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| Wednesday, 11 August 2004 |
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Apply academic research to development by S.B. Karalliyadde, Ex: Member of Parliament The Sri Lankan readers of various daily newspapers are extremely lucky in that they get the opportunity of reading the views of a galaxy of eminent scientists, researchers, scholars and other erudite and knowledgeable people on varied matters pertaining to the development and advancement of the human race. These articles that appear in newspaper supplements are aimed at enhancing the knowledge and developing the capabilities of those concerned in various fields, and problems faced by the people in their day-to-day life. The governments in power including the decision and policy makers who are supposed to work for the people for bringing about a change in their lifestyles to improve the quality of life can immensely benefit from these authoritative and scientific contributions. Such men in power and position should care to read these articles and adopt at least some of their proposals and recommendations for good governance, agriculture, irrigation practices, hydrology, power generation, environment, ecology and other assorted subjects beneficial to mankind. All these contribute to the dissemination of modern knowledge and international trends in the developing world. These are highly academic and beyond comprehension to the average man in the village or street. How can we apply this knowledge in real life situations? Most of us can recall the International Dambala Project - Pallekelle, started by a world-renowned Sri Lankan scientist. It was said that Dambala (Vigna vadita) was the source of vitamin that could answer most of our vitamin deficiency disease, perhaps in the Third World. The scientists went beyond human needs and in fact said that the oil of Dambala seeds could be used as aviation fuel. Vast acres from Pallekelle were released to the project and various menues were developed from the seeds and the petals and demonstrations given by the Home Economic Division, Extension staff of the Agriculture Department. But alas; the Dambala project did not take off the ground. The same fate fell on the Soya programme. This is just to cite an example to show that there is a vast gap between knowledge and application of such knowledge in practice and adoption. Application of knowledge in the enhancement of quality of life is as important as research itself or more meaningful in the improvement of our lifestyles. It is the planners and policy makers who should be responsible to bridge this gap more meaningfully to end the miseries of mankind. Otherwise all the research material will be confined to documentation and library, for reference only by future academics. When we look at the other developing countries we see how they have improved their crop production, high bred varieties of seeds, vegetables, fruits etc to meet their domestic needs and the export of surplus. Here in Sri Lanka we have debated on the Eppawala Phosphate for decades and still import fertilizer for our agricultural needs. There were several articles in the newspapers on Eppawala but all these are like pouring water on a ducks back. Similarly, the Daily News recently carried a feature on turning straw to manure for paddy cultivation. Post harvest left overs of straw in the NCP, Vavunia, Mullaithivu, Trincomalee, Batticloa, Ampara districts etc; could be used for organic manure. The research paper dealt with all aspects of making manure. The straw from these districts is not put into economical use. Who should implement these proposals at least on an experimental basis? The Departments of Agriculture, Agrarian Services, Irrigation and the Ministries should make a joint effort for the benefit of farmers without consideration of the political mileage to be achieved. At a recent seminar held at the National Science Foundation it was pointed out that two million households could be supplied with solar power. Have we taken suitable action to exploit these resources to improve the living conditions of the villagers and in the meantime provide cheap energy for domestic industries? Recent research papers by Dr. M.W.N. Dharmawardane have spotlighted the potential for agro-industrialization through sugar industry diversification. The article dealt with many facets applicable to improve rural living. Sugar cane jaggery was a substitute used for sugar by our villagers then. Sugar cane was used for Ayruvedic decoctions for severe coughs and respiratory disorders. With the open market and globalization, people got used to the use of sugar as it was commonly and easily available. The new Minister for Rural Development who has his roots in the rural NCP should get his officials to read Dr. Dharmawardana's article and prepare a working paper for implementation as all matters raised in the article applicable to the dry zone and the whole country with minimum costs and overheads. It is only the willingness and capacity to implement such programmes to improve the rural economy that are needed today. Late President Ranasinghe Premadasa through his 200 garment factories gave a fillip to the rural economy. Can the vibrant JVP carry forward such drastic development programmes for the country? It will be a good idea if the Minister can implement some of the research findings of the Sugar Cane Institute in the sugar cane industry areas of Kantale, Hingurana and Pelwatte at least on an experimental basis. |
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