Dairy farmers rediscover 'milky' way

Despite escalating violence, World Vision has opened up new doors for war affected dairy farmers in Mannar District to recommence their livelihoods.

Through World Vision's mediation, Nanattan Integrated Social Development Society in recently reached an agreement with the Milk Industries of Lanka Private Limited (MILCO) to provide 1,000 litres of fresh milk collected daily from farmers in Mannar District. The new agreement with MILCO has enabled over 200 farmers to get a 40 per cent price increase for their daily milk produce.

Dairy farmers can now sell one litre of milk to MILCO at a price ranging from Rs. 22-25.

Prior to the signing of the agreement, the farmers were compelled to sell their milk at prices fixed by a private company.

Farmers claimed that they received only Rs. 18 per litre from the company, the only operating milk collector in Mannar. "By signing this agreement, the farmers can bypass intermediate traders and sell their milk directly to the MILCO and get a better price, said World Vision Mannar District ADP Manager Regi Jayapalan.

"Milk collected from various parts of World Vision Area Development Programmes (ADP) area and outskirts of Mannar District is brought to the main collecting centre located at Murukkan.

MILCO delivery vans will arrive at the centre every morning to collect the milk," Jayapalan said.

With new infrastructure in place and necessary mediation from World Vision, the farmers have set themselves a target to double the amount of litres that is now being collected.

"The society expects to collect 2,000 litres on daily basis by the end of December.

The society also hopes to expand its geographical presence by setting up three more sub centres in Mannar District", he said.