From pollinating fruit, vegetable crops and nutritious honey – there are many roles bees play in the production of creating delicious tasting tea.
Why bees?
Honeybees and native bees are an integral part of the pollination system. Did you know they are responsible for the successful seeding of more than 90% of all flowering plants, and for fruiting of 30% of our food?
Current scenario scientists are researching the potential consequences of the rapid decline of the honey bee population due to the application of insecticide and other chemicals.
What are our initiatives?
Here at English Tea Shop, our Prajava farmer development initiative aims to help farming communities create sustainable businesses for future generations. As part of this initiative 15 beekeeping programs among farmer communities were carried out in the organic farming communities, in Mathale, Naula and Anuradhapura. The beekeeping program’s objective is to increase the bee population while contributing to the pollination of flowers. Hence creating additional income for organic farmers to improve their livelihoods.
The project was conducted by two agricultural instructors working in the Agriculture Department at Bidunuwewa. They have 14 years of experience in beekeeping. According to the program, a series of consultant-led workshops targeting farmers will be conducted in each ETS farming network to educate farmers on beekeeping. During the workshops, a booklet published by the Agricultural Department will be distributed to the farmers which have all the information on beekeeping.
What does it mean for farmers?
“I grow roses, marigolds, guava, and many other fruits and flowers. It was my first time participating in a program as such. I have learned so much about beekeeping and within the first session, I gained so much knowledge and why it is important to increase the bee population.” – Sandya, Madawala, Matale (Maarji Farming community)
At English Tea Shop, we work closely with everyone in our value chain to make our planet a better place for all living beings. We want to be part of creating a world that’s both environmentally secure and economically prosperous for generations to come. A world where all people are treated fairly and given the chance to grow and develop.
Through education and training, we aim to help farming communities create sustainable businesses for future generations. Knowledge gives people the power to change their world, so we continually help our people learn and grow through training. Read more about Prajāva in practice over our website.