Lanka Milk Foods (CWE) PLC (LMF) has set a remarkable benchmark at its Ambewela Farms, recording an unprecedented daily milk production of 62,000 litres from a single source. This represents a significant leap from its initial output of 3,000 litres per day when LMF took over the state-run facility in 2001. Today, the farm contributes 20 million litres of milk annually to Sri Lanka’s national supply.
LMF attributes this achievement to meticulous planning, substantial investments, and innovative farming practices. A turning point came in 2019 with the installation of two automated dairy housing and milking systems. Part of a Rs. 5 billion modernization initiative, these systems doubled the farm’s production capacity within two years, elevating it to world-class standards.
Key factors behind this success include:
- Advanced Breeding Programs: Utilizing sexed semen from globally renowned stud bulls, Ambewela Farms has locally bred high-yielding cows producing up to 12,000 litres of milk per 305-day lactation cycle.
- Optimized Nutrition: Precision feeding systems, guided by international nutritionists, and purpose-bred grass varieties ensure the cows receive tailored nutrition for sustained high yields.
- Cutting-Edge Calf Care: Advanced feeding systems and superior care for calves have resulted in continual improvements in herd productivity, with an average of 40 litres of milk per cow daily.
- Rigorous Health Management: Preventive health measures and surveillance maintain the herd’s disease-free status and consistent productivity.
General Manager Farms Sarath Bandara credited the milestone to a collaborative approach, blending international expertise with the dedication of local teams. “This achievement showcases years of strategic planning and innovation. By combining global knowledge with local commitment, we’ve set a new standard for dairy production in Sri Lanka and reaffirmed our dedication to national self-sufficiency and quality excellence.”
The farm’s impact extends beyond its operations, with LMF empowering local farmers by sharing best practices and providing high-quality offspring from its herds. These initiatives aim to uplift the dairy sector, foster national self-sufficiency, and promote a culture of continuous improvement across the industry.
Ambewela Farms continues to set benchmarks in dairy farming, serving as a model for sustainable and innovative agricultural practices in Sri Lanka.
