Laying the Foundation for better Veterinary Services
Hatton has the highest milk production range in Sri Lanka. However, despite the high density of production, farmers often struggle to access vet clinics and spend long periods of time waiting for treatment and for the test-results of their livestock. This has led to farmers spending weeks uncertain of confirmed livestock diseases which poses a risk and leads to prolonged delays and heavy losses. The Department of Animal Production and Health has identified this as a pertinent issue in the region.
The Enhancing Gender Inclusive Socio-Economic Development (EGSD) project is working to rectify this short-coming with the eventual completion and opening of a veterinary clinic.
Earlier this month, Oxfam in Sri Lanka, supported by the European Union, together with partners Save the Children and LEADS, celebrated the laying of the foundation stone of a mini-veterinary laboratory in Hatton. The lab is part of the project which works in support of economic growth and poverty alletiviation in the rural, hill-country sector.