After a rejuvenating nap or a long day’s work, Sri Lankans crave a comforting cup of tea. But while Ceylon Tea has been plentiful and easily affordable, the same cannot be said for its companion ingredient, milk. The nation’s milk self-sufficiency has remained a puzzle, with heavy reliance on imports to meet the demand. Why Sri Lanka is yet to become self-sufficient in milk remains a question.
The country produces only about 40% of the national demand locally, according to the Ministry of Industries.
Over the past five decades, a meticulous analysis of cow milk production data has revealed an intriguing trend – a steady increase in milking prowess and milk yields from both cows and buffaloes.
At the heart of Sri Lanka’s dairy industry lies cow’s milk production. According to the latest Government statistics, an impressive 506 million litres of cow milk were produced in 2022, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s dairy journey. While there have been occasional declines in milk production over the years, the overall trajectory has showcased a steadfast upward movement.
According to the data provided by the Department of Census and Statistics, as of 2022, the total number of farmers producing cow milk with less than 10 animals was 110,441, while the total number of cow milk-producing farmers with 10-50 animals was 13,679. Merely 1,520 farmers were producing cow milk using more than 50 animals on their farms, in the whole country.
In the case of buffalo milk, the numbers were far lower, as the total number of farmers producing buffalo milk with less than 10 animals was 10,518; only about 4,165 farmers produced buffalo milk using 10-50 animals, while about 801 farmers produced buffalo milk with more than 50 animals each on their farms.
In 2018, the annual production of milk powder reached 7,387,086 kg, while in 2021, the amount of imported milk powder stood at 83,024,406 kg.
Challenges to be addressed
Speaking to The Sunday Morning Business, Agriculture Ministry Media Secretary Dharma Wanninayake stated that Sri Lanka’s quest for self-sufficiency in dairy production faced several challenges.
He shed light on the factors hindering the country’s progress and outlined potential solutions. One key obstacle lies in the conditions under which dairy production takes place, particularly in rural areas.
Wanninayake explained: “Our cows only eat grass and they walk, eating or finding the grass. In developed countries, cows get grass at their feet and plenty of water. They can take a rest.” This fundamental difference in husbandry practices affects the nutrition and wellbeing of Sri Lankan cows, ultimately impacting milk production.
Adding to the challenge is the scarcity of suitable grazing lands, particularly in dry zones where many cows are located. Dry grasses, which make up a significant portion of their diet, do not provide adequate nutrition. Furthermore, Sri Lanka’s indigenous cow species are smaller compared to those found in developed countries, affecting milk yields.
To address these issues, Wanninayake proposed cultivating advanced grass types in lands unsuitable for other crops, primarily in Colombo, Gampaha, and Kalutara Districts. This approach aims to supplement the cows’ diet and enhance their overall nutrition.
Wanninayake highlighted the potential benefits of growing advanced grass varieties, stating: “It will grow within three months. We can get the harvest and sell it to farmers.” This strategy would not only improve the cows’ diet but also create an additional revenue stream for farmers. To facilitate the distribution of this advanced grass, plans are underway to establish an efficient delivery system that ensures timely access for farmers.
In addition to addressing nutrition, Wanninayake stressed the need to introduce modern technology to support dairy farmers. However, acquiring suitable cows has proven challenging.
“We need to import cows suitable for our country, from places such as Pakistan or India,” he stated.
Unfortunately, these countries have halted cow exports. Wanninayake further explained that importing cows from New Zealand was not viable due to climate differences, as they struggled to adapt to Sri Lanka’s conditions.
Growth in milk production
Speaking to The Sunday Morning Business, Pelwatte Dairy Industries Chairman Ariyaseela Wickramanayake stated: “We are self-sufficient in milk. We don’t need anybody to bring in milk.”
To support his claim, he pointed to official records, including those from the Central Bank, which reflect significant growth in milk production over the years.
He highlighted the remarkable progress made in the industry, stating: “In 2000, when I started Pelwatte Sugar, milk production was 150 million litres per year. Now, in just 10 years, we have reached 650-700 million litres. That’s a growth of 400%.” These figures indicate a substantial increase in domestic milk production, contributing to the country’s self-sufficiency.
Challenging the notion that Sri Lanka heavily relies on milk imports, Wickramanayake emphasised the abundance of local milk production.
He encouraged individuals to visit local supermarkets and observe the availability of Sri Lankan butter: “Every 10 days, a container load of butter is exported to small countries like Bali. We are even looking to export to the European Union and Japan.” This highlights the potential for Sri Lanka to expand its milk exports and further strengthen its position as a self-sufficient milk producer.
Addressing the misconceptions and misinformation surrounding milk imports, Wickramanayake shed light on the importation practices of other countries. He revealed that Sri Lanka had provided documents to the courts that cited statistics from respective governments confirming the importation of lactose and pomace to produce whole cream milk.
This information underscores the importance of understanding the complexities of the global milk trade and recognising Sri Lanka’s efforts to achieve self-sufficiency.
Wickramanayake called on media professionals to portray the reality of Sri Lanka’s milk self-sufficiency and to dispel any unfounded claims. He stated: “Don’t get carried away with media claims that we are not self-sufficient. We have an abundance of milk.”
His message emphasised the commitment of Sri Lankans to their country and the potential for further growth and development within the milk industry. He highlighted the challenges faced by farmers competing with imported products and emphasised the need to prioritise their welfare.
