were also established, and new techniques on straw and crop residue processing were disseminated.

Impact

As a result of the project, the domestic dairy industry is better equipped to supply dairy and milk products to meet consumer demand, thereby reducing the strain on foreign exchange for imported milk products. Small-scale local producers benefited from new knowledge, skills and infrastructure to help make dairying economically viable and improve their income. In the longer-term, the project contributes to environmental sustainability by reducing overgrazing pressure and associated soil erosion, as well as the burning of agricultural residues and by-products. Increased fodder production and better management practices further increase the productivity of dairy cattle, and better milk production benefits the livelihoods of stakeholders all along the value chain.

Activities

  • Capacities built on new and improved feeding and management techniques.
  • High-yield varieties of forage crops introduced. 
  • Farm record keeping and monitoring and evaluation systems institutionalized.
  • Baseline survey of farms in five pilot districts conducted.
  • Farmer field days, training and demonstrations held with field staff, extension workers and farmers.
  • Improved feeding technology, farm implements and equipment transferred to farmers.
Project title: Promotion of appropriate feeding techniques to exploit productivity in dairying
Contact: FAO Office in Sri Lanka / Katinka de Balogh (Lead Technical Officer)
Email: [email protected] / [email protected]
Download PDF: http://www.fao.org/3/CA1396EN/ca1396en.pdf