🐄 India–Sri Lanka Livestock Meet Sets Stage for Cross-Border Dairy and Poultry Collaboration

Colombo, Sri Lanka | July 2025 — In a landmark development for South Asia’s livestock sector, India and Sri Lanka have launched an institutional dialogue focused on collaborative research, dairy trade cooperation, and joint capacity-building in animal nutrition and veterinary science.

The India–Sri Lanka Livestock Meet, held in Colombo, was jointly organised by the Compound Livestock Feed Manufacturers Association (CLFMA) of India, the Sri Lanka Veterinary Association (SLVA), and the World Poultry Science Association – Sri Lanka Branch.

Over two days, key stakeholders from both countries—including government officials, scientists, industry leaders, and cooperative representatives—discussed how regional cooperation could address common challenges and unlock long-term value for the dairy, livestock, and poultry sectors.

🔬 Key Focus Areas of the Dialogue

• Joint Research & Development (R&D) in livestock breeding, animal health, and feed formulation
• Harmonised trade practices to boost dairy and poultry product exchange
• Veterinary capacity-building and disease surveillance systems
• Knowledge sharing between Indian cooperatives and Sri Lankan institutions
• Sustainable feed innovation in climate-sensitive regions

Speaking at the event, Divya Kumar Gulati, Chairman of CLFMA, emphasised the broader vision:

“This meet is not just a bilateral engagement—it’s a platform for creating long-term value for the livestock and poultry sectors of both countries. We see immense potential for policy alignment, research collaboration, and shared innovation that can redefine productivity and resilience across the region.”

🌱 Sri Lanka Seeks India’s Expertise in Dairy and Feed Systems

Sri Lanka’s Additional Secretary for Livestock Development, Palika Fernando, expressed strong interest in leveraging India’s technical strengths in dairy production, cooperative infrastructure, and nutrition science. She highlighted opportunities in:

• Upgrading feed systems using India’s CLFMA-supported R&D
• Adopting veterinary protocols to improve disease resistance
• Enhancing sustainability in livestock value chains

Also present was Sulakshana Jayawardana, Director General – Treasury, who voiced financial planning support for bilateral agricultural innovation.

🤝 CLFMA’s Commitment to Regional Development

The Indian delegation, led by CLFMA’s top leadership—including Deputy Chairman Naveen Pasuparthy, Honorary Secretary Nissar F. Mohammed, and Treasurer R. Ramkutty—outlined how India’s pan-national livestock experience could be adapted to Sri Lankan needs. Key Indian contributions discussed included:

• Dairy cooperative supply chain models
• Nutritional efficiency in dairy feed
• Farm-level data systems for disease tracking and productivity

This initiative is poised to become a model of South-South agri-cooperation, promoting shared sustainability, regional food security, and trade resilience across South Asia.