The Cabinet has approved the import of high-quality genetic dairy cattle from Pakistan to boost local milk production.
A budget of Rs. 100 million was allocated in both 2023 and 2024 for this purpose. However, delays in the procurement process have prevented the acquisition of the required cattle.
To address this, the government initiated talks with multiple countries for direct government-to-government transactions. The Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP), with the assistance of the Pakistan High Commission, has agreed to supply seven seminal male cattle of the Sahiwal and Nili-Ravi breeds to Sri Lanka.
Additionally, the government plans to purchase 20,000 doses of Sahiwal bull semen from India’s National Dairy Development Board until the bulls are imported and local production begins.
The Cabinet approved the proposal from the Minister of Agriculture to acquire five Sahiwal bulls and two Nili-Ravi buffaloes from Pakistan and purchase the semen doses from India. This initiative aims to strengthen Sri Lanka’s dairy production capabilities.
