Opposition MP Chamara Sampath Dassanayake has raised concerns in Parliament over the growing challenges faced by cattle farmers, alleging that cattle kept for milk production are being slaughtered for meat due to a shortage of suitable grazing lands.
The MP claimed that cattle owners are facing difficulties as the Wildlife Department has taken legal action against them, alleging that their cattle consume grasslands needed for wild elephants.
According to Dassanayake, the issue has become particularly serious in areas including the Maduru Oya forest reserve, creating hardship for cattle owners who depend on dairy farming.
He warned that the decline in dairy cattle could further affect domestic milk production, forcing Sri Lanka to spend billions of rupees on importing milk powder to meet local demand.
Responding to the concerns raised in Parliament, Deputy Minister of Agriculture Namal Karunaratne said the matter should be addressed through careful discussions with all relevant stakeholders.
He stressed the need for a practical solution developed through dialogue and cooperation among authorities, farmers and other parties involved.
Leave your comments
Login to post a comment
Post comment as a guest