Bee Conservation and the Implementation of National Agriculture Policy: Ensuring Food Self-Sufficiency

To ensure the successful implementation of the National Agriculture Policy and achieve self-sustainability in food production, it is imperative to address two crucial elements: ensuring adequate water supply for farmers and promoting the growth of the pollinator population. With the anticipation and experience of La Niña conditions in Sri Lanka, these aspects become even more pressing. The University of Peradeniya has taken commendable strides in this endeavor, particularly by organizing a noteworthy event to commemorate Bee Day on May 20th. In collaboration with Manusath Derana, the Ceylon Bee Honey team, other stakeholders in the Bee industry, and the university faculty, this event signifies their commitment to the cause. We extend our gratitude to Professor Sarath Kodituwakku for his capable leadership, as well as Dr. Wikum Jayasingha, a dedicated researcher studying all 150 species of bees in Sri Lanka.

During the event, Professor L.D. Lamawansa, the Vice-Chancellor of the University, captivated the audience with a captivating keynote speech that underscored the intricate connections between the way of life of bees and various disciplines. The significance of bee honey in Ayurvedic medicine, which embraces a holistic approach to the human body, was emphasized. Recognizing the importance of legal protection for bees and other pollinators is essential. The implementation of a nationwide census of bee colonies assumes paramount importance as it provides crucial information for monitoring environmental advancements on an annual basis.

Professor Mrs. Inoka Karunarathne delved into the intricate roles played by different types of bees, such as honey bees and pollen bees, as introduced by Dr. Ms. Nadeeka Jayawardana. The discussion shed light on the looming threats posed by deforestation, irresponsible pesticide usage, and human-induced destruction of bees, which significantly endanger the already limited bee colony population. Urgent measures were stressed upon to create bee-friendly habitats, even within our home gardens, by cultivating plant species that specifically attract bees.

The success of organizing the World Bee Day 2023 program was made possible by the pivotal role played by Mr. Tissa Bandara Thambawita, the Managing Director of Ceylon Bee Honey Ltd. Additionally, Mr. George Lanarole, an esteemed ex-official of the Agriculture Department with over 30 years of expertise in promoting beekeeping, contributed invaluable practical insights based on his wealth of knowledge.

The National Agriculture Policy has been awaiting cabinet approval since 2018/19, along with a 47 million Euro grant for its implementation. However, it is essential for the policy to consider various factors, referred to as "enablers," to ensure effective execution and maximize the desired benefits. These enablers include the farming community, technology adoption, strategic approaches, and the establishment of a suitable structure for implementing the National Agriculture Policy.

While Sri Lanka claims to be an agricultural country, a significant number of farmers lack awareness about advanced agricultural practices, global weather patterns, emerging concepts related to healthy soils, and the process of photosynthesis in plants. Additionally, the country lacks a real-time digital platform for monitoring and educating farmers, despite the presence of numerous agricultural apps worldwide. Some examples of such apps are listed below:

AgriApp: A comprehensive app providing weather updates, pest and disease management solutions, crop-specific information, market prices, agricultural news, and access to experts for knowledge sharing.

Plantix: An app designed to assist farmers in identifying crop diseases and pests using image recognition technology. It offers detailed information on the identified problem and recommended treatment options.

FarmRise: An app offering real-time weather updates, crop advisory services, and personalized recommendations for farmers. It covers a wide range of crops and provides insights on planting, pest management, nutrient management, and irrigation practices.

Cropio: An app focusing on precision farming and field monitoring. It allows farmers to track field conditions, monitor crop growth, detect potential issues, optimize resource allocation, and access satellite imagery, weather forecasts, and data analytics tools.

AgriNet: A mobile app connecting farmers with agricultural experts, researchers, and extension services. It provides access to a vast database of agricultural information, including best practices, crop management techniques, and market trends.

Kisan Suvidha: Developed by the Indian Government, this app offers a range of agricultural services, including crop insurance information, market prices, farming practices, agri-input dealers, and a feature for farmers to seek expert advice.

TappWater: An app assisting farmers in efficient irrigation management. It provides real-time data on soil moisture levels and weather conditions, enabling farmers to optimize their irrigation schedules and conserve water.

Integrating such technologies with the farming community in Sri Lanka can help achieve more with fewer resources. It is crucial to measure and manage relevant indicators in tropical countries to assess national agricultural productivity. Here are some commonly used indicators:

Crop Yield: Measures the amount of crop produced per unit of land area or per farmer, providing insights into the effectiveness of farming techniques, crop varieties, and management practices.

Land Productivity: Reflects the efficiency of land utilization and resource management by measuring the value of agricultural production per unit of land area.

Total Factor Productivity (TFP): Assesses the overall efficiency of agricultural production by considering inputs such as land, labor, capital, and technology. It provides insights into productivity gains resulting from technological advancements and improved management practices.

Crop Diversification: Measures the variety of crops grown in a specific area, helping assess the resilience and sustainability of agricultural systems by reducing dependence on a single crop and diversifying income sources.

Input Use Efficiency: Evaluates the effectiveness of input resources, such as fertilizers, pesticides, water, and energy, in agricultural production. These indicators identify areas for optimization and resource conservation.

Agricultural Gross Domestic Product (GDP): Represents the total value of agricultural goods and services produced within a country's borders over a specific period, providing an economic perspective on the agricultural sector's contribution to the national economy.

Farm Income: Measures the revenue generated by farmers from agricultural activities, considering income derived from crops, livestock, and other agricultural products. It indicates the economic well-being and profitability of farmers.

Value-added in Agriculture: Reflects the additional value created during the agricultural production process, including factors such as processing, packaging, transportation, and marketing. It highlights the agricultural sector's contribution to the overall economy.

Conclusion: The approval of the National Agriculture Policy (NAP) or the overarching agricultural policy developed in 2018/19 by the cabinet of ministers, along with the NAP enablers, is crucial. The protection of bee colonies and ensuring their growth year after year are of utmost importance to achieve self-sufficiency in food production. It is essential to simultaneously enhance the four areas: the farmer factor, technology, strategy factor, and preferably a flat structure factor, to ensure the seamless implementation of the NAP without encountering any setbacks. Conducting an annual census on the active bee colonies in each Grama Niladhari division can serve as a measure to verify the actual growth in colony numbers.

Lalin I De Silva, was a senior Planter, Agricultural Adviser / Consultant, Secretary General of Ceylon Planters Society, Editor CPS Bulletin and freelance journalist.