By: Staff Writer
August 18, Colombo (LNW): Pelwatte Dairy Industries Ltd. has introduced a ground breaking initiative titled “Inclusion of Women in the Formal Dairy Supply Chain for Economic Empowerment of Women Farmers.”
Launched in October 2022, this initiative aims to empower women farmers, strengthen the local dairy industry, and encourage sustainable agricultural practices.
Supported by Solidaridad Asia Network and funded by the Canadian Government, the project represents a strong international collaboration focused on socio-economic development.
The project’s main objectives include empowering women farmers by providing them with training, technological advancements, and financial aid to boost productivity and improve their livelihoods.
It also aims to modernize the dairy supply chain by incorporating advanced technology, such as a 2,200-liter chilling tank and a QR code-based milk procurement system, ensuring efficient and transparent operations.
Additionally, the initiative supports the local dairy sector by promoting fair pricing and sourcing high-quality raw milk, fostering a sustainable and resilient industry.
What sets this initiative apart is its focus on economically empowering women, a group traditionally underrepresented in agriculture.
By equipping women with essential skills and resources, the project seeks to challenge the perception of the dairy industry as male-dominated.
It also aims to demonstrate the potential for local dairy production to meet national demand, countering the preference for imported milk products.
The establishment of a chilling center with a 2,200-liter capacity ensures a steady supply of high-quality raw milk, while the QR code-based system improves traceability and transparency, enhancing consumer trust.
The project also involves training 20 local women farmers to enhance their dairy farming practices, contributing to its overarching goal of economic empowerment.
Pelwatte Dairy has pledged to offer fair pricing for milk sourced from local farmers and provide support for animal health, leading to better milk quality and yield.
Sophie Gordon, the Australian High Commission’s Second Secretary for Development, visited the project site in Hali Ela to review and highlight the initiative’s achievements, showcasing the successful partnership between international and local organizations.
Pelwatte Dairy’s initiative goes beyond improving the dairy supply chain; it aims to uplift the community by empowering women, thereby contributing to the socio-economic development of rural areas.
The integration of modern technology into traditional farming practices not only enhances efficiency but also sets a standard for sustainable agricultural practices in the region.
Pelwatte Dairy Industries Ltd. Managing Director, Akmal Wickramanayake, emphasized the project’s commitment to sustainability, ethical sourcing, and community development.
He stated, “By empowering local women farmers, we are not only improving the quality and reliability of our dairy products but also supporting the socio-economic fabric of our communities. We are proud to collaborate with Solidaridad Asia Network and the Canadian Government to bring this vision to life.”
