COLOMBO, May 18, 2018: U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka and Maldives Ambassador Atul Keshap launched a 2.2 billion rupee program ($14.1 million) Market-Oriented Dairy project on May 17 funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The Market-Oriented Dairy project will benefit more than 15,000 Sri Lankan farmers and will focus on the commercial sustainability of the dairy sector and the quality and safety of dairy products.
“Activities funded through this Food for Progress Program will help small scale farmers strengthen livestock management capacity and adherence to quality and hygiene best practices, while expanding access to veterinary services,” said Ambassador Keshap.
The project will enhance the capabilities of Sri Lanka’s dairy farmers and partners and is intended to lead to an average annual growth of 18 percent in milk production by 2022. During the course of the four-year project, milk production is expected to grow by 94 percent overall. Strengthening the dairy sector will also contribute significantly towards the national initiative of reaching self-sufficiency in dairy production.
Approximately 80 percent of the beneficiary farmers will receive a quality-based price premium for their milk. Additionally, participants will receive training to help them create sustainable and profitable businesses. The project will also facilitate financing and investment opportunities and provide support to the newly created All Island Dairy Association under the aegis of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce.
The Market-Oriented Dairy project is funded through USDA’s Food for Progress program. USDA is partnering with the International Executive Service Corps, the University of Florida, the Global Dairy Platform, and Sarvodaya on the project.
Remarks by Ambassador Atul Keshap at Market Oriented Dairy Project Launch
