Thumbnail Image

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.

Browse

20181
Reset filters
Subject: Agricultural Extension × Author: Akhil Ajith × Author: KAU × End date: 2019 × Start date: 2017 ×
Reset filters

Search Results

Now showing 1 - 1 of 1
  • Thumbnail Image
    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Farmer producer organizaions (fpos) of Idukki district: a multidimensional analysis on role, function and performance (rfp)
    (Department of Agricultural Extension, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2018) Akhil Ajith; KAU; Kishore Kumar, N
    The study entitled “Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) of Idukki district: A multidimensional analysis on role, function and performance” was conducted to understand and assess the role, function and performance of FPOs in Idukki district along with the socio- economic development of members and the various constraints related to formation, functioning and performance of FPOs. The location of study was whole of Idukki district, as the FPOs were spread throughout the district. Exhaustive selection of thirteen FPOs were made from the district and a total of 120 respondents were selected from these FPOs using probability proportion to size sampling Data collection was done using a structured interview schedule, prepared with necessary variables for the study. Obtained data was subjected to analysis using statistical tools such as, arithmetic mean, standard deviation, frequency, percentage, correlation analysis and principle component analysis. The study had two dependent variables, namely Group dynamics and Performance of FPO. The variable group dynamics had four component variables and it was used to develop a group dynamics index, on the basis of which the FPOs were ranked. In terms of Group dynamics Thodupuzha Farmers Agro PC (84.02%) ranked higher. Using principle component analysis it was found out that, of the four components, Group Cohesiveness contributed more to Group Dynamics. Performance of FPO had three components and it was also converted into index by taking the average of sum of indices of the individual components. In terms of Performance of FPO also Thodupuzha Farmers Agro PC(77.94%) ranked higher compared to other FPOs. Effect of group dynamics on performance was found out using correlational analysis and both variables were positively correlated. Majority (50.83%) of the respondents belonged to age category of more than 55 years (58.5%). More than half (55%) of the respondents had education up to high school level and majority of the respondents (78.33%) had farming as their sole profession. Most of the respondents (39.16%) had their annual income in the range of 0.6-2 lakhs. In case of social participation (85.33%) of the respondents were members and (57.5%) of the respondents had occasional participation. In terms of market orientation 80% of the respondents belonged to medium category. Extension agency contact for major share of the respondents (44.16%) was low but 54.16% of them had high extension participation. Among the five roles, role number one „Facilitate development of member farmers‟ was identified as the most important role. In terms of economic efficiency Green Vivo Agro PC was ranked as the most efficient. Medium socio- economic development was showcased for most of the respondents. These FPOs were supported by NABARD, Govt of Kerala, Supplyco etc in marketing, finance and functioning. Constraints faced by members and FPOs were found out by discussing with respondents. Major constraints faced by FPOs include competition from retailers and existing brands, difficulty in marketing products, lack of professional management, lack of adequate funds during incubation period, inadequate support from State, stringent export norms etc. Constraints faced by the members included lack of minimum support price for commodities, lack of storage facilities for their produces, unavailability of services in time, lack of proper extension services and political discrimination. Appointing professionally qualified personals as CEOs of these organizations, establishing dedicated market led extension services, assured market linkages through Govt system, Govt t based quality assurance and testing centers, providing interest free loans through government mechanisms during incubation period and assured minimum support price for commodities are some of the strategies and suggestions for improving the functioning of these FPOs As a result of the study it was found out that Group dynamics had a positive effect on Performance of FPO. Most of the respondents were found to be in medium level with respect to all components of independent variables except for extension contact. FPOs have a positive impact on socio-economic development of members. Members could identify increase in social participation and interaction after being part of the FPO. Lot numbers of constraints are faced by FPOs of Idukki district and better policy making is necessary for providing better support for these FPOs. As an institutional model FPOs can be successful if provided with better management and target orientation.