Support from the Indian High Commission to Uplift the Livestock Sector in Sri Lanka
First Secretary of the Indian High Commission, Mr. Saurabh Shablokh and Ms. Devika Lal met with Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation, K.D. Lalkantha, today (12th) at the Ministry of Agriculture. The Minister expressed his pleasure regarding this meeting.
During this meeting, they stated that the Indian High Commission continues to work closely with the Ministry of Agriculture of Sri Lanka. They also mentioned that government officials travel to India for special training programs related to dairy products, and expressed their hope to provide opportunities for Sri Lankans to participate in such programs in the future.
India introduced a relief package for Sri Lanka after Cyclone Ditwah. They stated that the purpose of this meeting was to explore what kind of support could be provided to the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation in the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah. Under the Indian relief package, a sum of 450 million dollars was approved for Sri Lanka. Of this, 350 million dollars is to be received as a loan facility, and 100 million dollars of that amount has been allocated for short-term loans.
During this meeting, the Indian High Commission expressed its agreement to provide support to Sri Lanka in the livestock sector, and discussions were held on how this should be carried out. The Minister expressed his satisfaction regarding their interest in the livestock sector. He pointed out that the livestock sector in the country suffered significant damage due to Cyclone Ditwah. He also mentioned that a program called the “Dairy Hub” is being implemented to boost milk production in Sri Lanka, and stated that it would be more productive if they could be connected with that program.
Joining the occasion, the Secretary of the Ministry stated that cattle and goats are needed for the livestock sector, particularly highlighting the need to breed improved varieties. The Minister instructed officials at this meeting to make arrangements to carry the program forward under the coordination of an Additional Secretary of the Ministry.
The Indian High Commission expressed its agreement to provide any form of support needed for the livestock sector, including providing the necessary technology, training staff, and supplying the required animals. They also inquired about which areas the training should cover, noting that farmers could be directed to agricultural training in India, as was done in the previous year.
The Minister instructed the relevant officials to provide the necessary information to implement these activities within a week by the Indian High Commission.
