Breakthrough research on fodder development to strengthen dairy industry

Fonterra signs landmark MoU with University of Peradeniya and Coconut Research Institute

Fonterra Brands Sri Lanka signed a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the University of Peradeniya and the Coconut Research Institute (CRI) to help build a more productive and sustainable Sri Lankan dairy industry. 

The joint research project will help solve the problem of feed scarcity that many farmers face due to limited land availability, by investigating the growth of diverse fodder in different conditions, such as under coconut trees.

The findings are expected to be available within two years and will be shared through local and international scientific journals to increase industry knowledge on fodder production.

University of Peradeniya Vice Chancellor Professor Upul B. Dissanayake (left) and Fonterra Brands Sri Lanka Managing Director Sunil Sethi exchanging the MoU

University of Peradeniya Vice Chancellor Professor Upul B. Dissanayake said: “The Sri Lankan dairy industry consists mostly of small scale farmers who face many economic hardships, and the ultimate goal of this research is to make these farmers more economically sound by increasing milk production.”

“In order to achieve this, we need to provide them with scientific knowledge on improving the quality and supply of fodder, which has a direct impact on higher milk yield. Public-private partnerships of this nature are extremely important in facilitating such research projects, and I look forward to many more collaborations in the future,” said Prof. Dissanayake.  

In addition to funding the research project, Fonterra’s dairy development team will work closely with professors from the University’s Faculty of Agriculture and CRI scientists to conduct on-ground research in local fodder cultivation.

The Vice Chancellor, along with Coconut Research Institute Senior Agronomist Dr. Sharini Somasiri and Fonterra Brands Sri Lanka Managing Director Sunil Sethi took part in the signing ceremony held at the University of Peradeniya. 

Sethi said: “This significant partnership enables us to combine our generations of New Zealand dairy farming expertise, with the deep local knowledge and abilities of experts at the University of Peradeniya and the Coconut Research Institute. 

“By identifying gaps in the quality and supply of fodder in this country, we can develop the best solutions to suit Sri Lanka’s unique conditions which will help to grow milk production and improve animal health.”