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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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Subject: Agronomy × Author: Praveen, A × End date: 2009 × Start date: 2007 ×
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Evaluation of potha grass (Themeda cymbaria (Roxb) Hack) for fodder production and quality
    (Department of Agronomy, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2007) Praveen, A; KAU; George Thomas, T
    Potha grass (Themeda cymbaria (Roxb.) Hack.) is a native fodder grass grown in parts of central Kerala. The present investigation was undertaken to have an understanding on the phenology, growth characteristics, fodder production potential and nutritive quality of T.cymbaria. Comparisons were made with Guinea grass (Panicum maximum) cv. Makueni. The experiments were conducted at the Agronomy Research Farm of College of Horticulture, Kerala Agricultural University Vellanikkara during 2006– 2007. The phenological and growth characteristics were noted during the year 2006-07. P.maximum started flowering at the beginning of January and continued up to July 2007. It took one month from flowering to seed maturity. However, no phenological events related to flowering were observed in T.cymbaria during the experimental period. Growth was comparatively fast in P.maximum than T.cymbaria. Plant height, number of leaves, leaf area, leaf weight, stem weight and dry matter production per plant were the highest in P.maximum during all the growth stages. Similarly, growth indices like leaf area ratio (LAR), specific leaf area (SLA), leaf area duration (LAD), relative growth rate (RGR), absolute growth rate (AGR) and net assimilation rate (NAR) showed higher values in P.maximum than T.cymbaria. However, the value of leaf weight ratio (LWR) was higher in T.cymbaria than P.maximum. Both grasses showed a decline in growth during summer season. However, with the onset of monsoon, both grasses performed well. The fodder production potential of T.cymbaria was compared with Guinea grass cv. Makueni under irrigated and rainfed conditions by harvesting the herbage at 30, 45, and 60 days intervals. Growth characters like plant height, number of leaves, leaf weight, stem weight and leaf area index (LAI) were found to be higher in P.maximum than T.cymbaria. The green and dry fodder yields at the end of the experimental period of 10 months from planting indicated a clear yield advantage for Guinea grass over Potha grass. Between irrigated and rainfed grasses, although there were yield differences at some stages of cutting, total yields showed no significant difference. The highest green and dry fodder yields were recorded in irrigated Guinea grass. Regarding cutting intervals, 45 days cutting interval performed better compared to 30 and 60 days intervals. From yield point of view, Poth grass may not be comparable with Guinea grass. However, Potha grass could be recommended as a soil conservation grass as it did not show any flowering and seed formation. Growth during the dry period was also normal. It could be an ideal alternative as a soil conservation grass for farmers who also rear livestock, instead of the usually recommended non-edible Vetiver (Vetiveria zizanioides). Nutrient aspects like crude protein, ether extract, nitrogen free extract, ash, phosphorus, magnesium, and oxalate contents of both grasses were found to be similar under irrigated and rainfed conditions at different cutting intervals. However, crude fibre content was higher in Potha grass, while potassium and calcium contents were higher in Guinea grass. From nutrient point of view, there is hardly any difference between the two grasses. Potha grass can replace Guinea grass in feeding with the same quality.