Economics

1. Agricultural Institutes
And
Policy Framework
C.M.K. Liyanage
AG/2009/2786

2. Table of Contents
Page
1. Introduction 03
2. Coconut Research Institute of Sri Lanka 03
3. Rubber Research Institute of Sri Lanka 04
4. Sri Lanka Council for Agricultural Research Policy 06
5. Institute of policy studies of Sri Lanka 07
6. Rice research and development institute 09
7. Horticultural crop research and development institute 09
8. Fruit crop research and development center 11
9. Field crop research and development institute 12
10. Grain Legume and oil crop research and development center 12
11. School of Agriculture 13
12. CIC Agri Business 14
13. CIC Humanity service foundation 15
14. Hector Kobbakaduwa Agrarian research and training institute 17
15.Reference 18
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3. 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 Lanka
CRISL
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
Vision
Our 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.
Mission
Our 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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4. 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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5. 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
• 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.
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6. 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.
Vision
To develop a vibrant, effective and sustainable system of agricultural research promoting
socio-economic development in Sri Lanka
Mission
To 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
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
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7. 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
• 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 Lanka
IPS
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
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8. 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
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.
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9. Rice Research and Development Institute
RRDI
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.
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
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10. 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
Vision
Achieve excellence through development of horticultural crops for prosperity of the nation.
Mission
Function 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.
Mandate
The 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
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
research
extension and farmer linkages
• Strengthen collaborative research with universities, public and private sector
institutions to share resources and expertise
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11. 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 :
• 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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12. Field Crops Research and Development Institute
FCRDI
Policy framework
Vision of FCRDI
Achieve national prosperity through excellence in field crops sector
Mission of FCRDI
To 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 crops
Mission:
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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13. 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.
Mission
To 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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14. 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) Limited
CIC Agri Biotech (Private) Limited
Wayamba Agro Fertilizer Company Limited
CIC Agri Produce Export (Private) Limited
CIC Agri Produce Marketing (Private) Limited
CIC 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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15. 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
Vision
Vision 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.
Mission
The 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
Objectives
The 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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16. • 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 Institute
HARTI
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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17. • 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.
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18. References
http://www.iwmi.cgiar.org/index.aspx
http://www.rrisl.lk/index.html
http://www.cri.lk/index.html
http://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%29
http://www.agridept.gov.lk/institutes_sub.php?mMenu=Horticulture&sMenu=
%20%20Horticultural%20Crop%20Research%20and%20Development%20Institute
%20%28HORDI%29
http://www.agridept.gov.lk/institutes_sub.php?mMenu=Horticulture&sMenu=Fruit%20Crops
%20Research%20and%20Development%20Centre%20%28FCRDC%20%29
http://www.agridept.gov.lk/institutes.php
http://www.cicagri.com/index.php?page_cat=home
http://www.harti.lk/
All web sites last updated 27-01-2011
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