9 - NSF Digital Library

J.A. de S. Siriwardene
cause production losses. The earlier two phases had identified these
constraints as
(1) the low genetic potential of the local buffalo
(2) the dwindling land availability
(3) the seasonal fluctuation in feed availability
(4) the high incidence of disease
(5) the lack of knowledge and inability of farmers to change
their management practices to cope with the changing
social environment
The project taking into consideration these constraints, developed
a plan of activities designed to make available the current knowledge on
buffalo production and to develop management packages to cater to the
need for a gradual move towards intensification of management. These
were:
(1) setting up of the BdEdo Information Centre
(2) dissemination of information to end users
(3) demonstration of the concept and feasibility of
intensification of management practices
(4) improvement of the genetic potential of the local buffalo
for milk and other production traits
(5) facilitating the production of urea-molasses-mineral
supplements
(6) popularization of consumption of buffalo products
The project has initiated the implementation of many of these
activities.during the course of this year.
Buffalo Information Centre
The available information on buffalo production in Sri Lanka is
not easily accessible, particularly to extension personnel. The need to
collect and lodge all documented material in one location was keenly felt.
Since extension and training is a hnction of the Department &Animal
Production and Health (DAPH), the Project with the collaboration of the
DAPH took steps to establish this Centre at the Central Library of the
DAPH, which is appropriately located at the Institute of Continuing
Education in Animal Husbandry (ICEAH). The Project obtained the
services of a Consultant, the Director of the International Buffalo