Market-Oriented Dairy releases ‘smart’ calendar sharing best practices

 Dairy farmers across the country viewing the calendar content and testing QR codes to access 

educational videos

• USDA’s ‘Food for Progress’ initiative expands outreach through unique calendar featuring QR codes linking management educational content for dairy farmers

Using an innovative approach to expand on the broad base of knowledge among Sri Lanka’s dairy farmers, the Market-Oriented Dairy (MOD) project has introduced an innovative calendar sharing best management practices. 

This unique calendar embraces the MOD project’s focus on supporting the adoption of easy-to-implement best practices which have a direct result in improving farm productivity and increasing the quantity and quality of milk. Produced in all three languages, the calendar outlines the importance of providing to dairy cows adequate clean drinking water, good quality grasses and using the existing resources productively to gain a maximum yield of milk. Embracing new techniques and technology to improve productivity, the calendar adds further value by sharing methodology and farmer testimonials through QR codes that direct farmers to additional videos and learning materials. 

While this attractive pictorial and informational calendar is expected to be retained by farmers as keepsake beyond the calendar year, the project is also in the process of internalising all learning tools with local partners such as the Department of Animal Production and Health and dairy processing companies who provide extension.

The positive response on the utility of the calendar has been overwhelming. A dairy farmer in Polonnaruwa stated, “In addition to serving its basic purpose the calendar is a constant reminder to think of dairy farming as a business, and keep track of my progress.” A dairy farmer from Nuwara Eliya district said, “The interactive features have grabbed my children’s attention and now they are attracted to dairy farming,” with an input retailer from Kurunegala district adding, “I displayed the calendar in my shop and I educate my customers on best practices as well as increase my sales.” 

The program works closely with the Department of Animal Production and Health at the central and provincial levels as well as with the dairy processing companies in their development efforts. To date, the MOD project has built the capacities of over 8,200 dairy farmers and built the supporting ecosystem for their growth by developing 91 commercial fodder cultivators, 7 silage producers and 86 village level input retailers. Under the theme of “Mama Dinum, Rata Dinum,” the program also expects to recognise the immense contribution made by the nation’s dairy farmers to the national economy. 

The USDA Food for Progress Program helps developing countries and emerging democracies modernise and strengthen their agricultural sectors. Food for Progress has two principal objectives: to improve agricultural productivity and to expand trade of agricultural products.