The French livestock institute and French Development Agency (AFD), which are two main aid agencies, have expressed their joint cooperation for the development of dairy cattle management in Sri Lanka.
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Accordingly, those agencies have given preliminary approval to provide an amount of 700,000 Euros (250 million rupees).
A delegation of the two agencies Monday (17) held a discussion with the officials of the Ministry of Agriculture including the Minister of Agriculture Mahinda Amaraweera regarding the problems related to the dairy industry in Sri Lanka.
Earlier, the Livestock Division of the Ministry of Agriculture had submitted several proposals to the two institutions regarding the management of dairy cattle. After considering the proposals, it was decided that the two institutions will jointly provide financial provision and technical support for the development of Sri Lanka’s dairy industry.
Accordingly, the two institutions have expressed their support for the capacity development of the dairy industry in Sri Lanka, raising the quality of milk, strengthening the management of dairy cows and providing the necessary technical support.
Also, the National Livestock Development Board will provide the necessary infrastructure in the implementation of these activities.
Representing the French agencies. Monique Tran- Agricultural Counselor, Mr. Vijay Dervishi, Project Manager, Mr. Lea Sobrevilla, Project Officer, Mr. Reda Soorigi, Country Director participated in this event.
Representing the Ministry of Agriculture, Minister of Agriculture Mahinda Amaraweera, Secretary of the Ministry Gunadasa Samarasinghe and a group of veterinarians from the Livestock Division participated.
Speaking at the occasion, the Minister of Agriculture, Mahinda Amaraweera expressed his gratitude on behalf of the government to the French Agency for Development for offering the necessary financial support and technical support for the development of cattle husbandry in Sri Lanka.
Also, since a delegation of the World Animal Health Organization was also participating in this event, he said it is very important to provide the necessary technical cooperation for the preservation of animal health in the management of livestock in the country. ■