US strengthens SL's dairy industry with $27 mln support

Under a Memorandum of Understanding ( MOU) with the Sri Lankan Department of Agriculture a US Government $ 27 million project aims to double the milk production of Sri Lankan dairy farmers participating in the US Department of Agriculture ( USDA)’ s “Food for Progress” initiative.

In close partnership with the Government of Sri Lanka, the project began in late 2017 and has already benefited 25,000 Sri Lankan dairy farmers, increasing their milk production by an average of 68 percent to date. An estimated 80,000 Sri Lankans will ultimately receive assistance from this programme, as part of the US’ continued efforts to support food security and economic growth in Sri Lanka. After unforeseen delays including the COVID19 pandemic, the U. S. Embassy and the Sri Lankan Department of Agriculture finalised this partnership agreement on Monday, the US Embassy said in a statement.

US Ambassador Julie Chung stated, “This $ 27 million contribution is a prime example of the United States’ multi- year commitment to promoting sustainable economic development in Sri Lanka. Not only is this support significantly improving production for the country’s dairy industry – more important now than ever – it is also equipping Sri Lankan dairy farmers with the resources necessary to compete, grow, and thrive.”

Food for Progress’ Market- Oriented Dairy Project partners with a US nonprofit organisation called the International Executive Service Corps to help Sri Lankan farmers increase dairy production by providing them with the skills they need to improve farm operations and management. It will also provide better access to financing, so farmers can expand their businesses and reach new markets.

In addition to assisting Sri Lankan farmers, the USDA last year contributed $ 26 million to a school nutrition programme that benefitted over 453,000 Sri Lankans across the country, in coordination with Save the Children. Taken together, USDA initiatives to promote food security are benefitting over half a million Sri Lankans, ensuring schoolchildren have essential nutrition, and helping farmers increase productivity.