CBL assists bee honey industry in Uva

The corporate magnanimity of Ceylon Biscuits Limited (CBL), the manufacturers of Munchee Biscuits has again been rewarded with international recognition with the prestigious Art Gold Program of the UNDP heeding the request of CBL to continue its assistance for Phase II of the UNDP sponsored farmer assistance project launched three years ago in 2008/2009.

Phase I of the program which was launched in April 2009, envisaged the increase of honey production of the selected project area by 102 percent.

The project involved the free provision of equipment and training required for clean honey production.

Comprehensive training and follow-up program, backed by the attractive guaranteed price scheme for honey and overall support of the company's sophisticated marketing network has resulted in the success of this project. As a result of the equipment and training skills from the sponsors the project achieved an overall increase of 102 percent in honey harvest at the end of year one.

The number of actively involved bee keepers also increased from 150 to 325 showing a 116 percent increase in participation.

Sri Lanka imports about 60 - 70 tons of honey annually.

With the ideal climatic conditions, a wide array of nectar bearing flora, the technical expertise and an ever increasing demand, immense potential exists in this industry as a profitable business venture.

Bee keeping does not require full time involvement of labour and 25 - 30 colonies could be managed by a single person while being employed in any other venture on full time basis.

Phase II of the project which was launched in late June 2011, will mainly cover villages coming under the Bandarawela, Dambawinna, Keppetipola, Boralanda and Bogaha kumbura Agrarian Service centres involving over 10 villages.

At the launch of phase II, 500 bee boxes, 200 Smokers, 200 face guards and 30 Centrifugal honey extractors were distributed among bee keepers.

When compared to phase II it this is a 100 percent increase of the equipment supplied.

The project also includes a series of comprehensive training programs for new entrants and the experienced.

CBL also plans to provide these villages a special identity by naming them as "Honey Villages" by the end of the year, by further improving equipment , technical skills and infrastructure. Project manager, Aruna Lokupothagamage said that CBL is willing to extend this project to other areas of the country as well and invited leaders of community organisations to use this opportunity.

The launch was a demonstration of a successful joint venture involving private sector organisations and the UNDP.