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Kerala Agricultural University, Thrissur

The history of agricultural education in Kerala can be traced back to the year 1896 when a scheme was evolved in the erstwhile Travancore State to train a few young men in scientific agriculture at the Demonstration Farm, Karamana, Thiruvananthapuram, presently, the Cropping Systems Research Centre under Kerala Agricultural University. Agriculture was introduced as an optional subject in the middle school classes in the State in 1922 when an Agricultural Middle School was started at Aluva, Ernakulam District. The popularity and usefulness of this school led to the starting of similar institutions at Kottarakkara and Konni in 1928 and 1931 respectively. Agriculture was later introduced as an optional subject for Intermediate Course in 1953. In 1955, the erstwhile Government of Travancore-Cochin started the Agricultural College and Research Institute at Vellayani, Thiruvananthapuram and the College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences at Mannuthy, Thrissur for imparting higher education in agricultural and veterinary sciences, respectively. These institutions were brought under the direct administrative control of the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Animal Husbandry, respectively. With the formation of Kerala State in 1956, these two colleges were affiliated to the University of Kerala. The post-graduate programmes leading to M.Sc. (Ag), M.V.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees were started in 1961, 1962 and 1965 respectively. On the recommendation of the Second National Education Commission (1964-66) headed by Dr. D.S. Kothari, the then Chairman of the University Grants Commission, one Agricultural University in each State was established. The State Agricultural Universities (SAUs) were established in India as an integral part of the National Agricultural Research System to give the much needed impetus to Agriculture Education and Research in the Country. As a result the Kerala Agricultural University (KAU) was established on 24th February 1971 by virtue of the Act 33 of 1971 and started functioning on 1st February 1972. The Kerala Agricultural University is the 15th in the series of the SAUs. In accordance with the provisions of KAU Act of 1971, the Agricultural College and Research Institute at Vellayani, and the College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, were brought under the Kerala Agricultural University. In addition, twenty one agricultural and animal husbandry research stations were also transferred to the KAU for taking up research and extension programmes on various crops, animals, birds, etc. During 2011, Kerala Agricultural University was trifurcated into Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (KVASU), Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies (KUFOS) and Kerala Agricultural University (KAU). Now the University has seven colleges (four Agriculture, one Agricultural Engineering, one Forestry, one Co-operation Banking & Management), six RARSs, seven KVKs, 15 Research Stations and 16 Research and Extension Units under the faculties of Agriculture, Agricultural Engineering and Forestry. In addition, one Academy on Climate Change Adaptation and one Institute of Agricultural Technology offering M.Sc. (Integrated) Climate Change Adaptation and Diploma in Agricultural Sciences respectively are also functioning in Kerala Agricultural University.

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Subject: Agricultural Economics × Author: Divya, K × End date: 2009 × Start date: 2003 × Type: Thesis × Thesis Type: M.Sc ×
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Demand for environmental quality- the case of eco-friendly technologies in crop production
    (College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2007) Divya, K; KAU; Indira, Devi P
    The study entitled “Demand for Environmental Quality – The case of eco-friendly technologies in crop production” was conducted in Thrissur district of Kerala state, on two major food crops (rice and banana). The main objectives were analysing the market structure of organic inputs in agriculture and identifying the factors influencing the adoption of ecofriendly technologies. The study was undertaken during March to July 2007. The data was gathered from 160 farmers through personal interview method using structured pretested interview schedule. The samples were selected by the random sampling method. 80 each banana and rice farmers were selected of which 40 each were following chemical based agriculture and the rest organic farming or IPM. Apart from this the organic input supplying commercial firms in the area were also contacted. The eco friendly rice farmers applied organic manures at an average level of 2479 Kg /ha, which is 57% higher than that of their counterparts. In banana it is higher by 88%. Cow dung is the major manure accounting for 61-74% of the total organic manure application, mainly from own sources. Biofertilizer application was not noticed in any of the farms. The nutrients supplied through chemical fertilizers were lower (up to 35% in Sulphur in rice and 85% in Phosphorus in banana) than the chemical based farms. Similarly the use of pest control chemicals was also comparatively less. The labour use in ecofriendly farms was found to be marginally higher (3%) with a 10 –15% higher level of women labour use. The total cost of cultivation (cost C1) of ecofriendly rice farms was 10% higher at Rs. 17097/ha, realising only 7% higher net income (Rs.4541/ha). This leads to same BC ratio of 1.27 (at cost C1 level) in both types of farms. In banana, the cost is 37% (Rs. 60044/ha) less in ecofriendly farms, with a 27% fall in yield. The gain in net income is only 2%. Hence the BC ratio of ecofriendly farms is comparatively high at 3.00 than their counterpart farms (2.20). The supply side analysis of organic inputs shows the presence of six channels in the study area. Ten major firms (most of them certified) together were selling 135 tones of bio inputs in an year. However official quality testing data shows the presence of substandard samples in the market. The major factors that influence the farmer to follow eco friendly farming method were identified with the analysis using a logit model. Area under the crop, perception of yield loss (1% level) and experience in farming (5% level) were found to have a negative influence while the training support (1% level) and mass media exposures(10% level) were observed to have a significant positive influence. The study suggests programme for local production of organic inputs and scientific monitoring system for quality control of commercial organic inputs. The market support programme for safe produce may be thought of to realise a higher price. The training and mass media may be used as an effective tool for awareness creation. Realistic information of yield performance in ecofriendly farms and its effective dissemination is important. Small farm owners are more likely to shift to eco friendly methods and hence they may be focused. The study suggests future line of work in favour of organic input market in Kerala.