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
Study on the Perception and the Role Performance of the Convenors of Group Farming Committees of Rice Cultivation
(Department of Agricultural Extension, College of Horticulture,Vellanikkara, 1993) Jayasree Menon, KAU; Rajan Karippai, S
The study on role perception and role performance of the convenors of Group Farming Committee was carried out using 150 respondents selected from Trichur and Palghat districts. The opinions of respondents towards the programme were collected by personally interviewing them Analysis of the data thus collected indicated that cosmopoliteness and training need were the most important independent variables positively influencing role perception. Training revceived by the convenors exerted a negative effect on the perception of their roles as convenors. Communication behaviour came first followed by knowledge and training need among the independent variables influencing role performance. In the case of role perception as well as role performance, constraints in implementing the programme exerted maximum indirect effect on other independent variables. It was also found that role perception was strongly correlated with role performance.
Open Access
Analysis of saelected development programmes for promoting coconut production in Kerala
(Department Of Agricultural Extension, College Of Agriculture, Vellayani, 1993) Jinadevan, R; KAU; Prakash, R
The present study under the title “An analysis of selected development programmes for promoting coconut production in Kerala” was undertaken to understand the level of awareness, attitude, knowledge and adoption behaviour of farmers in relation to selected coconut development programmes. The analysis covered the response pattern of both beneficiary and non – beneficiary farmers to different variables. The constraints faced by both the group of farmers in the adoption of recommended practices and by the Agricultural officers in the implementation of the programmes were also analyzed. The study was conducted in Alappuzha district and covered the following development programmes : i) Scheme for expansion of area under coconut. ii) Scheme for providing assistance for developing irrigation facilities. iii) Integrated farming in coconut small holdings for productivity improvement. The sample consisted of 120 randomly selected beneficiary farmers, 40 each under each programme and 60 non beneficiary farmers and 50 agricultural officers. Data were collected using interview schedule and questionnaire and suitable statistical techniques were employed in the analysis of data. The study revealed that beneficiary farmers awareness, attitude, knowledge and adoption of the recommended practices, though partial in some aspects, was significantly influenced by the coconut development programmes. Practice wise adoption by farmers revealed that use of hybrid varieties of seedlings for new planting was the least adopted practice. There was a tendency among the farmers to switch over to west cost tall and other varieties. Comparison of adoption behaviour of farmers under the three selected development programmes showed that the extent of adoption of recommended practices was higher in new planting area compared to other areas. It was also found that the level of awareness, attitude, knowledge and adoption was higher in the case of beneficiary farmers compared to non beneficiaries. The results of the constraint analysis revealed the need for more attention to timely supply of coconut seedings, adoption of the labour saving group management practice and training programme of coconut development Board for the unemployed youths in plant protection and palm climbing. The results pointed out the need for proper co-ordination and linkage between various agencies involved in implementing coconut development programmes, simplifying the procedure in availing assistance under the programmes, starting field level offices, by Coconut Development Board in the model of Rubber Board and for proper planning and improvement in the pattern of implementation of coconut development programmes for accomplishing the cherished goals.
Open Access
Communication behaviour of women,heading farm families in Neyyattinkara taluk
(Department Of Agricultural Extension, College Of Agriculture, Vellayani, 1993) Anitha Menon, K; KAU; Babu, B
A study on the Communication Behaviour of women heading farm families was carried out in five Krishibhavan areas under Neyyanttinkara taluk of Thiruvananthapuram district. Fifty women engaged in paddy cultivation and fifty from coconut cultivation formed the total sample of hundred respondents. The study was aimed to measure Communication Behaviour including Inward Exposure and Outward Exposure and to compare between the women cultivating paddy and the women cultivating coconut with regard to the dependent and independent variables of the study. It was also aimed to find the characteristics of women which influence Communication Behaviour, the relationship and the direct and indirect effects of these characteristics on Communication Behaviour. The data were collected using pre- tested structured interview schedule. The study revealed that the farm women in paddy cultivation had a high level of Inward Exposure. Women cultivating paddy were equally distributed in the low and high level of Outward Exposure categories and low level of Inward and Outward Exposure was noticed in majority of women cultivating coconut. The farm women had a low level of Communication Behaviour. Irrespective of the difference in the crop cultivated, the women did not differ significantly with regard to Inward Exposure, Outward Exposure, Communication Behaviour, and other selected characteristics. The characteristic profile study revealed that the respondents were middle aged and had a medium level of education (ie., upto high school) with a marginal farm size below 0.4ha. The women cultivating paddy had high level of social participation, cosmopoliteness, management orientation, scientific orientation, adoption of improved agricultural practices in paddy and knowledge about improved agricultural practices in paddy. With regard to women cultivating coconut, a medium level of social participation, high level of cosmopoliteness, scientific orientation, adoption of improved agricultural practices in coconut and a low level of management orientation were noticed. The women in coconut cultivation were distributed equally in the low and high level of knowledge about improved agricultural practices in coconut. The correlation co-efficients revealed that the selected characteristics of women were significantly correlated with Communication Behaviour and the correlation was positive except with the variable ‘age’. Path analysis results revealed that the maximum positive direct effect on Communication Behaviour was exerted by ‘knowledge about improved agricultural practices’ and ‘social participation’ with regard to women cultivating paddy and coconut respectively. The maximum positive indirect effect was exerted by ‘Adoption of improved agricultural practice’ and ‘knowledge about improved agricultural practices’ with regard to women cultivating paddy and coconut respectively.
Open Access
Adoption of improved agricultural practices by pepper growers of Idukki district
(Department Of Agricultural Extension, College Of Agriculture, Vellayani, 1993) Gangadharan, K K; KAU; Padmanabhan, V B
The study on the adoption of improved agricultural practices in pepper was conducted in Idukki district of Kerala with the following objectives: 1) To study the extent of awareness of improved agricultural practices in pepper by pepper growers. 2) To study the extent of knowledge about improved agricultural practices in pepper by pepper growers. 3) To study the attitude of pepper growers towards improved agricultural practices in pepper. 4) To study the extent of adoption of improved agricultural practices in pepper. 5) To study the relationship between the extent of awareness, knowledge, attitude and adoption with the socio- psychological and economic characters of pepper growers; 6) To identify the constraints in adoption of improved agricultural practices in pepper and to suggest solutions to overcome the constraints. A total of 200 pepper growers were selected from 10 krishi bhavans for the study, using stratified two- stage sampling procedure. Data were collected by using a structured interview schedule during the months of June and July 1992. The important findings of the study were the following. A majority of pepper growers in the study area had medium level of awareness of improved agricultural practices in pepper. The independent variables, namely, education, scientific orientation, economic motivation, risk orientation, cosmopoliteness, information source used, social participation, innovativeness, contact with extension agency and market orientation were positively and significantly related with awareness. But age was found negatively and significantly correlated with awareness of improved agricultural practices in pepper. Majority of pepper growers had medium level of knowledge about the improved agricultural practices in pepper. The independent variables, namely, education, scientific orientation, economic motivation, risk orientation, cosmopoliteness, information source used, social participation, innovativeness, contact with extension agency and market orientation were positively and significantly related with knowledge of improved agricultural practices in pepper, whereas age was found negatively and significantly correlated with knowledge. In the case of attitude of pepper growers, majority of pepper growers had a medium level of attitude towards improved agricultural practices in pepper. Education, scientific orientation, economic motivation, risk orientation, cosmopoliteness, information source used, social participation, innovativeness, contact with extension agency and market orientation were positively and significantly related with attitude of pepper growers towards improved agricultural practices in pepper. Age was found negatively and significantly correlated with attitude. A majority of pepper growers in the study area had medium level of adoption of improved agricultural practices in pepper. The independent variables namely, education, scientific orientation, economic motivation, risk orientation, cosmopoliteness, information source used, social participation, innovativeness, contact with extension agency and market orientation were positively and significantly related with adoption of improved agricultural practices in pepper. Age was found negatively and significantly correlated with adoption. Step-wise regression analysis revealed that education was the most important variable in prediction of the extent of awareness, followed by scientific orientation, economic motivation, risk orientation, cosmopoliteness, information source used, innovativeness, contact with extension agency and market orientation. The seven variables jointly explained 65 per cent of variation in extent of awareness of improved agricultural practices in pepper. Education alone contributed 41 per cent of variation in prediction. In the case of knowledge about improved agricultural practices in pepper, education was found as the most important variable in prediction, which alone contributed 50 per cent of variation in the extent of knowledge. The independent variables, namely, education, contact with extension agency, innovativeness, social participation, scientific orientation, risk orientation, information source used and market orientation had jointly explained about 74 per cent of variation in the extent of knowledge about improved agricultural practices in pepper. Scientific orientation was found as the most important variable in prediction of attitude of pepper growers towards improved agricultural practices in pepper. The variables, namely, scientific orientation, market orientation, educational status, risk orientation, innovativeness, social participation and age had jointly explained 67 per cent variation in the attitude of pepper growers towards improved agricultural practices in pepper. Scientific orientation alone contributed 41 per cent of variation in prediction. Education was found as the most important variable in the prediction of adoption of improved agricultural practices in pepper. This variable alone contributed 42 per cent of variation in prediction. Fifty nine per cent of variation was explained by the seven variables, namely, education, contact with extension agency, social participation, information source used, innovativeness, scientific orientation and market orientation. The pepper growers perceived the following as the major constraints in adoption of improved agricultural practices in the descending order of magnitude, extensive prevalence of pests and diseases, high cost of production inputs, lack of awareness of improved agricultural practices in pepper, traditional systems of cultivation, inadequate extension support, lack of sufficient good quality planting materials, inadequate research support, long duration of rainless period, fluctuating prices of black pepper, non-availability of literature on improved agricultural practices, non-availability of input materials and small and marginal size of holdings. The following were the solutions suggested to overcome important constraints in adoption of improved agricultural practices by pepper growers: Develop low cost technologies for the control of pests and diseases. Develop disease and drought tolerant varieties. Production and distribution of good quality planting materials. Adequate training to farmers about improved agricultural practices. Implementation of soil and moisture conservation measures. Proper marketing network coupled with remunerative price of black pepper. Supply of newer high yielding varieties to farmers.
Open Access
Factors influencing the development of agriculture among the 'kanikkar' tribe of Kerala
(Department Of Agricultural Extension, College Of Agriculture, Vellayani, 1992) Jaleel, M M; KAU; Bhaskaran, S
The study on the factors influencing the development of agiculture among the 'Kanikkar' tribe of Kerala was carried out with the following objectives: To study the characteristic profile of the tribal people. To identify the agricultural development indicators in tribal areas. To assess the extent of agricultural development in tribal areas. To find out the association between the agricultural development indicators and the selected socio-economic characteristics of 'Kanikkars'. To identify the factors influencing agricultural development in tribal areas. To identify the constraints affecting agricultural development in tribal areas. Kanikkars form the dominant tribe of South Kerala. A sample of 100 Kani-farmers was selected from the five Panchayats of Nedumangad Taluk of Thiruvananthapuram District using purposive, proportional and random allocation techniques. Personal interviews were conducted with the help of a well structured and pre-tested interview schedule. The data so collected were analysed with the help of suitable statistical techniques. The extent of agricultural development was assessed using the three agricultural development indicators selected for the purpose of the study/ which were the dependent variables namely knowledge about improved cultivation practices/ attitude towards farming/ and adoption of modern techniques of cultivation. The independent variables selected and utilised for the purpose of the study were age/education/ farming experience/ organisation participation/ risk orientation/ credit orientation/ cosmopoliteness/ extension participation/ extension contact/ mass media participation and land possession. The salient findings of the study are as follows: Nearly half of the respondents (49%) were young. Majority of them had high levels of education/ risk orientation/ credit orientation/ cosmopliteness and mass media participation/ while most of them had low lev^s of farming experience/ organisation participation, extension participat ion/ extension contact and land possession. Though majority of the Kanikkars hod o better knowledge on the scientific cultivation practices and a favourable attitude towards farming, the adoption level of modern techniques of cultivation was low. Of the 11 variables studied, land possession was found to have a non-significant correlation with the three dependent variables. Credit orientation was found to have a significant correlation only with attitude. Of the variables which were having a significant correlation with the three dependent variables, age and farming experience were negatively correlated. The crucial variables through which indirect effects were channelled were: education, risk orientation and extension participation with regard to knowledge about improved cultivation practices, education, cosmopoliteness and mass media participation with respect to attitude towards farming and age, farming experience and extension contact with reference to adoption of modern techniques of cultivation.
Open Access
Study on the role perception and the role performance of the convenors of group farming committees of rice cultivation
(Department of Agricultural Extension, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1993) Jayasree Menon; KAU; Ranjan, S Karippai
The study on role performance of the convenors of Group Farming Committee was carried out using 150 respondents selected from Trichur and Palghat districts . The opinions of respondents towards the programme were collected by personally interviewing them Analysis of the data thus collected by personally interviewing them Analysis of the data thus collected indicated that the cosmopoliteness and training need were the most important independent variables positively influencing role perception . Training received by the convenors exerted a negative effect on the perception of their roles as convenors. Communication behaviour came first followed by knowledge and training need among the independent variables influencing role performance, constraints in implementing the programme exerted maximum indirect effect on other independent variables. It was also found that role perception was strongly correlated with role performance.
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.

Kerala Agricultural University, Thrissur

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