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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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2002 - 20082
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Subject: Agronomy × Author: KAU × Author: Sindhu, P V × End date: 2009 × Start date: 2002 ×
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Effect of nutrient inter-relations on productivity of rice in lateritic soils
    (Department of Agronomy, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2002) Sindhu, P V; KAU; Meera Menon, V
    The effect of nutrient inter-relations on productivity of rice in latritic soils was investigated during the first crop season (Virippu) Or 1999-2000 at the Agricultural Research station, Mannuthy. The objective of the study was to arrive at the minimum level combination of applied elements for maximum productivity based on the interaction pattern between applied and native elements so as to develop a sustainable management system. Jyothi was used as the Fest variety to analyse the pattern of interacting influences of P, K, Ca and S at two levels each, among themselves as well as on the native elements. The results showed that treatments had significant beneficial influence on yield expression, causing 90 and 10% increases in yield over absolute control and the presently recommended package of practices. This indicated the necessity of including Ca and S in the nutrient management system. Decline in chlorophyll content and high levels of cell sap pH, together with excess contents of Fe and Zn appear to act as the supressors of yield expression. The latter influences are inherent in soil and are actually the net product of the balance between positive and negative effects of nutrients. A significant finding was that application of any element by itself was not a guarantee for its uptake, and was subject to the effect of other elements, and similarly, had direct or indirect influences on other elements. The positive influence of K and Ca at the maximum tillering and S at the panicle initiation stage, and negative influence of Fe and Mn at the panicle initiation stage pointed out to the need for phasic management of nutrients. The only element inhibiting Fe uptake had been Si, suggesting that the reversal of the process of laterisation holds the key to higher yields. Discriminatory transfer of individual elements between leaf blade and leaf sheath appeared to be an important regulatory factor in deciding yield expression. Highest yield resulted when blade-sheath ratio was maximum tillering and panicle initiation declined in respect of Ca, Fe and Mn and increased in respect of K and S. the study resulted in development of the broad base of a management technology for high productivity and sustainability. The components included keeping N at the present reconunended level, reducing P by 50%, increasing K by 100% and top dressing N using s containing fertilizers as well as moderate basal dressing with Ca.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Ecofriendly management of weeds in rice
    (Department of Agronomy, College of Horticulture, Kerala Agricultural University, Vellanikkara, 2008) Sindhu, P V; KAU; George Thomas, C