Plans for milk powder plant in Badalgama

by Mohammed NAALIR

Moves are under way to set up a milk powder plant in Badalgama, Gampaha. Livestock and Rural Community Development Minister Arumugam Thondaman has held several rounds of talks with investors in this regard.

The National Livestock Development Board (NLDB) has allocated a plot of land for the proposed plant. Construction work will probably commence by the end of December, NLDB Chairman Lieutenant Colonel Ranjith Ellegala said. The Polonnaruwa, Digana and Ambewela projects are being developed, he said.

Addressing the media in Menikpalama, Ellegala said the livelihood facilities of farm workers will be improved. A children's park will also be set up close to their residential areas.

The 12-kilometre road leading to Menikpalama Farm is in a dilapidated condition. The Economic Development Ministry has allocated funds to renovate the road and work will commence soon. Renovating this road is crucial as the cattle have to be taken via this road. He said the main functions of Menikpalama Farm are to distribute calves to dairy farmers and estate workers and increase the milk production.

Ellegala said that 90 percent of Sri Lankans consume milk powder while only 10 percent drink liquid milk.

Menikpalama Farm distributes milk to the Ambewela plant, MILCO and other companies. The NLDB has worked out plans to solve the problems of dairy farmers. The capacity of MILCO will also be improved, he said.