The National Dairy Farmers summit

The National Dairy Farmers summit organised by the Milco company coming under the purview of Fisheries and Acquatic Resources and Rural Economy Ministry was held in Narahenpita yesterday under the patronage of President Maithripala Sirisena.The company, a fully government owned entity collects more than 50 per cent of dairy milk from farmers around the country and the company’s success is entirely dependent on over 60,000 dairy milk farmers and 2,300 dairy farmer societies. The company has begun construction of a new milk factory in Badalgama, Gampaha and the operation is to commence end of next year. President Maithripala Sirisena presenting a cheque to a beneficiary at the summit yesterday. Minister Wijith Vijithamuni De Soyza, Ministry Secretary Priyantha Mayadunne and Milco Chairman Sulfikar Cader look on. Picture by Sudath Malaweera