Agicultural Istitutions of Sri Lanka

Agricultural InstitutesAnd

Policy Framework

C.M.K. Liyanage

AG/2009/2786Table of Contents

Page

1. Introduction 032. Coconut Research Institute of Sri Lanka 033. Rubber Research Institute of Sri Lanka 044. Sri Lanka Council for Agricultural Research Policy 065. Institute of policy studies of Sri Lanka 076. Rice research and development institute 097. Horticultural crop research and development institute 098. Fruit crop research and development center 119. Field crop research and development institute 1210. Grain Legume and oil crop research and development center 1211. School of Agriculture 1312. CIC Agri Business 1413. CIC Humanity service foundation 1514. Hector Kobbakaduwa Agrarian research and training institute 1715.Reference 18

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Introduction

“Agricultural Institutes and its Policy Framework” is a wide topic which touches the several different areas such as Government Agricultural institutes, Private sector’s institutes, Agricultural based companies, Non government organizations, Research institutes and their policy framework.

It is difficult to give clear definition for the agriculture institutes. Some of above

institutions are profit oriented and several institutions are not profit based.

In this report I’m trying to give some brief information about Agricultural Institutes and its Policy Framework in Sri Lanka.

Coconut Research Institute of Sri LankaCRISL

The Coconut Research Institute of Sri Lanka (CRISL) was initially established as the Coconut Research Scheme in 1928, and was later developed into a fully fledged national research organization and a centre of excellence in coconut research and development in Asia and the Pacific Region. It is the first ever Research Institute established in the world devoted for coconut.

The Institute promotes collaborative research with other National Institutes and Private Sector Organizations. The Research Programmes take an integrated approach through eight research Divisions.

Policy framework

VisionOur vision is to be the center of excellence in coconut research, and generate innovative technology and technology transfer to meet the challenges of the coconut industry.

MissionOur mission is to generate knowledge and technology through excellence in research towards increasing productivity and profitability of coconut. In the pursuit of this mission we endeavour, to nurture motivate our staff to excel.

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Mandate

To provide a sound scientific basis for the sustainable development of the Coconut Industry in Sri Lanka

Develop appropriate technologies in crop production, and post harvest processing through strategic, basic and applied research

Act as national repository for genetic resources, quality seed nuts and improved varieties

Develop environmentally and ecologically sound coconut-based farming systems Transfer technologies developed by the CRI

Rubber Research Institute of Sri Lanka

RRISL

The origin of research on rubber goes back to 1909, when a group of planters in the Kalutara District met and agreed to engage a Chemist to study the coagulation of rubber. This was later expanded to form a Rubber Research Scheme in 1913, with 60% Government funds and the balance came from private subscribers.

The Rubber Research Ordinance was incorporated on the 30th August 1930 and the laboratories of the scheme were moved to its present location at Dartonfield, Agalawatte, in 1936. The Rubber Research Scheme was named the Rubber Research Institute of Ceylon (now Sri Lanka) in 1951, by an amendment of the original Act of Parliament. This shows that the Rubber Research Institute of Sri Lanka (RRISL) is the oldest Research Institute on rubber in the world. It has a proud record of service to the industry by developing technologies in plant breeding, agro-management practices and chemistry of raw rubber.

According to the Rubber Research Ordinance a Rubber Research Board is established for the purpose of furthering and developing the rubber industry. The Board governs the RRISL with the view of managing, conducting, encouraging and promoting scientific research in respect of rubber cultivation, processing, product manufacture and all problems connected with the rubber industry.

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Policy framework

Increase productivity to potential levels of the crop. Increase national production of NR to meet the increasing demand. Optimal and sustainable utilization of land, labour and other resources. Maximize domestic value addition to rubber Encourage individual competency and self development of RRISL personnel, and in

the process, improve the   organizational effectiveness of the institute. Transfer the developed technologies through training and advisory services.

Figure 1

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Offers around 15 promising clones, developed by Sri Lankan Scientists with more than five fold yields compared to the            productivity of rubber trees in their original habitat.  

Soil and foliar analysis for site specific fertilizer recommendations.   A special diagnostic team for trouble shooting in agricultural practices and raw rubber

processing aspects.   Planting materials from latest clone introductions to establish source bush nurseries

and issue quality certification of all     planting materials issued to stakeholders.   Plant protection systems for all maladies of the rubber tree and provide early warning

on disease epidemics and advice           on mitigating unforeseen disasters.   Testing quality of waste water, dry rubber, latex, latex products, rubber compounds

and fertilizer, and issue   certificates recognized by local authorities.   Training in all aspects of rubber cultivation, post harvest technology, and plantation

management.   An extension wing to assist the rubber cultivation and processing in smallholder

sector.   Guidance to solve and manage environmental issues connected with discharge of

wastewater generating from raw           rubber, latex processing and rubber product manufacturing industries in Sri Lanka.  

Development of value added natural rubber based materials and also rubber compounds for latex and dry rubber            products to suit the end user requirements or in compliance with the standard specifications.  

Project feasibility and planning studies, designs, plans for setting up of raw rubber and latex processing industries.

Sri Lanka Council for Agricultural Research Policy

(CARP)

The Sri Lanka Council for Agricultural Research Policy (SLCARP) was established  on the 22nd of December 1987 with the enactment of the CARP Act No. 47 of  1987. It  is located in Colombo, the commercial capital of Sri Lanka.

VisionTo develop a vibrant, effective and sustainable system of agricultural research promoting socio-economic development in Sri LankaMissionTo strengthen and mobilize research capabilities of the National Agricultural Research System (NARS), Universities, Private Sector and other stakeholders in Partnership in the generation and dissemination of appropriate technologies and information for the development of Agricultural sector.

Policy framework

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Mandated Functions

        Formulation of a National Agricultural Research Policy

        Organization, Coordination, Planning and execution of agricultural research

        Allocating/generating funds for contract research, monitoring and  evaluation, technology dissemination.

        Develop human resources (scientific & Technical) in the agricultural sector

        Foster regional/international linkages to access modern technology, information, exchange of scientific staff, germplasm, etc.

        Disseminate technology and scientific information for agricultural scientists, farmers, private sector and other stakeholders.

        Periodic review performance on agricultural research projects,  institutions and divisions

        Repository of scientific information on agriculture and related fields

        Provide excellence in agricultural research

Goals

        Strengthen and consolidate the national agricultural research system

        Planning, funding, coordination and monitoring of competitive contract research grants

        Client oriented appropriate technology dissemination

        Documentation and research information transfer to stakeholders

        Improved administration and finance set-up for supporting research

Objectives

        Identification of sub-sectoral policy perspectives and formulation of agricultural research policy

        Research planning-priority setting in key disciplines

        Sustainability of funding for high priority research areas- Establishment of   Competitive Research Grants Program

        Development of suitable mechanisms for  research monitoring and evaluation

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        Facilitate linkages with public/private sector organizations, universities,  regional and international research institutes/agencies and CG centers

        Stakeholder information dissemination on appropriate technologies generated

        Widen and strengthen the scope of agricultural database and CARP electronic library

        To achieve financial and administrative targets

Institute of policy studies of Sri LankaIPS

IPS is the apex economic policy research institute in Sri Lanka, recognized as a regional centre of excellence offering an authoritative and independent voice on economic policy analysis. The Institute of Policy Studies (IPS) was conceived in the mid-1980s as an autonomous institution designed to promote policy-oriented economic research and to strengthen the capacity for medium-term policy analysis in Sri Lanka. IPS has acquired a unique position as an authoritative independent voice in economic policy analysis, working closely with the government, private sector, academia and civil society.

Policy framework

To be a regional centre of excellence in the analysis of socio-economic policy issues. To be a source of technical expertise and policy advice for the wider region outside of

Sri Lanka. To engage in dialogue with policy makers in the government, labour, donor, business,

and research communities and provide a forum for the discussion, exchange, and assessment of views amongst stakeholders.

To be a point of reference on national policy issues to the public by providing an independent and authoritative voice.

To strengthen the national capacity for medium and long-term economic policy analysis by investing in the capabilities of its staff and the Institute's knowledge base.

To promote equality of opportunities for all in all its research and activities, regardless of gender, age or ethnicity.

To strengthen the country's access to the highest quality expertise available by building and managing linkages with international institutions and scholars concerned with relevant issues.

Agricultural Economic Policy Unit of IPS

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The primary focus of the Agricultural Economic Policy Unit of IPS is analyeing policy pertaining to the development of these sectors in the economy. In particular, the Unit's research programme focuses on issues of employment generation, export competitiveness, industrial and labour relations, environmental effects, and local skills development.

The Agricultural Economic Policy Unit recognizes that a blinkered fixation with agricultural policy is unrealistic as it will be insufficient to increase investment and make significant inroads into rural poverty. There is, therefore, a natural link at the strategic level with other themes presented in the IPS research programme. Nevertheless, the point of entry for the Unit's research agenda is through rural concerns, looking first at peasant sector development and then at the plantation sector.

Rice Research and Development InstituteRRDI

Rice Research and Development Institute (RRDI) continues to play a major role in the countrys' rice sector by releasing new high yielding rice varieties and introducing improved rice production and protection technologies to help farmers realize the yield potentials of the varieties that they grow. The research and development programs at RRDI focuses on increasing farm productivity from the current 4.3 t/ha to 6.0 t/ha within the next 5 years, reducing cost of production and improving grain quality of rice.

The main research and administration unit of RRDI is located at Batalagoda. The Regional Agricultural Research and Development Center, Bombuwela and its satellite research stations at Labuduwa and Bentota cater to the needs of the low country wet zone region. Whereas the Rice Research Station, Ambalantota holds the responsibility for the development of rice varieties for the southern rice belt.

The Director for Rice Research and Development is responsible for overall research and administrative functions of the Institute. The Deputy Directors for Research at Batalagoda and Bombuwela and Research Officer-in-Charge at Ambalantota look over the research activities at their respective centers.

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Policy framework

Vision National Prosperity through Excellence in Rice Production.

Figure 2

Mission To be the National Center for the Development and Primary Dissemination of Technologies to Improve the Productivity and Profitability of Rice Farming and Quality of Rice.

Horticultural Crop Research and Development Institute(HoRDI)

The Horticultural Crop Research and Development Institute (HoRDI) is vested with the responsibility of technology development concerning vegetables, fruits, root and tuber crops and floriculture. The research programme focuses on the development of improved crop varieties, new propagation methods, post harvest and food processing methods, the use of protected culture and ensuring better plant health with fewer defendants on chemicals.

Figure 3

Policy Framework

VisionAchieve excellence through development of horticultural crops for prosperity of the nation. MissionFunction as the national centre for research and development of sustainable and productive technologies for horticultural crops to ensure economic and social development ofthe farmers, and other stakeholders.MandateThe aim of HORDI is to generate and disseminate cost effective, eco-friendly and sustainable technologies that will increase productivity, improve quality, reduce post harvest losses and

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add value to the products of mandated horticultural crops such as fruits, vegetables, root and tubers and ornamental crops while ensuring sustainable use of natural resources. Objectives

Utilize domestic and global bio-diversity to develop high quality and high yielding varieties of fruits, vegetables and root and tuber crops

Generate technologies for sustainable and productive horticulture development through basic, applied and adaptive research

Develop capabilities on post harvest technology, agroprocessing, product development, value addition and optimum utilization of horticulture products

Undertake on-farm research through farmer participatory approaches to strengthen researchextension and farmer linkages

Strengthen collaborative research with universities, public and private sector institutions to share resources and expertise

Fruit Crops Research and Development Centre

The Fruit Crops Research and Development Center was established in October 2001 with a national mandate to develop and disseminate appropriate technologies to increase fruit production in the country. In 2005 the centre has also being given the responsibility of developing and dissemination of vegetable technology for low country wet zonePolicy Framewor

Vision :To achieve national prosperity through exvcellence in fruit crop production.

Mission :To make Sri Lanka one of the leading fruit producers in the region.

Objectives :

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To develop efficient and environmentally friendly, sustainable and economically viable production and harvesting and processing technologies on major fruit crops and low country vegetables.

To disseminate technologies in collaboration with state and private sector extension organizations.

To collaborate with other public and private organizations to make the country a major fruit producer and make fruit production a profitable venture.

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Field Crops Research and Development InstituteFCRDI

Policy framework

Vision of FCRDI

Achieve national prosperity through excellence in field crops sector Mission of FCRDITo achieve economic revitalization of the farmers in the field crops sector and to assure national food security through generation and facilitating the dissemination of technology necessary for priority field crops to cater for sustainable field crops production in Sri Lanka.Objectives

Development of improved varieties of high yielding improved varieties of other field crops, dry zone vegetables and fruits suitable for irrigated and rainfed conditions with pest, disease and drought resistance quality.

Development of plant protection strategies to minimize crop losses due to pest and diseases

Development of improved agronomic practices to reduce the cost of production, to increase the productivity of agricultural lands and crops.

Testing the adaptability of new improved varieties and technologies. Developing improved soil and water conservation methods and soil fertility

management practices.

GRAIN LEGUMES AND OIL CROPS RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT CENTRE

This Centre was established in 1969 with Asian Development bank funds and was administered by River Valley Development Board Until 1977.Cotton was considered as the major responsibility during this period. After taking over by the Department of Agriculture in 1977 it was upgraded to a Regional Agriculture Research Centre in 1979. In 1994 this centre was brought under Field Crop Research and Development Institute (FCRDI) and in 2001 it has been named as the Grain Legumes and oil Crops Research and Development Centre.

Policy framework

Vision:Achieve national prosperity through excellence in field cropsMission:Be the national centre for achieving economic re-vitalization of the farmers in the field crops sector and to assure national food security through generation, development and dissemination of technology necessary for priority field crops to cater to sustainable and comparative field crops production in Sri Lanka.

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1. Development of high yielding improved varieties of other field crops, dry zone vegetables and fruits suitable for irrigated and rain-fed conditions with pest, disease and drought resistance and quality.

2. Developing improved soil and water conservation methods and soil fertility management practices.

3. Development of improved agronomic practices to reduce cost of production to increase the productivity of Agricultural lands and crop productivity.

4. Testing adaptability of new improved varieties and technologies.5. Development of plant protection strategies to minimize crop losses due to pest and

disease.

Schools of Agriculture

Institutionalised agricultural education for middle level agriculturists was started in 1916 at the School of Tropical Agriculture, Royal Botanical Gardens, Peradeniya. The school provided practical agricultural training for future agricultural instructors, headmen, teachers and students interested in agriculture. In 1941 it was relocated in Gannoruwa, in new buildings now occupied by the In-service Training Institute.

The Sri Lanka School of Agriculture (SOAA) of the Department of Agriculture (DOA), Sri Lanka offer two year Diploma in Agriculture program in five different locations at Kundasale in Kandy District, Palwehera at Matale District, Angunakolapallassa in Hambantota district, Vavunia in Vavunia district, and Karapincha in Rathnapura district.

Policy framework

Vision To be achieving excellence in intermediate agricultural education for national prosperity.

MissionTo provide formal intermediate agricultural education to farming interested youths and service personals through conducting two-year agricultural diploma programme for human resource development in agriculture sector for sustainable agricultural development.

Objectives of the School of Agriculture To own and operate on farm or off farm agricultural enterprises. To get employment in private or non-government organizations in agricultural sector To get employment in government organizations as intermediate technical officers in

the agricultural sector To continue to follow formal, informal, training programs or academic programs to

improve the carrier development.

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CIC Agri Businesses

The only SEED to SHELF Agriculture company in Sri Lanka that manages over  10,000 Acres of it’s own Farm land, works directly with over 20,000 rural farmers and  produces a variety of Agriculture & Livestock  products like Seed Paddy, Rice, Fruits, Vegetables, Eggs, Yoghurt, Curd etc under it’s own Brand name for the local and export market, CIC Agri Businesses works with a strong commitment of enhancing farmer incomes, improving the Rural Economy and contributing towards the Development of Agriculture in Sri Lanka with a view of transforming the island to a bountiful nation

CIC Agri Businesses (Private) Limited is a subsidiary of CIC, which encompasses all the agriculture related businesses that are carried out within the CIC Group. CIC Agri Businesses (Private) Limited comprises of a number of companies. They are,

 CIC Seeds (Private) LimitedCIC Agri Biotech (Private) LimitedWayamba Agro Fertilizer Company LimitedCIC Agri Produce Export (Private) LimitedCIC Agri Produce Marketing (Private) LimitedCIC Tea Advisory Services (Private) Limited Sunhill Tea Factory (Private) Limited

Policy framework

Vision

To be the leader in enriching Sri Lanka’s agriculture with the best quality produce from Seed to Shelf.

\Mission

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To provide innovative technologies and professional management to the agriculture sector contributing significantly to Sri Lanka’s GDP whilst ensuring trust from farmer to consumer.

Philosophy

Enhance farmer income, improve the rural economy and contribute towards the development of Agriculture making Sri Lanka a Bountiful Nation.

CIC Rural Humanity Service Foundation

 VisionVision of the Rural Humanity Services Foundation is to strengthen the knowledge and skills of the rural farmer with the aim of uplifting the social and economic status of rural communities.  MissionThe mission of the Rural Humanity Services Foundation is to develop appropriate projects with the coordination of government, non-government and private sector institutions, in order to, 

disseminate agriculture technology, knowledge and experiences to rural communities develop infrastructures to facilitate production targets for local markets as well as for

exports popularize farming as an acceptable and dignified profession to attract the young and

to provide significant contribution to achieve higher standard of living collectively contribute significantly to the Gross National Product of the country

ObjectivesThe objectives are, 

Contribute towards improvement of living standard of the rural community     

Development of the rural agriculture through education introducing modern technology and through attracting youth towards agriculture.  

  Create scholarship programs to assist the education of the needy students.

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Upgrade the infrastructure of rural schools and to develop the skills and knowledge of the rural students

Carry out programs & activities to support Sri Lankan’s agriculture development

Hector Kobbekaduwa Agrarian Research and Training InstituteHARTI

The HARTI was established in order to generate a range of policy analysis that would cover those key determinants of human and resource development in the agrarian sector. Statutorily established in 1972 in collaboration with the UNDP/FAO, the Institute functions under the Ministry of Agriculture.

It has developed into the premier national Institute in the field of socio-economic research relating to the use of land and water in Sri Lanka and has also developed the requisite skills and infrastructure for providing relevant training to farmers, field workers and managers in both the state and non-state sectors. The name of the Institute was changed as Hector Kobbekaduwa Agrarian Research and Training Institute in February 1995.

Policy framework

Vision   Be the leader for generating and disseminating knowledge for sustainable agrarian and rural development.    Mission   To strengthen agrarian and rural sector through conducting research and training activities.    

Goals To be a centre of excellence in socio-economic research into agrarian questions;

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To liaise closely with planners and policy makers in the government, business and research communities;   

To make policy process more effective through knowledge generation and timely dissemination;

To keep the public informed by providing independent assessments on national policy issues;

To strengthen the capacity for socio-economic policy analysis by investing in the capacities of its staff and the institute's knowledge base;

To increase the capacity of rural development stakeholders through training;

 Objectives Timely dissemination of market information to policy makers, farmers and traders; Identification of agrarian policy perspectives; Research planning-priority setting in agrarian issues; Building relationships with public/private sector organizations, universities and

regional & international research institutes/agencies; Widen and strengthen the scope of agrarian database; Acquiring the required skills individually and collectively; and Having a committed, competent and contented team of employees.

 Strategies Strengthen the Research and Training Committee (RTC); Agree on thematic areas; Ensure uniformity of different types of publications - layout, cover page, pagination,

fonts and styles; Improve literature review in preparation of research proposal; Arrange external review after peer review of all research reports before publication; Assign the responsibility for each issue of the institute journal to the respective

Division; Obtain donor assistance to secure the services of a professional editor; Increase research outputs in local languages; Recruit researchers at senior level; Explore possibility of getting research expatriates through the UNDP; Establish linkages with universities; Disseminate research findings at the end of the year colloquium; Introduce measurable performance based evaluation system; Organize faculty retreat; Improve the quality of the printing of the publications.

References

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http://www.iwmi.cgiar.org/index.aspxhttp://www.rrisl.lk/index.htmlhttp://www.cri.lk/index.htmlhttp://www.slcarp.lk/http://www.ips.lk/http://www.agridept.gov.lk/institutes_sub.php?mMenu=Rice&sMenu=Rice%20Research%20and%20Development%20Institute%20%28RRDI%29http://www.agridept.gov.lk/institutes_sub.php?mMenu=Horticulture&sMenu=%20%20Horticultural%20Crop%20Research%20and%20Development%20Institute%20%28HORDI%29http://www.agridept.gov.lk/institutes_sub.php?mMenu=Horticulture&sMenu=Fruit%20Crops%20Research%20and%20Development%20Centre%20%28FCRDC%20%29http://www.agridept.gov.lk/institutes.phphttp://www.cicagri.com/index.php?page_cat=homehttp://www.harti.lk/

All web sites last updated 27-01-2011

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