By: Staff Writer
December 12, Colombo (LNW): Lanka Milk Foods (CWE) PLC (LMF) has achieved an extraordinary milestone at its Ambewela Farms, recording a daily milk production of 62,000 litres.
This marks a remarkable leap from the mere 3,000 litres per day produced when LMF took over the state-operated facility in 2001. Today, the farm contributes an impressive 20 million litres annually to Sri Lanka’s national milk supply.
LMF attributes this success to meticulous planning, significant investments, and innovative farming practices. A game-changing upgrade occurred in 2019 with the installation of automated dairy housing and milking systems.
Part of a Rs. 5 billion modernisation drive, these advancements doubled production capacity in just two years, elevating Ambewela Farms to world-class standards.
These systems incorporate everything from dairy cow comfort to computerised management, reflecting a commitment to excellence.
Ambewela’s achievements are also driven by advanced breeding programs that use sexed semen from globally acclaimed stud bulls to produce high-yielding, genetically superior cows.
These cows, capable of producing up to 12,000 litres over a 305-day lactation cycle, are comparable to the world’s best commercial herds. Rigorous health monitoring and disease prevention strategies ensure the herd’s productivity and longevity.
Nutrition plays a pivotal role in sustaining high yields. Under international nutritionists’ guidance, precision feeding systems and purpose-bred grass varieties provide optimal nutrition for the cows.
This meticulous care extends to calves, ensuring superior growth and early maturity, which boosts overall herd productivity. As a result, Ambewela cows now produce an average of 40 litres per cow daily.
General Manager Farms Sarath Bandara credited the achievement to blending international expertise with local knowledge and dedication. He stated,
“This milestone reflects years of hard work, strategic planning, and innovation. By combining global knowledge with local expertise, we’ve set a new benchmark for dairy production in Sri Lanka.
” He also reaffirmed LMF’s commitment to improving the dairy industry and supporting national self-sufficiency.
The ripple effects of Ambewela Farms’ advancements extend beyond its operations. LMF empowers local farmers by sharing high-quality offspring from its herds and promoting best practices, thus strengthening Sri Lanka’s dairy sector.
This collaborative approach embodies LMF’s belief in “winning together as a nation,” fostering continuous improvement and national progress.
This success story highlights Ambewela Farms as a model for sustainable, high-tech dairy production, setting a new standard for excellence in Sri Lanka’s dairy industry.
