09th May 2024 – Pelwatte Dairy Industries Limited (PDIL) has marked a significant milestone in Sri Lanka’s dairy sector by signing 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 modernize 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 recognizes 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 and efficient access to AI services, thus empowering them to enhance the quality of their livestock and increase their overall productivity.
“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.” Said Mr Akmal Wickramanayake, Managing Director of Pelwatte Diary Industries Limited.
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 like PDIL are now authorized 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 1st, 2024, reinforcing its commitment to driving positive change in the dairy industry. The company acknowledges the invaluable support of DAPH officials, including Dr. (Mrs) Hemali Kothalawala, Director General, and Dr. Ekanayake, Head of the Animal Breeding Unit, in making this partnership a reality.
Parallel to this initiative, Pelwatte Diary has planned to train 15 individuals who are already milk suppliers to recruit them under the brand’s Dairy Development Unit, which will also be included under the MOU.
Through this MOU, Pelwatte Dairy aims to advance dairy development in Sri Lanka, improve farmer livelihoods, and contribute to sustainable agriculture and food security. The company remains dedicated to upholding the highest quality standards and utilizing cutting-edge technology to meet the evolving needs of consumers and the dairy industry.