MILK Symposium review: Identifying constraints, opportunities, and best practices for improving milk production in market-oriented dairy farms in Sri Lanka.

Dairy is the most important subsector in the Sri Lankan livestock industry, due to the need to address the growing demand for fresh milk and milk products, and because of its potential influence on the rural economy. The USDA Food for Progress program awarded a 4.5-year Market-Oriented Dairy project to International Executive Service Corps, a not-for-profit organization based in Washington, DC. The objective of the Market-Oriented Dairy project is to support Sri Lanka's dairy sector and catalyze sustainable growth by strengthening the dairy sector through better technological, financial, and management practices benefiting all stakeholders and consumers along the dairy value chain. The University of Florida is working with International Executive Service Corps as technical experts in conducting dairy value chain assessments, identifying gaps and challenges in dairy management practices, extension services, milk quality management standards, and artificial insemination services. Assessment of the dairy value chain in 2018 identified a lack of good quality and quantity of feed, along with poor dairy management practices and ineffective extension services as major constraints to improving dairy productivity in Sri Lanka. In addition, lack of national milk quality standards that are consistent with international benchmarks and inadequate cooling facilities are significant challenges to improving milk quality. The nutritional status of cows is not suitable for optimal reproductive performance, compromising the success of artificial insemination in Sri Lanka. Based on these findings, we developed a dairy assessment tool and provided comprehensive training sessions targeting extension agents, veterinarians, and farmers to promote best practices in dairy management. Beyond training, however, industry support for standardization and monitoring of milk and feed quality are needed, providing opportunities for private investment to support the dairy industry. Similar opportunities are available for forage production and delivery to producers. The broader aim of the Market-Oriented Dairy project intervention is to reduce Sri Lanka's dependency on imported milk and contribute toward the goal of a safe, self-sufficient fresh milk supply.