Options for Low Emission Development in the Sri Lanka Dairy Sector: Reducing enteric methane for food security and livelihoods

This study evaluates the potential for improving milk production while reducing enteric methane emission intensity from dairy production in Sri Lanka. The overall objective of this study is to support Sri Lanka in identifying low-cost strategies to reduce enteric CH4 emissions while contributing to the countries’ short- to long-term social and economic development and increasing resilience to climate change.

The dairy sector has been identified as one of the key sectors to contribute to the projected annual national economic growth. The sector is envisaged to ensure food security, provision of raw materials for agro-industries, creation of employment opportunities, generation of income and foreign exchange earnings. The sector is however the most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change and extreme weather events. Due to these challenges, the government recognizes the need to develop interventions that make agriculture more resilient to climate change and extreme weather events while minimizing its contribution to greenhouse gas emissions.