Unlocking Dairy Potential in Dry Zones: Analyzing Constraints and Opportunities in Mahaweli System H, Eppawala Block

Abstract

Dairy farming is a cornerstone of agricultural livelihoods in Sri Lanka's Mahaweli System H, particularly in the Eppawala Block. This study investigates the socio-economic profiles, management practices, and challenges faced by 250 dairy farmers in this region, where crop and livestock production are vital for poverty alleviation. While Eppawala contributes about 7.1% of the national milk output, farmers encounter significant barriers such as high production costs, limited grazing lands, inconsistent water availability, and inadequate marketing infrastructure. The survey revealed that dairy farming is predominantly a supplementary income source, with only a minority earning over Rs. 50,000 monthly through entrepreneurial practices. Key constraints include escalating feed costs, poor access to quality breeding stock, and limited youth involvement. Furthermore, insufficient veterinary care, credit facilities, and milk collection networks exacerbate these challenges. Despite these issues, the findings highlight the potential for targeted interventions to unlock growth. Enhancing resource access, promoting sustainable feed and fodder practices, and strengthening capacity-building initiatives are critical steps. Strategies such as improved pasture management, incentivizing local dairy processing, and creating efficient market linkages could transform the sector. These adaptive measures, supported by robust policies, are essential to transition dairy farming from subsistence to a market-oriented industry. This study underscores the importance of addressing socio-economic and infrastructural constraints to bolster rural livelihoods, enhance national milk self-sufficiency, and harness the untapped potential of dairy farming in dry zone agriculture.