FINANCIAL CHRONICLE – Sri Lanka has recently imported seven high-quality Sahiwal bulls from Pakistan to bolster its livestock and dairy development initiatives, according to officials. The transportation was facilitated by SriLankan Cargo, utilizing a special chartered freighter dedicated to live animal shipments.
The shipment of these seven bovines arrived from Lahore to Colombo earlier this month on behalf of the Department of Animal Production and Health, as stated by SriLankan Airlines.
The Sahiwal bulls, recognized for their superior genetics, high milk-producing lineage, and adaptability to tropical climates, are expected to significantly enhance local dairy productivity. This will be achieved through semen collection and artificial insemination programs, aimed at improving breed quality and strengthening Sri Lanka’s agricultural sustainability.
Officials anticipate that the introduction of Sahiwal genetics will play a crucial role in modernizing the dairy sector and boosting rural income generation across the country.
According to Pakistani officials, this collaboration highlights the growing agricultural cooperation between Sri Lanka and Pakistan, emphasizing both countries’ shared commitment to promoting food security, technology transfer, and capacity building within the livestock sector.
The strategic introduction of high-yielding Sahiwal bulls is expected to transform Sri Lanka’s dairy sector by combining high productivity with climate resilience. Originating from the arid regions of Pakistan and India, Sahiwal cattle are regarded as one of the best dairy breeds in tropical areas due to their exceptional milk yield, often exceeding 2,500 liters per lactation, while maintaining high fat content.
Unlike temperate breeds such as the Holstein Friesian, Sahiwal cattle have a natural resistance to tick-borne diseases and can thrive in Sri Lanka’s high temperatures and humidity without experiencing significant heat stress.
By crossbreeding these elite bulls with local Sri Lankan cattle, the livestock sector aims to develop a resilient hybrid that combines the Sahiwal’s superior milking capacity with the local cattle’s ability to forage on low-quality tropical grasses. Experts believe this genetic enhancement is essential for reducing Sri Lanka’s dependency on imported powdered milk, empowering rural smallholder farmers, and ensuring long-term national food security through sustainable, low-input dairy farming.
(Colombo/February 18/2026)
