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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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ThesisItem Open Access Rationalisation of indigenous technical knowledge on pest management in the farm production systems of Palakkad District(Department of Agricultural extension, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2003) Swapna, T R; KAU; Ahamed, PThe study on "Rationalisation of Indigenous Technical Knowledge on pest m.anagement in the farm production systems of Palakkad district" was conducted with the over-riding objective of compiling. and cataloguing the Indigenous Technical Knowledge (ITK) including contemporary farmers' innovations in pest management in the major production systems, and analysing the evaluative perception and rationality of ITK items. The respondents of the study comprised of 150 farmers, 84 extensionists (including agricultural and veterinary departments) and 60 scientists, from agricultural and veterinary faculties. The study was conducted as a phased programme. The analysis of data elicited through Key Informant Workshops (KIW's) and Participatory Learning and Action (PLA) sessions were subjected to various statistical analyses. The results of the study confirmed that farmers have rich knowledge on pest management developed by their ancestors and peers. The results established that the farmers did not perceive all the traditional practices as good or sound. They defended their opinions based on multi- faceted technology evaluation attributes and field realities. The ITK's screened through KIW's when subjected to the researchers and extensionists showed high difference of opinion, though some sort of similarity was also observed, when the ITK attributes were considered separately. On combined effect of perceived effect and scientific rationality of ITK items, similarity of opinion was observed in high potential and low potential ITK's as perceived by researchers and extensionists. The ITK's screened through Key Informant Workshops, when subjected to the researchers and extensionists, received differential perceptions in many cases and agreement on others. Besides these, there existed high correlation and significant relationship between the perceived effect and scientific rationality of each ITK as perceived by researchers and extensionists. Hence it could be concluded that majority of the ITK items with high perceived effect were perceived to have high scientific rationality also, though a few showed no relation at all. This indicated that perceived effect of an ITK is highly influenced by its scientific rationality and vice versa. While analysing the combined response of researchers and extensionists on the perceived effect and scientific rationality of ITK items, separately, majority of the items seemed to be non significant. This shows that both researchers and extensionists differed greatly in the perception of an ITK on its perceived utility. It could be further narrowed down that the attitude and viewpoints of researchers were different from the extensionists. The critical examination of the data analysed proved that there existed some sort of agreement in response pattern given by the farmers, researchers and extensionists. There were some ITK's which showed similarity in the response of high ranking and low ranking ones as given by all the three-respondents. At the same time a few ITK's clearly discriminated the perception of researchers and extensionists. This means that there were a few ITK's that discriminated the researchers and extensionists widely and a few others which exhibited agreement. Results of the study indicated the need for indepth assessment and validation of ITK's at laboratory and field levels through multidisciplinary approach, other than mere documentation and romanticization of all traditional knowledge without reasoning. While doing so, all the dimensions related to each specific technology must be worked out.ThesisItem Open Access Micro credit and technology utilisation in vegetable production by self help groups in Thiruvananthapuram district(Department Of Agricultural Extension, College Of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2003) Priya Devi, S; KAU; Bhaskaran, CKerala is depending upon other states for meeting its vegetable requirements though the soil types and climate are suitable for large scale and commercial cultivation. To meet the resource crunch among farmers a supplementing rural credit system to the existing ones is needed. This research study was an enquiry into the reported increase in area of vegetable cultivation and financial viability due to micro credit provision among beneficiaries of Self Help Groups of Vegetable and Fruit Promotion Council Keralam (YFPCK), Thiruvananthapuram project area. The respondents were 30 experts and 120 beneficiaries from twelve SHGs of five Panchayats of Thiruvananthapuram district. The data were collected using pre-tested and structured interview schedule and questionnaire prepared for the purpose. Micro credit utilisation and technology adoption levels in vegetable production by Self Help Groups were analysed. Also micro credit need and gap were ascertained and constraints and suggestions listed down. Based on group dynamics indicators it was inferred that the SHGs were functioning at medium level. Further inadequacies and future prospects are needed to be managed effectively. The SHGs had> 70 per cent attendance level in meetings, one meeting was arranged per month and had homogenous membership. The loan amount availed was between Rs.40,000 to Rs.80,000 with uniform interest rate. Group savings of Rs.SOO to Rs.ISOO was reported. Usually < 8 books of account are kept which are maintained by a group member. Members of group had trainings conducted based on their felt needs facilitated by field officers. XS Majority of the beneficiaries were in the 'high' category in respect or all vital profile characteristics like experience, innovativeness, social participation. training and increase in income after joining group activity. This is Cl positive effect of group formation. Also regarding technology adoption rate group characteristics were significantly related and individual characters were not significant. The credit need and credit gap was Rs.238 per cent of land. Regarding market behaviour, field centres were preferred to market the produce, bicycle or autorickshaws were mostly used for transport of produce. It was seen that 67 per cent of respondents got their money as ready cash at the time of sales and 80 per cent were satisfied with marketing support provided. Export potential must be more facilitated. Total cost of cultivation for one cent of panthal crop was reported as RS.S38 per cent. The credit utilisation was complete. All the respondents had repaid completely the loan amount and hence repayment was complete. Constraints faced in rmcro credit servicmg were absence of subsidy, indebtedness of beneficiaries and formal book keeping difficulties. The short term nature, allotment season and meeting time were reported as less relevant constraints. Constraints faced in timely repayment of micro credit were high labour cost, market glut leading to low cost of produce and wilful defaulters. Political influence was not rated as major constraint. Interest rates were low and overdues were not expected to be written off by beneficiaries. Perception of experts was high about regular field visits by experts, experience sharing and compulsion by group pressure in repayment and utilisation of loan amount. Also monitoring and recording of adopted technologies which were not perceived as risky was enabled by micro credit. Perception of beneficiaries about micro credit was high with respect to benefit of more renewal chances, easy repayment installments, absence of collateral security, reduction in cost of borrowing and ensuring participatory approach. Also reduction in time spent, making farming profitable, experts visiting fields, convenient interest levels and satisfactory amount supplied was enabled by micro credit. Suggestions of beneficiaries and experts for improving micro credit supply relates to role of banks, government support and sustained group action. In the case of defaulters, bank intervention must be more easily and strict to avoid possible revenue recovery and smooth group functioning. Regarding improvement in repayment and sustained group action, more incentives must be provided. Government support in the form of subsidy, insurance and reduction in lease amount are needed.ThesisItem Open Access Rationalisation of idigenous technical knowledge on production management in the farm production systems of Palakkad district(Department of Agricultural Extension, College of Horticulture,Vellanikkara, 2003) Rajesh, P; KAU; Kaleel, F M HIndigenous Technical Knowledge (ITK) was recognized as a possible key to low external input sustainable agriculture that contributes both to sustainable agricultural production for the farmers, as well as a source of knowledge that can add on to the existing science based knowledge of the researchers. Identifying, documenting and incorporating indigenous knowledge systems into agricultural extension organizations were essential to achieve sustainable agricultural development. Keeping in VIew the objectives of the study and the perusal of available literature shows that most of the attributes included in the study were expost facto in nature and in expost facto studies the chance for manipulation by the researcher is very less. The study was conducted in Palakkad district. A multi stage sampling procedure was followed for selection of samples for the study. Out of the 13 developmental blocks five were selected based on the criteria of highest agricultural predominance and presence of at least three production systems out of five envisaged in the study namely rice based, homestead based mixed farming system, plantation including spices, seasonal crops and annual crops. One of the blocks was selected to represent one agro eco zone. Four panchayats were selected within each block based on the same criteria of highest agricultural predominance and presence of at least three production systems out of five. Thus 20 panchayats were included for the study. The objectives of the study necessitated the involvement of three types of respondents viz.,farmers, extension personnel and scientists. These three groups were referred as Farmers Sub System (FSS), Extension Sub System (ESS) and Research Sub System (RSS) respectively. There were 34 ITK practices in coconut, which were agreed as good practices by FSS and ESS and supported by RSS with rationalization. These practices were documented. In ginger six ITK practices were documented after evaluation by FSS and ESS and rationalization by scientists. In pepper five ITK practices were documented after evaluation by farmers and extension personnel and rationalization by scientists. Similar work can be done in other districts of Kerala so that a comprehensive ITK package can be developed. It was a must because almost all ITKs were location specific. Those ITKs, which were rated as good by the FSS, ESS and RSS, can be blended with modern technology and can be fed back to the farmers. The ITKs, which were not rationalized by the scientists but considered as good by the farmers, can be selected for further study. The correct dosage and other details like time of application and method of application can be developed for each ITK so that it will become more specific. Those ITKs, which were fool proof, can be included in the package of practices for the corresponding production systems.ThesisItem Open Access Viability of self help groups in vegetable and fruit promotion council Keralam- a multidimensional analysis(Department of Agricultural Extension, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2003) Fayas, A M; KAU; Seema, BThe study was conducted among the randomly selected 20 SHGs of the VFPCK in Thiruvananthapuram district. These SHGs were studied as such using the 21-point selection criteria developed by Sustainable Agriculture Center for Research and Development in Africa (SACRED – Africa) for analyzing the viability of SHGs. Viability refers to the potential of the groups in the areas of agricultural extension and marketing, by exploring and utilizing the manpower resources and other resources in a group, thus facilitating community development. The twenty SHGs were arranged in descending order according to the ranking obtained. The respondents were the individual farmers selected from the top five and bottom five of viability ranking. From the total 180 members present in the selected 10 SHGs, 50 percent of them were randomly selected for studying their economic performance, technology adoption, credit utilization and repayment. The data were collected using the pre-tested interview schedule developed for the study. The interview schedule prepared in English was translated into Malayalam before administrating to the respondents. To study the constraints faced by the farmers of SHGs, separate questionnaire was prepared. The collected data were analyzed using statistical tools such as mean, percentage, correlation analysis and principal component analysis. The dependent variables of the study were economic performance and technology adoption of the farmers. A number of independent variables like personal and socio psychological characters affect the two dependent variables. It was observed from the study that 80 percent of the SHGs had a membership ranging from 16-29 members and had a democratic style of functioning. Majority of the farmers belonged to the medium category for economic performance and technology adoption. The characters like economic motivation and social participation showed a positive significant relationship with economic performance. In the case of technology adoption, annual income, innovativeness and risk orientation showed a positive significant relationship. The credit repayment study showed that majority of the respondents had a high recovery index and the numbers of defaulters were very low. Also the credit utilization was complete. The major constraints felt by the respondents were the perishable nature of the vegetables and the delay in getting the price of the produce supplied. This is compounded by the lack of storage and transportation facilities. Majority of the farmers suggested to continue the friendly approach followed in SHGs.ThesisItem Open Access AoA under WTO agreements in spice sector in Kerala - a stakeholder analysis(Department of Agricultural Extension, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2003) Sajin, P T; KAU; Prasad, R MThe AoA under WTO has special significance to Kerala agriculture where in 70 per cent of the cropped area is occupied by crops such as coconut, tea, cashew, coffee, rubber, spices 'etc most of which involve international trade. Most of Kerala's cash crops have strong international competitors. Though AoA has far reaching implications in the marketing of spices, it is not clear as to how far the farmers, traders and development officers are conversant about the provisions of AOA and related aspects. With this in mind, the present study was undertaken with the main objective of analyzing the level of knowledge of keystakeholders about AoA and the perception of key' stakeholders about the impact of WTO agreements on spices production and marketing. The study was conducted in two districts of Kerala viz, Idukki and Ernakulam, the areas that are well known for spice cultivation. Three categories of stakeholders namely farmers, traders and development officers which altogether constituted 120 numbers formed the respondents. The data were collected using pre-tested and well-structured interview schedule and suitable statistical techniques were employed in the analysis of data. From the study it was observed that most of the respondents were under low and medium knowledge categories. The influence of selected characteristics of respondents on their knowledge about AoA and perception about the impact of AoA on spice production and marketing was studied. The results of regression analysis of selected characteristics of farmers showed that 71 per cent of the variation in their level of knowledge and 77 per cent of the variation in their perception could be explained by all the selected variables together. The variation in the knowledge score and perception score of the three categories of respondents was also studied. There was significant variation in the knowledge score as well as perception score of traders and extension personnel where as between farmers and traders as well as between traders and extension personnel there was no significant variation. A study on the role of media showed that all the four major dailies studied have covered more on aspects related to production and marketing of spices and a little coverage was given to AoA related aspects. A general analysis of the use of newspapers by the three categories of respondents indicated that majority of respondents subscribing these newspapers fell under high and medium knowledge level and perception category. As the print media has direct impact on the people in a state like Kerala, where newspaper reading is quite high the role of media for better' understanding and awareness about globalization is quite critical. The study, it is believed, would provide deep insight to the stakeholders on farming, on how to enhance their present condition. The content analysis of the four major dailies also could bring out some critical issues related to the coverage of areas about AoA.ThesisItem Open Access Research and extension gaps in commercial vegetable farming in Eastern Palakkad(Department of Agricultural Extension, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2003) Kamalakkannan, K; KAU; Joy, MathewThe present study entitled "Research and extension gaps In commercial . vegetable farming in eastern Palakkad" was conducted with the prime objective of identifying and prioritizing the problems/constraints in commercial vegetable farming followed by exploration of the availability of technological interventions with the research system to tackle them and further to study the research - extension gaps associated with it. Eighty randomly selected vegetable growers representing 20 harithasangams of Nemmara block were the respondents for the study. The status of commercial vegetable farming in the study area and problems/constraints experienced in commercial cultivation and marketing of the important vegetables were elicited using PRA, farmers-extensionists-scientists interaction, field investigations and personal interviews. The lists of identified problems were discussed by a multidisciplinary research team to explore the availability of technological interventions with KAU research system and the gaps thereon in vegetable research. Bitter gourd showed a wider research gap while bhindi was reported to have no research gap with respect to the number of specific problems left unaddressed in the POP recommendations of the university. The identified problems/constraints in commercial vegetable farming were ~ ranked based on their severity as perceived by the farmers. The appropriate technological interventions recommended by the multi disciplinary research team based on extensive review of POP were listed and included in the interview schedule to study the knowledge and adoption levels of these recommended vegetable production technologies. It was found that majority of the commercial vegetable growers had medium level of knowledge and adoption with respect to the recommended package of practices of KAU on vegetable cultivation. A socio-economic profile analysis..of the vegetable growers was also carried out for the purpose of knowing the distribution of respondents with respect to ~lje selected characteristics as dimensions of the profile study.ThesisItem Open Access Analysis of farmers` participation in the participatory technology development (PTD) process vis-a- vis plant protection in vegetables at Kunnathukal panchayath(Department of Agricultural Extension, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2003) Suthan, L; KAU; Kishore Kumar, NThe study entitled “Analysis of farmers’ participation in the participatory technology development (PTD) process vis-à-vis plant protection in vegetables at Kunnathukal Panchayat” was undertaken to find out the role played by the vegetable farmers in the PTD process. It was also aimed to study the farmers’ socio-economic characteristics and their relationship with the participation dynamics attributes . Its aim also included to analyse the factors which motivate the vegetable farmers to voluntarily participate in the PTD process and the final aim is to delineate the PTD process and to suggest suitable strategies for the PTD process. The study was conducted in Kunnathukal panchayat of Thiruvananthapuram district. A sample of 75 farmers who were intensively cultivating vegetables by means of following farming practices developed through PTD were selected for the study. It was assured after having discussion with the agricultural officers and the presidents of the Harithasangams. Well structured and pretested interview schedule was used for data collection. The study revealed that in Kunnathukal panchayat, farmers’ role perception about PTD and their role performance in the PTD activities were found to be extremely high. Most of the farmers were willing to undertake PTD technologies and showed preference to adopt PTD concepts. This shows their high level of participation in PTD. Most of the farmers in the Kunnathukal panchayat were literates and they had high level of cosmopoliteness, self concept, risk bearing capacity, credit orientation and exposure to information sources and their leadership qualities were also found to be good. Regarding the participation dynamics attributes of farmers, they had high level of innovativeness, scientific orientation, knowledge in vegetable cultivation, self-confidence, extension orientation, exposure to mass media, market perception, social participation, economic and achievement motivation. They had also perceived more than 61 labour days in a year. Source of irrigation was the main problem in Kunnathukal Panchayat. Farmers have been facing lot of problems in their cultivation, because of the water shortage. Regarding the overall view of three villages selected for the study, Vandithadam farmers had quite more knowledge regarding PTD, followed by Karakkonam and Elluvilla farmers and their participation in PTD activities also complied with the above mentioned results. Among the constraints listed out, the time delay in giving back the price of sold produce to farmers was the major one felt by VFPCK farmers and lack of storage and processing facilities was considered to be a major constraint felt by the IVDP farmers.ThesisItem Open Access Reward management system in tea plantations(Kerala Agricultural University;Thrissur, 2003) Sherin, K.J.; KAU; Kaleel, F.M.H.