Pelwatte Dairy partners with Department of Animal Production and Health

by malinga
May 12, 2024 1:00 am 0 comment 1K views

Pelwatte Dairy Industries Limited (PDIL) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Department of Animal Production and Health (DAPH) to conduct Artificial Insemination (AI) under its dairy development program.

This collaborative effort aims to modernise dairy farming practices, enhance livestock genetics, and boost dairy productivity across the nation.

Artificial insemination has emerged as a vital tool for improving livestock genetics and increasing agricultural productivity in Sri Lanka. This practice involves the controlled transfer of semen from carefully selected bulls to female cows, with the goal of enhancing desirable traits such as milk production, disease resistance, and overall robustness.

As a leader in the dairy industry, Pelwatte Dairy recognises the importance of leveraging advanced breeding techniques to benefit Sri Lanka’s agricultural landscape. Through this partnership with DAPH, PDIL is committed to providing farmers with improved access to AI services, thus empowering them to enhance the quality of their livestock and increase their overall productivity.

Managing Director of Pelwatte Diary Industries, Akmal Wickramanayake said, “Through our partnership with the Department of Animal Production and Health, Pelwatte Dairy is proud to spearhead the adoption of advanced breeding techniques in Sri Lanka’s dairy industry.

“This collaboration signifies our unwavering commitment to empowering farmers, enhancing livestock genetics, and driving sustainable agricultural practices. Together, we are paving the way for a brighter future for dairy farming in Sri Lanka,” he said.

The collaboration addresses various challenges faced by farmers, including the availability of quality semen, adequate infrastructure, skilled technicians, and real time delivery of service to the farmers. Under the policy-level decision by DAPH, private sector institutions such as PDIL are now authorised to provide AI services to farmers, further facilitating the adoption of advanced farming techniques.

Pelwatte Dairy is poised to implement this initiative with the onboarding of four AI technicians from May 1, 2024, reinforcing its commitment to driving positive change in the dairy industry. The company acknowledges the support of DAPH officials, including Director General Dr. (Mrs) Hemali Kothalawala and Head of the Animal Breeding Unit Dr. Ekanayake, in making this partnership a reality.

Parallel to this initiative, Pelwatte Dairy has planned to train 15 milk suppliers under the brand’s Dairy Development Unit, which is also included in the MoU.

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