COLOMBO (NewsRadio); Minister of Agriculture Mahinda Amaraweera says attention has been drawn towards merging the MILCO Private Limited and the National LiveStock Development Board and increase production.
Speaking during a discussion, Minister Amaraweera said the two state owned entities should be merged and brought under the purview of same Chairman and the Board of Directors.
Meanwhile, a decision has also been taken to appoint a committee to restructure the local livestock industry.
Minister of Agriculture Mahinda Amaraweera said the decision has been since the industry has collapsed.
The Minister said due to the shortage in animal feed, the production has reduced drastically.
He added that due to the reduction, the prices of milk, eggs and poultry products have increased significantly.
Minister Mahinda Amaraweera said considering all such issues, they have decided to introduce reforms.
The Minister said by merging all farms that belong to MILCO and NLDB, the production can be increased while keeping costs at manageable levels.
He has said the budgetary allocations will also be directed to increase production next year.
Minister Mahinda Amaraweera said despite such reforms, comprehensive restructuring is essential to develop the livestock industry in the country.
