Milk production

In 2010 we produced 5.6 million litres of fresh milk representing 3.5% of its
consumption of milk and dairy products. In the same year, more than Rs 3.1
billion were spent on imports of milk and dairy products. To promote the local
dairy industry and to increase opportunities for development in the nonsugar
sector, government is encouraging the setting up of dairy enterprises to increase
milk production and value added milk products. Development of this sector will
provide an increased supply of fresh milk and beef, thus reducing the exodus of
foreign exchange. This will also result in new employment opportunities. Since
3.5% self-sufficiency in milk is achieved through the local herd of some 2,144
lactating cows, every 1% increase in self-sufficiency will require an additional 765
cows.
Important considerations before implementing a dairy project Irrespective of the
scale of operation, the following should be given consideration to ensure success
of the enterprise: Production system The objectives of the entrepreneur should
be clearly defined and the following points should be considered before setting
up of a dairy farm:
Whether the farm will be engaged in milk production only or in the fattening of
male calves as well.
The targeted herd size.
Whether the breeding of animals will be carried out by natural service using
bulls, artificial insemination or both.
Whether fodder will be cultivated, purchased or gathered
Labour and mechanisation
The operation of a dairy enterprise is labour intensive and is a continuous
process. Labour should be available at all times and depending on the scale of
operation, appropriate decision should be made concerning mechanisation of
certain operations e.g. milking, feeding, cleaning, etc.

Milk marketing
Milk can be sold directly to consumers at farm gate or delivered door to door or
through contracts with hotels and public/private institutions (hospitals, homes,
dairy processing enterprises, etc.) in accordance with the regulations applicable.
Pasteurised milk is allowed for sale in retail shops.