Abstract:
Vavuniya is primarily an agricultural district. Milk production is an important secondary
source of livelihood for the rural people. The aim of this study is to map the potentials
and challenges of dairy market in Vavuniya district. This study inquires whether milk and
milk based products have a good market opportunity and what challenges are faced in
marketing milk and milk based products in Vavuniya. Questionnaire survey, interviews
and focus group discussion were used to collect primary data from a cross section of
dairy consumers, producer groups, institutional representatives and key informants. The
research team obtained response from 265 households in four DS divisions. Narrative
and statistical analysis methods were used to analyse the primary data. This study is
significant in finding out that there exists considerable demand for fresh milk. However,
the lack of availability, accessibility, and quality of local fresh milk, and locally
processed milk based products have made the consumers resort to seeking more imported
powdered milk and milk based products. The study also found that there is considerable
willingness to buy or switch to local products when these constraints are addressed. The
study concludes that it is a positive trend in developing dairy market in Vavuniya,
particularly in a post-conflict setting.
