Low cow pregnancy rate, insufficient feed reduce raw milk production- MILCO Chairman

MILCO, the state-run dairy manufacturing company, is handicapped   in meeting the increased demand for its products due to the slow growth of raw milk production in the country over the years, an official said.
Its Chairman Lasantha Biyanka Wickramasinghe told Daily Mirror this was an area to be addressed for the increase of milk production in the country. He said 90 per cent of milk production comes from household dairy farmers.

“On the one hand, we need to increase pregnancies among cows.  For it, we need to perform artificial insemination.    We do not have livestock development instructors. We have only 50 per cent of the required cadre.  It is an area neglected for a long period.  Pregnancy rate has dropped as a result of this issue. On the other hand, we have to increase livestock feed production. Today, dairy animals lack fodder. Lack of feed means lack of nutrition for animals. Once animals are undernourished, it affects both milk production and fertility rate,” he said.
In a move to address the crisis, MILCO is working out a strategic business unit for the development of daily inputs next year.

“Then, it will be a business opportunity for the institution.  We are responsible for turning out dairy products to be sold to consumers. It means we are at the end of the value addition chain in the industry.   We will pay special attention to cultivate nutrient-rich grass for animal feed.  We have already cultivated 500 acres. Plans are in place to go for 4,000 acres next year.  We encourage third party landowners to cultivate in this instance and buy their produce.  We purchase and sell off to farmers at their doorsteps. We have to look after the nutritional needs of cows.  This will save time for farmers as well. We are also training personnel for artificial insemination. After that, we will start breeder farms,” he said.

Asked how he improved the viability of MILCO as a business venture, he said, “In 2020, we paid only Rs. 65 a litre for raw milk. Today, it is Rs. 90 a litre.  We have increased the payment for farmers more than pricing of our products.  

The cost of other materials such as machinery has increased. Relatively, our price hikes 
are small.”