The authorities of prominent local dairy companies, including Milko, the National Livestock Development Board, and privately-owned Palwatta dairy companies, have jointly requested the government to stop the import of milk powder. The plea comes as the country witnesses a surge in liquid milk production, making it challenging for the local dairy industry to sell their own milk powder products.
During the meeting held on July 1st, the National Livestock Development Board reported a notable increase in cow’s milk production, reaching 2,599,617 liters in the last six months. Similarly, Milko Company recorded an impressive production of 19,152,766 liters of milk during the same period, reflecting an approximate 30 percent growth compared to the previous year.
Specifically, the Palwatta dairy factory, under the management of Ariyasheela Wickramanayake, highlighted its predicament of being unable to sell 500 metric tons of whole milk powder produced from locally sourced liquid milk. The surge in domestic milk production coincided with the government’s allowance of milk powder imports from foreign countries, resulting in a challenge for local dairy companies to market their products.
Addressing the situation, Minister Amaraweera promptly instructed the officials of the Livestock Resources Department within the Ministry of Agriculture to prepare a comprehensive report on the increase in liquid milk production in the country.
The Minister emphasized that the report will be diligently presented to the cabinet, and further decisions regarding the import of milk powder will be made based on its findings.
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