Deputy High Commissioner, Mr. A. Manickam, inaugurated the beekeeping programme of the Tipple Resource Foundation at the Foundation's Model Farm at Anuragoda, Gampaha, on 21st May, 2006.

The Foundation, which is a non-profit organization headed by Indian agricultural and rural development expert, Mr. Rajbir Singh, is developing Model Farms across Sri Lanka with sections on floriculture, vegetable growing, beekeeping and herbal-aromatic plants cultivation as well as an agricultural implements workshop and a tissue culture laboratory with the assistance of the Indian High Commission.

The Foundation's Model Farm at Kotagala was earlier inaugurated on 18th March, 2006 by H.E. the President of Sri Lanka. It has already trained a batch of 60 youth, including 40 girls, in the theoretical and practical aspects of agriculture and allied activity. Mr. Rajbir Singh says, "Our vision is to develop model farms and the creation of Self Help Groups (SHGs) in the areas surrounding the farm. The members of the SHGs are employed and trained at the model farm and then encouraged to try out what they have learnt on their own. In their initial stages after they venture out, the model farm continues to assist them in sourcing of seeds, shared use of expensive equipment and marketing of produce. ‘High' technologies such as tissue culture are demystified and farmers taught their use with the help of common facilities set up at the farm. Profits are ploughed back and assets created are eventually left for the use of the farmers. The whole approach is practical, skills-oriented and empowering".

The ceremony was attended by agricultural experts and the Member of Parliament of the area, Mr. Saratchandra Rajakaruna.