Sri Lanka (Commonwealth Union)_ In a momentous development poised to reshape the dairy landscape of Sri Lanka, a Joint Declaration of Intent (JDI) was formalized in July 2023, fostering a cooperative synergy between the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying under the purview of the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying of the Republic of India, and the Ministry of Agriculture of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka. This resolute declaration signifies the start of a robust partnership earnestly directed at elevating the standards of animal husbandry and dairying practices in Sri Lanka.
The JDI, in its overarching vision, envisages the establishment of a collaborative joint venture entity with active participation from stakeholders hailing from both India and Sri Lanka. Following months of diligent negotiations and rigorous deliberations, this promising alliance took a momentous stride forward with the consummation of a shareholder agreement this month. At the heart of this agreement, prominent entities from both nations have underscored their unwavering dedication to this transformative undertaking.
Foremost among the Indian entities entering this collective endeavor are the National Dairy Development Board of India (NDDB) and the Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation Ltd (GCMMF), more colloquially recognized as Amul. These renowned organizations bring in their extensive wealth of experience in the realms of dairy production and marketing. On the local front, Cargills (Ceylon) PLC (CCP) emerges as the esteemed representative of Sri Lanka, boasting a storied history across diverse industries, including dairy. Under the auspices of this agreement, Cargills (Ceylon) PLC shall have substantial influence, commanding a 49% shareholding.
This symbiotic project’s origins can be traced back to an official visit by President Ranil Wickremesinghe to India, which culminated in the allocation of funds earmarked for the modernization of Sri Lanka’s livestock sector. The paramount objective underpinning this venture is the substantial augmentation of milk production by a staggering 53% over the initial five-year span, with the ultimate aspiration of achieving self-sufficiency in milk production within a 15-year timeframe. Integral to the realization of this ambitious mission is the provision of extensive support to approximately 200,000 local farmers in Sri Lanka. Such support encompasses the provision of access to high-quality pharmaceuticals, animal nutrition, and specialized technical counsel. The overarching intent is to empower the indigenous dairy farming community, thereby augmenting their skills and overall productivity.
Further distinguishing this groundbreaking initiative is the inclusion of digitalization within the Sri Lankan livestock sector, ushering in a contemporary era of technological integration into the agricultural sphere. This facet encompasses investments in cutting-edge technologies designed to enhance the quality of milk-derived by-products and ensure the availability of dairy products at equitable prices, thus benefiting the discerning consumer. As India and Sri Lanka collaborate to transform the dairy sector, this union promises to yield mutual advantages for both nations. Sri Lanka’s dairy industry stands to garner substantial uplift, while India’s pool of expertise discovers a fresh avenue for expansion. With the shareholder agreement now firmly in place, the gears are set in motion for what signifies a transformative chapter in the annals of dairy production in both of these nations.
