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
Development and application of a scale to measure the efficiency of adult education centres
(Department Of Agricultural Extension, College Of Agriculture, Vellayani, 1990) Padmanabhan, V B; KAU; Thampi, A M
This study on the development and application of a scale to measure the efficiency of Adult Education Centres (AECs) was designed to develop and standardize a scale to measure the efficiency of AECs, to evaluate the selected AECs by using the scale developed and to suggest a model for the efficient functioning of AECs. The study was conducted in the Rural Functional Literacy Programme (RFLP) centres of the Rural Development Blocks of Ollukkara and Kodakara in Thrissur district during 1989. A three stage sampling design was adopted for the study. Instructors and learners of the AECs were the two types of respondents included in the study. Efficiency of AEC (dependent variable) and selected 41 factors (independent variables) were the variables for the study. The data were collected from the instructors by using questionnaires and from the learners by using interview schedules. The collected data were analysed using appropriate statistical techniques including percentage analysis, simple, linear correlation analysis, multiple linear regression analysis, step-wise regression analysis and path coefficient analysis. The salient findings oDepartment of Agricultural Extension College of Agriculturef the study are as follows : 1. Thirty seven independent variables out of the 41 were found to have significant positive relationship with the efficiency of AEC. Job commitment of instructor had the highest value of correlation coefficient. 2. The selected 24 independent variables taken together accounted for 98.35 per cent variation in the efficiency of AEC. The nine variables which were found to exert significant influence on the efficiency of AEC when taken together accounted for 96.27 per cent variation in the efficiency of AEC. 3. The best prediction equation was with eight variables which accounted for 93.97 per cent variation in the efficiency of AEC. These variables were instructor-learner communication, information processing behaviour of instructor, job commitment of instructor, job satisfaction of instructor, human resources, supply of inputs, monitoring and empathy of learner. 4. Job commitment of instructor alone explained 89.03 per cent variation in the efficiency of AEC. 5. Job commitment of instructor had the largest direct effect on the efficiency of AEC and its three components, namely, achievements of learners in literacy, awareness and functionality. The high positive correlations of all the other factors with the efficiency of AEC and its components were due to their positive inter-relationship with job commitment of instructor. 6. The scale developed to measure the efficiency of AECs was found to have high validity (content, criterion – related and concurrent) and reliability (test-rest and split-half). 7. The distribution of scores obtained on evaluating the selected AECs by using the scale was found to be normal. 8. A model was suggested for the efficient functioning of AECs based on the results of this study.
Open Access
Managerial efficiency of cassava farmers
(Department Of Agricultural Extension, College Of Agriculture, Vellayani, 1991) Asnantharaman, M; KAU; Thyagarajan Nair, G
The study aimed at analyzing the managerial efficiency of cassava farmers. It was conducted in four districts namely, Thiruvananthapuram (low productivity), and Pathanamthitta (high productivity) in Kerala State and Kanyakumari (low productivity) and Selem (high productivity) in Tamil Nadu state. The first three districts were considered as non- industrial district and Selem district was considered as industrial district also. A total of 240 cassava farmers were selected, 60 from each district following stratified random sampling. The managerial efficiency was measured with the help of a scale consisting of 30 items developed for the study. The data on the managerial efficiency of farmers and on the fifteen socio- psychological and situational factors of the farmers were collected using an interview schedule. The components of managerial efficiency identified empirically were ‘planning’, ‘labour management’, ‘information management’, ‘financial management’ ‘production management (variety)’, ‘production management (practices)’ and ‘marketing management’. The managerial efficiency of cassava farmers as the whole was somewhat better as little more than half of the farmers had high managerial efficiency. While the farmers exhibited high efficiency in the managerial components namely, ‘planning’, ‘labour management’, ‘financial management’ and marketing management’, they were not efficient in the components of ‘Information management’, ‘production management (variety)’ and ‘production management (practices)’. The farmers of industrial district were found to have significantly higher efficiency in the overall managerial efficiency as well as in the managerial components viz., ‘planning’, ‘information management’, ‘financial management’, ‘production management (variety)’, and ‘production management (practices)’ when compared to farmers of non- industrial district. The component- wise performance of farmers on the whole was in the order of ‘labour management’, ‘marketing management’, ‘planning’, ‘financial management’, ‘production management (practices)’, ‘information management’, and ‘production management (variety)’. While farmers of industrial district relatively performed well in ‘production management (variety)’, ‘production management (practices)’ and ‘planning’ when compared to other components, non-industrial district farmers performance was good at ‘labour management’, ‘marketing management’ and ‘financial management’. The managerial components namely, ‘planning’, ‘information management’ and ‘financial management’ were found to be relatively more important than other components with regard to their contribution towards the profit from cassava cultivation. The socio-psychological and situational factors namely, closeness with agricultural support system, market perception, achievement motivation, economic motivation, attitude towards scientific management in crop enterprise, knowledge on scientific management in crop enterprise, cultivated holding, cassava area and irrigation potential were found to be significantly contributing to the managerial efficiency. The major managerial constraints faced by the farmers were lack of awareness, knowledge, conviction, timely information and planting materials; limited resources, uncertainty and shortage of labourers.
Open Access
Adoption of improved agricultural practices by commercial vegetable growers of Ollukkara Block in Trichur District
(Department of Agricultural Extension, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1991) Binoo, P Bonny; KAU; Muraleedhara Prasad, R
With a view to study the existing scenario of commercial vegetable cultivation, the present investigation was undertaken in two selected Panchayats in Ollukkara Block in Thrissur. The study was conducted in relation to knowledge of farmers about improved vegetable cultivation practices, their .training need in commercial cultivation of vegetable ,and extent of adoption of recommended vegetable cultivation practices. The study was conducted on 100 randomly selected vegetable growers. The data were collected using pre-tested and well structured interview schedule. Correlation and step-wiser egression analyses were employed for analysis of data. The study revealed that majority of farmers were medium in their level of knowledge, training need and extent of adoption. Highest training need was perceived in plant protection. Higher adoption was also observed in plant protection measures. The results of step-wise regression analysis indicated information source utilisation as the most important variable explaining maximum variation in the level of knowledge and training need. In the case of adoption of improved practices, irrigation potential was the most decisive variable as revealed by the step wise regression analysis. The results of constraint analysis pointed out high cost of plant protection chemicals as the most felt constraint 'in the commercial cultivation of vegetables. The other important constraints as perceived by the farmers were inadequate market and storage and post harvest facilities.
Open Access
Feasibility analysis of group approach in the transfer of pepper production technology
(Department of Agricultural Extension, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1991) John, T D; KAU; Muraleedhara Prasad, R
A study was undertaken to analyse the utility of group approach in the transfer of pepper production technology in Wayanad and Kozhikode districts of Kerala State by forming three types of groups, namely existing, focused and identified focused groups. Under each of the group type, three different sizes of groups (n1 = between 10 and 14; = between 15 and 19; N3= between 20 and 24) were formed for the study. Individual pepper farmers (n = 50) were also selected to serve as control for the study. The group performance in terms of adoption of recommended pepper cultivation practices was studied in relation to the group processes. The data were collected in two phases, the first phase immediately after the formation of groups and the second phase after one crop season. The study revealed that there was significant difference between the types of groups in the extent of adoption when studied immediately after the formation of groups. However, when studied after one season, no significant difference in adoption was noted between the types of groups. There was no significant difference between the size groups in the extent of adoption studied immediately after the formation of groups and also after one season. There was substantial increase in the group related processes such as social participation, interpersonal liking, interpersonal trust, interpersonal contact, co-operation and farmer to farmer interaction, when measured after the functioning of the group for one season. There was' significant difference between the mean scores on knowledge on pepper cultivation in the case of all the group types when studied immediately after the formation of groups and after one season. Absence of a government agency in organising the farmers and providing .proper guidance was . expressed as the most important constraint of group approach in pepper cultivation followed by lack of knowledge and awareness about group approach in pepper cultivation. Severity of quick wilt disease, very small holding size and absence of beneficial programmes were rated as the other important constraints of group approach in pepper cultivation.
Open Access
Utilization of biogas technology by the farmers of Palakkad
(Department of Agricultural Extension, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1990) Latha, A; KAU; Muraleedhara Prasad, R
A - study \/as undertaken to analyse the extent of utilization of biogas technology by the farmers of Palakkad district of Kerala State in relation to their attitude, perception and motivational pattern in the adoption of biogas technology. The respondents selected for study included both users (n = 80) and non-users (n - 80) of biogas technology. The study revealed that there was no significant difference in the attitude of users and non-users towards, biogas technology. Among the six attributes of biogas technology studied in relation to perception, simplicity obtained the highest rank -followed by fuel efficiency, profitability, fertilizer efficiency, need compatibility and lot; cost in that order. 'Safety' was indicated as the most important motive governing the adoption of biogas technology and prestige motive, the least important. Among the selected.independent variables, utilization of interpersonal sources of information, perception about the efficiency of biogas technology, indebtedness, utilization of ether sources of fuel and innovation proneness were found .significant in predicting the maximum variation in attitude of users towards biogas technology, while utilization of interpersonal sources of information, family educational status,social participation; availability of other sources of fuel and educational status were important in predicting the attitude of non-users. Utilization of interpersonal sources of information, utilization of other sources of fuel, indebtedness, livestock possession and educational status were found significant in predicting the perception of users about the efficiency of biogas technology. 'Mixing slurry everyday is a botheration' was expressed by users as the most important constraint in utilization of biogas technology followed by low gas production during monsoon' and 'need for constant care of the plant. Most of the non-users had not adopted the technology due to the botheration for maintenance of the plant, availability of plenty of firewood and high installation cost of the plant.
Open Access
Farm telecast viewing behaviour of farmers
(Department of Agricultural extension, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 1990) Shahila, Rose J S; KAU; Mohammed, Hussain
This study entitled “Farm Telecast Viewing Behaviour of Farmers” was carried out in Nedumangadu Taluk of Trivandrum district with the following objectives: 1. To study the viewing behavior of farmers in relation to the farm telecast 2. To study the preferences of programmes, mode, time and duration of farm telecast by the farmers 3. To find out the factors influencing the viewing behavior of farmers 4. To suggest steps, if any, to improve the farm telecast programme The charecteristics of farmers included in the study were age, educational status, occupation, annual income, social participation, mass media exposure, cosmopoliteness, innovation proneness, scientific orientation, economic motivation and attitude towards Nattinpuram programme. The dependent variable viewing behaviour was measured using the procedure developed for the study. The available measurement techniques and scoring system were used for independent variables such as social participation (Selvakumar, 1988), mass media exposure (Haraprasad, 1983), cosmopoliteness (desai, 1981), innovation proneness (Moulik, 1965), scientific orientation (Supe, 1969) and economic motivation (Moulik, 1965). Age and annual income were taken as such. Attitude towards Nattinpuram programme was measured using the scale developed for the study. Post-viewing behaviour, family viewing behaviour and viewing preference of Nattinpuram programme were measured using the procedure developed for the study. Data were collected from one hundred viewers and twenty seven non-viewers using an interview schedule. Data were analysed using correlation, multiple regression and path analyses. The salient findings of the study are the following: The reasons for not viewing the Nattinpuram programme were lack of time, lack of interest, programme irrelevant and boring to them; affect children’s studies, time not suitable and lack of awareness of the programme. Viewing behaviour of Nattinpuram programme viewers was at a low level. Most of them were occasional viewers. Age, educational status, occupation, annual income, social participation, cosmopoliteness, and economic motivation had no significant relationship with viewing behaviour. Mass media exposure, innovation proneness, scientific orientation and attitude towards Nattinpuram programme were significantly and positively related to viewing behaviour. The results of path analysis indicated variables such as mass media exposure, scientific orientation, and attitudes towards Nattinpuram programme as important in determining the viewing behaviour of the farmers. The respondents post-viewing behaviour was not appreciable. With regard their family viewing behaviour, majority of the family members were occasional viewers of Nattinpuram programme. With regard to programme preference (past), programmes like ‘safe handling of insecticides and pepper day celebration, agricultural development bank, and announcements inviting letters from farmers on their queries were most preferred by them. As regards the future programmes, preference for agricultural programme was the most. The most preferred mode of presentation was demonstration by experts with discussion. The most preffered time of Nattinpuram telecast was from 6.30 to 7.00 pm. The suggestions given by the respondents for improving Nattinpuram telecasts in future were: Inviting farmers in discussion, making the programmes more informative, avoiding the use of technical terms, alternating the programmes in a cyclic rotation and side by side discussion of the traditional methods.
Open Access
Study on the utilization of the farm magazine rubber and analysis of its message constraints
(Department of Agricultural Extension, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1991) Shamitha, Bharathan; KAU; Ranjan, Karippai S
Open Access
Training strategy for the farmers of Kasaragod district
(Department of Agricultural Extension, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 1990) Thamban, C; KAU; Abdul Rahiman Kunju, O
A research study was undertaken to evolve a training strategy for the farmers of Kasaragod district, Kerala. A Sample of 100 farmers were selected from ten panchayats of the district. Besides, 24 agricultural scientists and 20 extension personnel were also selected as respondents. A structured pre-tested interview schedule was used to elicit responses from farmers. A questionnaire was used in the case of agricultural scientists and extension personnel. The salient findings of the study are as follows; Majority (57 %) of the farmers were having medium knowledge level on improved cultivation practices of rice and coconut while 24 per cent had low and 19 per cent had high knowledge level. The farmers had appreciable knowledge about planting and after care while that regarding plant protection was poor in the case of rice. With regard to coconut, the farmers’ knowledge on planting and after care was of the high order while that of manures and manuring was dismal. The farmers expressed maximum training needs on plant protection of rice, while in the case of coconut it was on manures and manuring. Most of the farmers proffered peripatetic type of training, preferably during January and February at the nearest Krishibhavan. Demonstration was the most preferred training method. The agricultural scientists and extension personnel opined that the farmers should be trained on plant protection, manures and manuring and improved varieties with respect to rice and coconut cultivation. Actual cultivators, farmers from whom others seek guidance and farmers who have the spirit to assist others were the important criteria to be considered while selecting trainees for farmers’ training as opined by agricultural scientists and extension personnel. Regarding the selection of trainers, they perceived field experience, knowledge of local agricultural problems and communication ability as the important criteria to be considered. Pre and post-training evaluation was considered as the most important phase by them. Subject matter coverage, feed back from trainees and improvement in skill an knowledge of trainees were the important aspects of farmers’ training to be evaluated, they opined. Contact with trained farmers through field visits, by the trainers, identifying the constraints in putting in to practice the knowledge and skill in field situation by the trained farmers and arranging further training based on the trained farmers’ felt problems were the important methods of follow –up of farmers training, as suggested by the agricultural scientist and extension personnel. Based on the results of the study, a training strategy was prepared for the farmers of the kasaragod district
Open Access
Experimental study on the relative effectiveness of selected visual aids in teaching neo- literates
(Department of Agricultural Extension, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 1990) Santhosh Kumar, S; KAU; Abdul Rahiman Kunju, O
In order to assess the relative effectiveness of selected visual aids in teaching neo-literates, an experimental study was carried out in Kottukkal panchayath of Trivandrum district, Kerala state. Three selected visual aids, viz., slides, flash cards and flannel graph, were tested for their effectiveness along with lecture method on a sample of 90 neo-literate fisher man. Gain in knowledge and its retention were the dependent variables. Age, family, size, average annual income, exposure to information sources, socio-political participation and cosmopoliteness were studied as the independent variables. Results revealed that slide was the most effective visual in terms of gain in knowledge where as flash cards contributed maximum to retention of knowledge when used in combination with lecture method. The analysis of correlation coefficients revealed that age and family size were significant but negatively correlated with both gain in knowledge and its retention, in the case of all the four treatments. Similarly, average annual income of the respondents was significantly and negatively corrected with the gain in knowledge in the case of TO, T2 and T3. For T1 the correlation was negative but not significant. In the case of retention of knowledge, the average annual income was negatively and significantly correlated for all the four treatments. The relationship of exposure to information sources of the respondents with gain in knowledge as well as with its retention was positive in the case of all the four treatments but significant only for T2 and T3. There was no significant relationship between the dependent variables and the socio-political participation of the neo-literates. The cosmopolitenes of respondent and significant and positive correlation with the gain in knowledge when the three selected visual aids were used along with lecture method. Significant, positive relationship was found between the cosmopoliteness and retention of knowledge when flash cards and flannel graphs were used along with the lecture method. The regression analysis revealed that out of the six independent variable, only two variables, viz., age and cosmopoliteness were significant in predicting the variation in gain in knowledge of neo-literates when flash cards and flannel graph were used along with lecture. But in the case of retention of knowledge, only one independent variable, viz. , age was significant in explaining the variation when flash cards as well as flannel graph were used along with the lecture method.

Kerala Agricultural University, Thrissur

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