Financial support of € 7 lakh for the development of dairy sector in Sri Lanka

Joint support of main donor agencies in France namely, IDELF (France Institut De L’Elevage (French Livestock Institute) and AFD (French Agency for Development) has expressed for the development of the dairy sector in Sri Lanka.

Accordingly, the said donor agencies have granted their preliminary approval to provide 7 lakh euros (Rs.250 million).

The French delegation held discussions with Mr.Mahinda Amaraweera, Minister of Agriculture and the officials of the Ministry yesterday (17) afternoon regarding the current issues related to the dairy sector in Sri Lanka.

Livestock Division of the Ministry of Agriculture had submitted several proposals to the said donor agencies regarding dairy farming on a previous occasion. Taking into account the afore-mentioned proposals, the said donor agencies decided to provide their financial and technical support collaboratively for the development of the dairy sector in Sri Lanka.

Accordingly, those donor agencies will provide their support for the capacity development of the dairy industry, enhancing the quality of milk, strengthening dairy farming and providing necessary technical support.

Similarly, The National Livestock Development Board will provide infrastructure facilities required in implementation of the said activities.

Mrs.Monique Tran- Agricultural Counselor, Mr.Vijay Dervishi, Project Manager, Mr.Lea Sobrevilla, Project Officer, Mr.Reda Soorigi, Country Director participated in this discussion representing the donor agencies in France.

Mr. Mahinda Amaraweera, Minister of Agriculture, Mr.Gunadasa Samarasinghe, Secretary to the Ministry and several veterinary surgeons of Livestock Division attended this meeting representing the Ministry of Agriculture.

The Minister of Agriculture expressed his gratitude on behalf of the government to the AFD (French Agency for Development) for providing their financial and technical support for the development of the dairy sector in Sri Lanka.

Also, the representatives of the World Organisation for Animal Health attended this event and it was emphasized that providing necessary technical support for animal health conservation was critical in Animal Husbandry.