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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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2004 - 20055
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Subject: Agricultural Economics × End date: 2005 × Start date: 2004 × Type: Thesis ×
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Now showing 1 - 5 of 5
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Integrated pest management in rice production: resource use efficiency and relative economics
    (Department of Agricultural Economics, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2005) Saijyothi, D; KAU; Indira Devi, P
    The present study entitled Integrated Pest Management in rice production: resource use efficiency and relative economics, was conducted in Kuttanad region of Kerala, India with the specific objectives of evaluating the economics of IPM technology over the traditional practice and to assess the resource use efficiency. The study pertaining to the summer crop in the area (November 2004 to February 2005) was undertaken during March to July 2005 A sample of 70 farmers each from IPM and Non-IPM category were selected by conducting a preliminary survey to categorise the farmers under each group. The production details of paddy were gathered from both the groups using a pretested structured questionnaire by personal interview method. The management under IPM programme starts from the very beginning of the crop calendar, starting with the varietal selection, its source, seed rate and method of planting. Though both types of farms were sowing only recommended varieties, seed rate was much above the recommended level in the case of non IPM group and they primarily relied on farm saved seeds. It was the reverse in the case of IPM farms. The level of application of fertilizers and soil ameliorants was lower in the case of IPM farms. Among the various inputs in crop production, labour was the most important single item of expenditure in paddy production. The total labour use in IPM farms was found to be 75 man-days per hectare i.e., 5.63 per cent higher than that of Non-IPM farms (71 man days per hectare). This is primarily due to the additional labour required in IPM farms for weeding (due to lesser amount of weedicide use), land preparation (additional ploughing), harvesting (higher yield) and IPM measures. Thus the total expenditure on seeds and sowing, fertilizer application and plant protection charges were 67.15 per cent higher in the Non-IPM group. Contrary to this, the expenditure on land preparation, weeding and harvesting operations together, were 11.93 per cent higher in IPM group. Total cost of cultivation was estimated as 5.07 per cent higher in Non-IPM group (Rs31536/ha) compared to IPM group (Rs 29841/ha) Apart from the cost saving, relatively higher yield (45.23 quintals per hectare) was also there in IPM farms compared to the other group.(44.46 quintals per hectare). The partial budgeting analysis have revealed that the cost saving coupled with higher yield realization in IPM farms has resulted in an additional net private gain in income to the tune of Rs 2824 per hectare Benefit cost ratio at Cost A1 was estimated as 1.85 (Non-IPM) and it was 2.06 for IPM farms inferring rice cultivation under IPM, as more beneficial than chemical based cultivation. At cost C3 level, the non IPM groups were more prone to risk as the BC Ratio was very close to unity Cobb-Douglas production function was fitted to assess the efficiency of resource use in paddy cultivation for both IPM and Non-IPM farms. It could be concluded that IPM farms were economically more efficient in resource utilization than the Non-IPM counter parts. Though most of the farmers were aware of the potential hazards of excessive chemical use in agriculture, and got exposed to adequate training, the spread of the technology is constrained by factors like, the perception of a yield loss, difficulties in water management and labour problems. But those who have adopted the technology was found to be aware of the short-term nature of yield reduction and cost saving aspects of the technology. The policy suggestions are made based on the findings and future line of work is also suggested.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Price behaviour of coconut and coconut products in India
    (Department of Agricultural Economics, College of Horticulture,Vellanikkara, 2005) Jaisal Babu N; Sathees Babu
    The coconut-based industry in India revolves around the price behaviour of coconut oil, which in turn depends on the price and overall availability of other vegetable oils. It is against this background that the study entitled "Price behaviour of coconut and coconut products in India" was undertaken with the specific objective to study the secular trend, seasonality and irregular movements in the price of coconut and major coconut products in India, and to assess the implications of liberalized exim policies. The study was conducted during the year 2004-05, using secondary data. It was found that an exponential growth model gave the best fit for area and production of coconut where as a quadratic form turned out to be the best fit for yield. The analysis showed that the area and production in the long run exhibited an increasing trend, while the productivity was highly fluctuating . • There was a clear shift in the export basket of coconut products, with coconut • oil cake being the major item exported in the sixties, which is now occupied by coconut oil and coir products. Similarly, copra was the major item of import in the sixties, which is now occupied by coconut oil. The price behaviour of coconut and its• products were studied using the , . classical time series analysis. The prices of coconut, copra and coconut oil had a tendency to increase in the long run. The domestic price of copra and coconut oil was higher than the international price during theperiod under study, The domestic markets were well integrated for coconut products under consideration on the one hand, with the international market on the other hand. There were marked seasonal variations in the pnces of coconut and its products, with coconut prices remaining low during the months of peak production and high when production was low. The peaking and depression were found to have advanced by one or two months in the post WTO period. Price cycles of three to four years were observed iri all the three domestic • markets studied for coconut, copra and coconut oil. It was also interesting to note that the amplitude of cycle was found to wane in the post WTO period of the study. There was wide spread irregular movements in the price of coconut and its products under reference. There were indications than the irregular movements contributed to higher price fluctuations. The study of export competitiveness of copra and coconut oil using the . nominal protection coefficient revealed that both copra and coconut oil are not trade competitive in tht« international market at the existing price levels. The policy analysis with regard to edible oil sector in general and the coconut sector in particular showed that the general policy. regimes and instruments of Government of India were distinctly different with regard to. the edible oil sector in general and tliat of coconut oil and palm oil in particular. The import duty structure was found to be inadequate to regulate the surge of imports of palm oil and its variants from 1994 to 2003, calling for rationalization of the import duty structure.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Production and marketing of vegetables in Palakkad district
    (Department of Agricultural Economics, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2005) Sreela, P; KAU; Thomas, E K
    The present study on the economic analysis of production and marketing of vegetables in Palakkad district was aimed at analyzing the economics of vegetables viz; bittergourd, snakegourd and ivy gourd and to assess the technical efficiency, marketing efficiency and constraints faced by the vegetable growers. The study was conducted in Nemmara block of Palakkad district, which was one of the major vegetable growing belts in the district having a larger proportion of area under bittergourd, snakegourd and ivy gourd when compared to other vegetables. A sample of 60 growers for each vegetable was selected. Two stage random sampling procedure was adopted for the study and percentage analysis was used to analyse the data. The profitability was estimated using ABC cost concepts and technical efficiency was estimated using stochastic frontier production function of Cobb Douglas form. Bulkline costs were calculated for the three vegetables. Marketing efficiency was worked out using Shepherd’s formula. Total expenditure at Cost C3 at aggregate level was Rs.105717, Rs.103277, Rs.137498 and Rs.98711 for bittergourd, snakegourd, ivy gourd-main crop and ivy gourd-ratoon crop respectively. The explicit costs, which included all the paid out costs, were Rs.55027, Rs.54293, Rs.72934 and Rs.38217 respectively for the three vegetables. The outputs per hectare were 23721 kg/ha, 23999 kg/ha, 19364 kg/ha and 16764 kg/ha respectively in the case of bittergourd, snakegourd, ivy gourd (main crop) and ivy gourd (ratoon crop). The total value of output per hectare of these vegetables were 1.86 lakh, 1.17 lakh,1.36 lakh and1.17 lakh rupees in the respective order. Cost of production per quintal of bittergourd were Rs.226, Rs.247, Rs.226, Rs.261, Rs.370 Rs.405 and Rs.446 per quintal in the respective order for cost A1, cost A2, cost B1, cost B2, cost C1 cost C2 and C3. These costs were observed in the respective order as Rs.226, Rs.247, Rs.226, Rs.261, Rs.359, Rs.391 and Rs.430 in the case of snakegourd. An amount of Rs.344, Rs.375, Rs.344, Rs.473, Rs.516, Rs.646 and Rs.710 respectively were spent to produce one quintal of ivy gourd-main crop on the above costs. The corresponding figures for ivy gourd-ratoon crop were Rs.234, Rs.269, Rs.234, Rs.383, Rs.386 Rs.535 and Rs.589. Bulkline cost per quintal for bittergourd, snakegourd, ivy gourd (main crop) and ivy gourd (ratoon crop) were Rs.508, Rs.484, Rs.852 and Rs.768 respectively. The net income for bittergourd, snakegourd and ivy gourd (main crop) and ivy gourd (ratoon crop) were Rs.80478, Rs. 13288, Rs. –1951 and Rs.18636 respectively. At cost C3 level, benefit cost ratio of bittergourd and snakegourd were 1.76 and 1.13 in the respective order. The corresponding figures for ivy gourd-main crop and ivy gourd-ratoon crop were 0.99 and 1.16 respectively. Bittergourd had the highest BC ratio (3.38) at paid out cost level followed by ivygourd-ratoon crop (3.07), snakegourd (2.15) and ivy gourd-main crop (1.86) For bittergourd, snakegourd and ivy gourd, mean technical efficiencies were 0.85,0.91 and 0.58 respectively when land was included as one of the variables. In the case where mounds were added as a variable instead of land, mean technical efficiencies were worked out to be 0.88 for bittergourd and 0.92 for both snakegourd and ivy gourd. Technical efficiency of the individual farms varied widely between 30 and 100 per cent. The channel, Producer – VFPCK market – wholesaler – Retailer– consumer, was the most important marketing channel in the case of bittergourd and snake gourd, while the channel, Producer – Commission agent – Wholesaler – Retailer – Consumer was identified as the most important one for ivy gourd. In the case of bitter gourd, producer’s share in consumer’s rupee was Rs. 7.6 (50.70 per cent) whereas in the case of snakegourd it was Rs. 4.75 (47.50 per cent). For ivy gourd, the same was Rs. 5.44 per kg. (36.3 per cent). The index of marketing efficiency was highest for bittergourd (1.03) followed by snakegourd (0.91) and ivy gourd (0.57). The most important constraint faced by the vegetable growers in the study area was the incidence of pests and diseases. It was followed by the problems of high input cost, inadequacy of capital, non-availability of labor and low price of the produce
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Production and marketing of vanilla
    (Department of Agricultural Economics, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2005) Deepa, U V; KAU; Jesy, Thomas K
    The present study on the economics of production and marketing of vanilla aims to estimate the costs and returns in vanilla cultivation, identify the marketing channels and marketing costs along with the analysis of the price behaviour and trade competitiveness of vanilla in Kerala The cost of cultivation was worked out using operation wise approach and input wise approach by employing the ABC cost concepts in farm management. Small sized, medium sized and large sized vanilla plantations behaved differently in incurring costs during the establishment, steady yield and declining yield periods. The total cost of establishment at the aggregate level was Rs.1, 45,102 per hectare and it ranged from Rs. 1,37,445 per hectare in small holdings to Rs. 1,54,776 per hectare in medium sized holdings. The annual maintenance cost during the stabilized yield period worked out to Rs.57829 per hectare at the aggregate level and it was Rs. 55456,Rs.58343 and Rs.58577 per hectare for small, medium and large holdings respectively. The annual maintenance cost during the declining yield period worked out to Rs57313 at the aggregate level and it was Rs. 56042, Rs. 58158, and Rs. 58507 for small, medium and large holdings. Input wise analysis of costs for establishment stage showed that cost C3 at the aggregate level worked out to Rs. 193205. The total Cost C3 for steady yield stage worked out to Rs. 81057 at the aggregate level and it was Rs 77508, Rs. 83444 and Rs. 83466 for small, medium and large holdings respectively. During the declining yield stage cost C3 at the aggregate level worked out to Rs.79407, and it was Rs. 77320,Rs. 819175and Rs. 81354 for Small, medium and large farmers respectively. The returns from green beans started from third year and it remained stable from fourth to seventh year and declined during eighth to fifteenth year. . The returns from the by product commenced from the third year onwards and increased during the steady yield stage and declining yield stage. It was observed that cost of production was more during the later stages of growth than the beginning stages of vanilla production. A higher benefit cost ratio and high NPW for small holdings pointed out its higher profitability compared to medium and large holdings. The major marketing channels identified were Producer-Local agent –exporter, Producer Exporter, Producer - vanilla growers association- exporter. It was found that it was highly beneficial for the vanilla grower to go for on farm processing of the beans instead of selling as raw beans, if they could maintain the required international quality of the beans. The major constraints faced by the farmers were price fluctuations, lack of marketing facilities, lack of knowledge on processing
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Impact of command area development authority (CADA): an economic analysis of Neyyar irrigation project
    (Department of Agricultural Economics, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2004) Aswathy Vijayan; KAU; Satheesbabu, K
    Water is the most precious natural resource providing life-supporting system for plants, animals as well as human beings. The twentieth century witnessed a tremendous growth in the use of water resulting in a mismatch between per capita water availability and its use. It is against this background that the study entitled “Impact of Command Area Development Authority: An Economic Analysis of Neyyar Irrigation Project” was undertaken with the specific objectives of evaluating the socio-economic impact of Neyyar Irrigation Project in the command area and to identify the operational problems. The study was carried out during the year 2003-04. The study was based on primary as well as secondary data. A stratified random sampling method was employed to collect information from 60 beneficiary farmers from the head, middle and tail reaches, and 60 non-beneficiary farmers. The study revealed that while the beneficiary farmers devoted more cropped area under more water demanding crops, the non-beneficiaries gave less thrust on water demanding crops. The cropping intensity (115.68%) and gross area irrigated (81.35%) was more for beneficiaries when compared to non-beneficiaries. The crop productivity and gross margin of major crop enterprises like banana, coconut, and vegetables were higher for the beneficiary farmers than the non-beneficiaries. The increase in yield was 11.22 per cent for banana (Nendran), and 4.84 per cent for coconut. In vegetables also, the crop yield was higher for the beneficiaries. In the case of rain fed crops like tapioca, the crop yield was more for non-beneficiary farmers. The actual utilization index showed that the cumulative area actually brought under irrigation has increased from 53 per cent in 1985 to 75 percent in 2003. The Financial Self Sufficiency ratio showed that the revenue from water cess was recovering only 8 per cent of the operation and maintenance cost of the project. The financial analysis was carried out and which indicated the project was financially attractive with a benefit-cost ratio was estimated to 1.48, the NPV was Rs 43.12 lakhs, and the financial rate of return of 16 per cent. The economic analysis of the project by correcting the distortions on account of subsidies revealed that the project was economically attractive to the society with a benefit cost ratio of 5.66, a net present value of Rs 1018.31 lakh. The economic rate of returns on the irrigation investment was 35.47 per cent. The operational problems in on- farm irrigation were water scarcity in summer, improper maintenance of canals, lack of timely desiltation, unscientific channel construction and wastage of water and poor canal lining. There was no supply of water according to the crop requirement, and the system of rotational water supply (Warabandhi) was not practised.