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The livestock industry in Sri Lanka plays a significant role in the country’s agricultural sector and economy. Livestock farming includes the rearing of various types of animals for meat, milk, eggs, and other by-products.
The principal livestock animals reared in Sri Lanka include cattle, buffalo, goats, sheep, pigs, poultry (chickens, ducks), and fish (aquaculture). The dairy industry in the eastern region of Sri Lanka faces several challenges that impact its growth and development.
The livestock farming create economic growth, develop sustainable economy and grow employment. A strong, competitive and sustainable economy is vital for the community future.
Dairying and livestock agricultural activities play an important role in shaping the local economy and the socioeconomic development of the Community. They contribute to the food, nutrition security and household income of the farmers and generate gainful employment in war affected areas, particularly small and marginal farmers and women headed families, besides providing cheap and nutritious food.
Our initiatives is helping to secure the future that will build industry capacity, importantly support the creation of new jobs and economic growth for communities living in Sri Lanka.
Increasing demand for milk and a low income population weaker sections of the society, milk and dairy development program introduce income revenue for family survival. Our program focus is on promotion of industry knowledge sharing, improvement, feed supplementation, VET health services such as disease control and vaccination, and introduce industry leading innovation and techniques to livestock industry.
One of the primary challenges for dairy farmers in the eastern region is the limited availability of quality grazing land. The region’s dry and arid climate makes cultivating sufficient forage for dairy animals difficult, resulting in increased reliance on purchased feed, which can be costly.
Inadequate infrastructure is another challenge the dairy industry faces in the east of Sri Lanka. This includes insufficient milking facilities, cooling and storage infrastructure, and transportation networks. The absence of essential infrastructure hampers the efficiency of milk collection, processing, and distribution.
The eastern region of Sri Lanka is known for its water scarcity issues, especially during prolonged dry seasons. Insufficient water availability affects not only the cultivation of forage but also the availability of drinking water for dairy animals. This can lead to reduced milk production and compromised animal welfare.
Limited access to quality veterinary services is crucial for maintaining the health and productivity of dairy animals. In some areas of the eastern region, there may be a lack of veterinary clinics or professionals, making it challenging for dairy farmers to seek timely healthcare and disease management for their animals.
Many dairy farmers in the eastern region may lack access to training and technical knowledge on modern dairy farming practices. This can hinder their ability to adopt improved breeding techniques, optimal nutrition, disease prevention, and overall management practices necessary for efficient dairy production.
Market Access and Price Fluctuations for dairy farmers in the east of Sri Lanka often face challenges in accessing profitable markets for their milk. The fluctuation in milk prices and limited processing and value-added opportunities can make it difficult for dairy farmers to secure fair and stable prices for their products.
Addressing these challenges requires a multi-faceted approach involving government support, investment in infrastructure, improved access to veterinary services and technical knowledge, and the establishment of reliable market linkages. Additionally, promoting water conservation techniques, encouraging the cultivation of suitable forage crops, and implementing efficient milk collection and processing systems can contribute to the sustainable growth of the dairy industry in the eastern region of Sri Lanka.
Fish Farming (Aquaculture), known as aquaculture, is an essential component of the livestock industry. Tilapia and carp are the commonly cultured fish species. Aquaculture farming is practiced in inland water bodies and coastal areas. Ampara, located in the eastern region of Sri Lanka, has favorable conditions for aquaculture due to its coastal proximity and access to water bodies.
Fish farming in the region contributes to local fish consumption and supports the livelihoods of fish farmers.
Pledge Aquaculture projects promote community-based initiatives, encouraging local communities to engage in small-scale fish and shrimp farming. These initiatives empower local communities by providing them with income-generating opportunities and contributing to regional food security.
Dairying, livestock agriculture, and aquaculture activities are essential in shaping the local economy and socioeconomic development. They contribute to the farmers’ food, nutrition security and household income and generate gainful employment in war-affected areas, particularly small and marginal farmers and women-headed families, besides providing cheap and nutritious food.
