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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Open Access
Optimum thresher parameters for high moist paddy
(Department of Farm Power Machinery and Energy, Kelappaji College of Agricultural Engineering and Technology, Tavanur, 1993) Hamza, Mollakadavath; KAU; Sivaswami, M
The study undertaken by the newly development 1 hp paddy thresher to optimise its parameters for high moist paddy revealed that the peripheral velocity from 10.80 to 21.72 m/s on the rasp – bar, spike tooth, double directional spiral cylinders didn’t influence much on the threshing efficiency. When the moisture content was increased to 35 per cent, the threshing efficiency was brought down from 98.4 to 92 per cent for rasp – bar cylinder and was increased from 88 per cent to 94 per cent in the case of double directional spiral cylinder. The maximum threshing efficiency of 99 percent was achieved for spike tooth cylinder at 19.2 per cent moisture level. The maximum threshing efficiency of 94% and the maximum output of 340 kg/h were achieved with the double directional spiral cylinder when the moisture content was 35% per cent. The proto – type thresher was found to reduce the cost of threshing to 81 per cent and reduction in labour to 85.16 per cent compared to the manual threshing.
Open Access
Development and field evaluation of a cardomom polishing machine
(Department of Farm Power Machinery and Energy, Kelappaji College of Agricultural Engineering and Technology, Tavanur, 1999) Anu, Ray Mathew; KAU; Mohammad, C P
Cardamom capsules when dried have a dried flower stalk which is hard to be removed by manual operation. For destalkinq, a power operated cardamom polishing machine was developed, tested and its performance was evaluated. A polishing drum with attached wooden blades seperated the dried capsules fed in. from the flower stalk attached and were collected seperately. A single phase 1 hp motor served as power source. A 3-factlJr, factorial experiment in Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with drum speed, feed/batch, and retention time as independent variables was performed.
Open Access
Design, fabrication and testing of a power operated paddy dibbler
(Department of Farm Power Machinery and Energy, Kelappaji College of Agricultural Engineering and Technology, Tavanur, 1996) Jayarajan, R; KAU; Jippu, Jacob
A 2-row power operated paddy dibbler was designed, fabricated and tested at Kelapaji College of Agricultural Engineering and Technology, Thavanur. The main components of the dibbler were two seed boxes, plungers reciprocating within the seed tubes, fluted roller seed metering mechanism, dibbler wheels, stationary cam, frame and transport wheels. The seed tubes were fixed radially around the dibbler wheel with 45 mm of it projecting outwards for penetrating the soil. The plunger was actuated by a stationary cam and during its upward stroke it uncovered the farther end of the seed transfer tube and transferred the seeds into the seed tube and then into the holes made in the soil. In the downward stroke the plunger closed the seed transfer tube. Simultaneously the fluted roller transferred the seeds in to the seed transfer tube. The average speed of operation of the dibbler was 1.32 kmph and its field capacity and field efficiency were 0.031 ha/h and 78.18 per cent respectively. The average number of seeds dropped per hill was 5 and the seed rate obtained was 78 kg/ha. The seeds were placed within the confines of the holes made by the seed tube and plunger. There was absolutely no scattering. The depth of placement varied from 3.8 to 4.6 cm. The operating cost of the dibbler was Rs. 502.58/ha. This mechanism offers scope for developing dibblers with more number of rows for being operated more economically.
Open Access
Modification and performance evaluation of six row rice transplanter for conventional seedlings
(Department of Farm Power Machinery and Energy, Kelappaji College of Agricultural Engineering and Technology, Tavanur, 1990) Bainu, T Kuzhively; KAU; Sivaswami, M
The work was carried out at the Kelappaji College of Agricultural Engineering and Technology, Tavanur. The six – row rice transplanter was originally designed for mat type seedlings. Considering the importance of a transplanter using conventional type seedlings, the above transplanter was modified. The modifications were completed in three stages. The performance evaluation of the modified six row rice transplanter was conducted after each stage of modification. The average number of seedlings per hill could be reduced from the average value of six seedlings per hill before modification to 2.27 seedlings per hill after the modifications. The missing hills percentage was brought down from 20.83 per cent to 5.55 per cent and the floating hills percentage was reduced from 10 to 5.55. Percentage of damaged hills was reduced from 23.3 to 8.8. The field capacity of the machine was improved from 0.0139 ha/hr to 0.0162 ha/hr and field efficiency from 48.26 percent to 56.87 per cent. The use of the modified transplanter is profitable if it is operated beyond one hectare per annum. It gives a saving of Rs. 618.00 per hectare compared to the conventional hand transplanting giving a 2. 4 times reduction in total cost. The pay back period of the modified transplanter is 2.24 years when the annual utilization is 2 hectares per annum and 1.13 years when the annual utilization is 3 hectares per annum.
Open Access
Evaluation of low-cost lining materials for field channels
(Department of Land and Water Resources and Conservation Engineering, Kelappaji College of Agricultural Engineering and Technology, Tavanur, 2000) Abdu, Mudesir Issa; KAU; Reema, K P
Seepage losses from field channels are too high, making surface irrigation the inefficient method of water application. The high cost of lining hindered the use of most of the common lining materials for lining field channels. With an objective of identifying and testing low cost lining materials for field channels, a study was conducted at K.C.A.E.T., Tavanur. Four low-cost materials were tested in the experiments. The physical property tests on different RHA-cement types showed that the waterpercentages required to attain standard consistency of the RHA-cements ranged between 58.33 to 58.53. The mean initial setting times observed were ranging from 55.67 min, for RHA-20, to 241.39 min., for RHA-40. The final setting times ranged between 397.74 and 600.36 min. The compressive strengths of the RHA-cement made mortars were determined after 3, 7, 14, and 28 days of curing. The two factor analyses of variance revealed that both the days of curing and RHA-cement types were sources of variation. RHA-20 mortars were significantly weaker than RHA-25 and RHA-30 mortars for 7 days of curing, and for 14 and 28 days of curing a significant difference in the compressive strengths ofRHA-20 and RHA-30 was observed. The average seepage rates were obtained as 3.536, 92.786, 356.278, 26.190 and 633.296 Vm2/day for plastic, RHA-30, Kaolinitic clay, Bentonite lined and the unlined channels respectively. The respective steady seepage rates from plastic, RHA-30, Kaolinitic clay, Bentonite lined and the unlined channels were 0.984, 72.283, 260.256, 12.530 and 433.886 Vm2/day. Plastic lining saved 99.774 per cent of the seepage as compared le. ti:,unlined. RHA-20, RHA.:.25, and RHA-40 linings respectively were having steady seepage rates of 150.917,11.959, 101.161 lIm2/day and saved 65.377, 74.315, and 76.792 of the seepage against the control.The RHA-30 lined surface was the smoothest with a roughness coefficient of 0.01853, the same were 0.0236, 0.0255, 0.02497 and 0.0238 respectively for plastic, Kaolinitic clay, Bentonite and unlined surfaces. The total number of weeds grown on plastic, RHA-30, Kaolinitic clay, Bentonite and unlined surfaces respectively were 294, 7, 287, 163,and 547. The initial costs of constructing I Km length of field channel were obtained as Rs.54657.86, 83008.84, 68062.50, 81490.31 and 21000.00 for plastic, RHA-30, Kaolinitic clay, Bentonite and unlined channels respectively. The actual cost required to construct the five 10 m channels with plastic, RHA-30, Kaolinitic clay, Bentonite linings and with out lining respectively were Rs. 548.40, 832.15, 618.45, 1330.08 and 210.00. From the overall compansons of water tightness" surface roughness, weed controlling ability, structural stability, durability and cost RHA-30 lining was found to be the best among the tested lining materials. A combination type lining using plastic and RHA-cement as a cover will probably be an ideal lining, as each can complement the shortcomings of the other.
Open Access
Design development and evaluation of a low cost paddy thresher
(Department of Farm Power Machinery and Energy, Kelappaji College of Agricultural Engineering and Technology, Tavanur, 1991) Mathew, John; KAU; Sankaranarayanan, M R
Though several high capacity threshers are available in the country for different crops, no thresher is found suitable for small and marginal rice farmers. Hence a low cost portable paddy thresher was developed and tested. The power operated machine consists of base, side frames, front grain shield and wire-loop cylinder. The power from the 0.5 hp motor is transmitted to the cylinder shaft by belt and pully arrangement. The optimum cylinder speed is 400 rpm. The capacity of the thresher at 14.26 per cent moisture content is 451.84 kg paddy per hour and threshing efficiency is 95.08 per cent. The mechanical damage of the grain is negligible. Two labourers are required for the whole operation. The size of the thresher is 635 x 500 x 715 mm having a gross weight of 47 kg. The cost of the thresher was worked out to be around Rs. 3600 and the cost of operation for threshing paddy was Rs. 3.00 per quintal. The unit can be fabricated by local artisans from the readily available materials and can successfully be maintained by small and marginal farmers.
Open Access
Development and performance evaluation of a rotary tillage attachment to the KAU garden tractor
(Department of Farm Power Machinery and Energy, Kelappaji College of Agricultural Engineering and Technology, Tavanur, 1990) Jose, C M; KAU; Sivaswami, M
Considering the advantages of rotary tillers over non-powered tillage tools, and in order to make the KAU garden tractor a versatile farm power unit, a rotary tillage attachment for the garden tractor was developed and tested. The main components of the rotary tillage attachment are mainframe, power transmission system, blade assembly, hitching mechanism and protective cover. The depth of tillage obtained is 10 to 15 cm and the effective width of field coverage is 30 to 32 cm. The actual field capacity of the machine is 0.054 ha per hr and the quantity of fuel required to operate the machine is 0.860 1 per hr. Operator can easily walk behind the rotary tiller and turn the garden tractor to either side. The cost of production of the rotary tillage attachment is Rs. 1500.00 and the total cost of ploughing per hectare using the machine is Rs. 450.00.
Open Access
Optimal number and discharge rate of emitters for coconut palm in sandy loam soil
(Department of Irrigation and Drainage Engineering, Kelappaji College of Agricultural Engineering and Technology, Tavanur, 2000) Priya Nair, G; KAU; Suseela, P
AgricullurClI productivity is based on the availability of required water at proper time. As water is becoming Cl limited resource its efficient utilization is very essential. The distribution of rainfall in Kcrala is not adequate to meet the total welter requirement of coconut. Coconut in Kerala are mostly grown in sandy soils which has a poor water holding capacity. So drip irrigation is the best method of irriqation for coconut in this soil. The efficient design of drip irrigation system involves the optimal spacing of emitters, correct discharge rate anr' duration of inigc\lion based on the movement of soil moisture front. So the study of moisture distribution pattern under chip irriU(ltion is helpful in deciding optimum number and discharge rate of emitters and duration of irriqation required for coconut palms The study was conducted in the river side coconut gc)rdr.n of the instruclional Farm, I~CAET, TaVilrH1I. The size of the plot was 28x63m. The soil properties viz texture. bulk dcn-itv. infiltration rate, field capacity. hydraulic conductivity and permanent \vi!;JI1q point were observed. The drip system was installed in the fielc! Two different c!ischarge rates (4 and 8lph) and three f combination of number of emitters (3,<'1 & 6) were selected for the study. The maximum vertical and horizontal advance of soil moisture front for both the discharge rates (4 and 8 Iph) were noted. Empirical equations were also developed for both vertical and horizontal advance. The soil moisture contents were determined at different horizontal anc! vertical distances from the emitter, before irriqation, 1 hour, 24 hours and 3 days after irrigation by gravimetric method. The soil moisture contour maps were plotted and the moisture distribution efficiency was calculated for each treatment at all depths. The maximum vertical and horizontal advance was observed for 8 lph emitter compared to 4 Iph emitter. The welting front from a single emitter produced C\ bulb like \Netting pattern for both the discharges. The size of the wetting bulb increased with increase in discharge rate. The study revealed that 4 numbers of 8 Iph emitters give more uniform distribution compared to all the other treatments.
Open Access
Optimization of greenhouse ventilation for humid tropics
(Department of Irrigation and Drainage Engineering, Kelappaji College of Agricultural Engineering and Technology, Tavanur, 2000) Jinu, A; KAU; Abdul Hakkim, V M
In any agricultural sector, the need of the hour is to maximize the yield per unit area to cater the needs of our population, which is exploding at an alarming rate. Protected cultivation or controlled environment agriculture is one of the methods to increase the crop production from unit area. Of the various forms of protected cultivation, greenhouses are most common. Our state falls under humid tropical climatic condition. Greenhouse cooling is to be done during peak hours of daytime under this climatic condition. Ventilation plays an important role in green house cooling. A study was conducted to determine the optimum greenhouse ventilation for humid tropics and to analyze the effect of different cooling methods viz. natural ventilation, fan and pad system, mist system and roof shading on greenhouse cooling. The study showed that natural ventilation could reduce the greenhouse temperature to a great extent. The different percentages of ventilation used for the experiment were 13.8, 11.5, 9.2, 6.9, 4.6 and 2.3. The study was also conducted without ventilation. As percentage ventilation increases, greenhouse cooling increases and inside relative humidity decreases. 13.8 percent ventilation gave maximum greenhouse cooling and this value is taken as the optimum percentage of natural ventilation. But the natural ventilation alone cannot meet the cooling requirement during peak hours. Fan and pad system is found to be not effective for greenhouse cooling in this particular study. Even 2.3 percentage of natural ventilation condition gave better cooling than fan and pad cooling system. Misting is an effective method to lower down the greenhouse temperature within a short period of time. Misting was done along with fans at different percentages of ventilation and the different climatic parameters were studied. The results showed that while misting, the maximum cooling was obtained at 2.3 percent of ventilation. Effect of roof shading on greenhouse cooling was tested with one shade net over the greenhouse. Roof shade has a significant effect on greenhouse cooling. Th inside temperature of the greenhouse was higher than the outside temperature by more than lOoe during peak hours of the day time, when no ventilation was provided and fan and pad system, mist system and shade cover were not used. But when the green house was covered with a shade net, an inside to outside temperature difference of one or two degree was observed. Also, while operating fan and pad system and mist system, shaded condition gave better cooling. Fan and pad system operated without shade cover, could not bring down the greenhouse temperature below ambient temperature. But for the shaded condition, greenhouse temperature could be lowered to a value less than the ambient temperature. Misting under shaded condition at 2.3 percent ventilation gave maximum cooling. Misting inside an unshaded greenhouse at 2.3 percent ventilation could bring down the greenhouse temperature to 32°C, but misting inside a shaded greenhouse at 2.3 percent ventilation lowered the greenhouse temperature to 29°C. Use of two shade net layers did not give any additional cooling, and at this condition the light intensity inside the greenhouse was only 10 percent of the outside light intensity. It only increases the cost of the greenhouse and hence it is not recommended to use two shade net layers for greenhouses.

Kerala Agricultural University, Thrissur

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