The National Livestock Development Board (NLDB) has sought credit line assistance of US$ 10 million from Israel, to mechanise the local dairy sector, and increase its turnover and profits.

Some of the new products in the pipeline so far include buffalo curd, goat milk, milk toffee, coconut oil, yoghurt and processed meat.

The NLDB intends to increase the consumption of fresh milk and related products by establishing a distribution network in Colombo with door-to-door service.

NLDB Chairman Professor H. W. Cyril states: “We have started value addition to gain maximum benefit from our quality milk production. We have been selling milk in raw form and could not fetch a high price in the past due to this. With measures taken to add value to milk and coconut based products, we will earn a decent income.”