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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: Farm, Machinery and Power × Author: KAU × Start date: 1996 × Type: Thesis × Thesis Type: M.Tech. ×
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Now showing 1 - 9 of 19
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Development of a machine vision system to identify matured pepper spikes
    (Department of Farm Machinery and Power Engineering, Kelappaji College of Agricultural Engineering and Technology, Tavanur, 2021) Meera, T; KAU; Sindhu, Bhaskar
    Black pepper is a perennial crop and one of the most economically significant spices in India. It has a high commercial value in the market all around the world. Its fruit is harvested, dried and powdered for many cuisines and processed for many value added products. Black pepper is a flowering vine growing up to 4 m in height. The berries turns from green to red on maturity and are harvested when it starts to turn red. For achieving good quality and good sized pepper, it should be harvested at its proper matured state. Farmers for their time saving and due to heavy work intensity, harvest almost all the fruits which are in a range of maturity along with the real matured ones. This eventually affects the crop yield and quality. Hence employing an automated identification system in this case would be effective. An application programme interface was developed for this, using the fruit features like the shape, colour and size. By using the machine learning techniques and computer vision technology, two programmes were developed in python language, one using OpenCV library and Haar Cascade classifier, and other platform with TensorFlow as library and faster-RCNN as classifier. Studies were also carried out to analyse the physical properties of black pepper. Using image acquisition, a dataset was created and was used for training and preparation of both the models. The hardware part of the system comprised of a webcam as sensor, Raspberry Pi processor, a RPI display unit and some accessory parts. The hardware and software parts were installed and assembled, and subjected to performance evaluation. It was revealed that the Tf-RCNN platform had better performance and efficiency. The performance evaluation parameters viz., sensitivity, specificity and accuracy values were 78%, 71% and 75% respectively for the second model. It was statistically verified that there is a significant difference between the two platforms and the second model had better consistency.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Development and perfomance evaluation of a tractor powered manure pulverizer cum application
    (Department of Farm Machinery and Power Enginnering, Kelappaji College of Agriculture Engineering, Tavanur, 2020) Sai Mohan, S; KAU; Jayan, P R
    Organic manures such as farm yard manure, green manure etc., when incorporated into the soil not only add nutrients but enriches the soil by the fixation of atmospheric nitrogen. Manures (FYM, vermicompost, edible oil cakes etc.,) are an important resources which provide nutrients that could reduce bagged fertilizer costs and improves the crop growth and performance. A well-managed manure is a valuable resource in providing nutrients for crop production. Use of farm yard manure and other organic manure is the way out to overcome the problems of soil degradation, loss of fertility and soil health. Manual application of manure consumes more time and labour. Therefore, the present study was undertaken to develop and evaluate the performance of a tractor powered manure pulverizer cum applicator. The components of the machine were developed to suit the various dosages of manure without much variation in the distribution efficiency. The actual field capacity and efficiency of manure pulverizer cum applicator was found out to be 0.311 ha h-1 and 86.5 % at a forward speed of 2.0 km h-1, 0.356 ha h-1 and 79.2 % at a forward speed of 2.5 km h-1 and 0.395 ha h-1 and 73.1 % at a forward speed of 3.0 km h-1. Maximum field capacity was noted at a traveling speed of 3.0 km h-1. A larger application rate of 1387.1 kg ha-1 for cow dung, 1624.4 kg ha-1 for goat faecal pellets and 1618.6 kg ha-1 for neem cake was noted at an engine rpm of 2500, forward speed of 2 km h-1 with a field capacity of 0.31 ha h-1. With increasing the forward speed to 2.5 and 3.0 km h-1, field capacity increases but the application rate is decreased. The cost of manure pulverizer cum applicator alone is Rs. 64,000. Cost of operation of manure pulverizer cum applicator as an attachment to tractor as explained in Section 3.4 was found as 583.05 Rs h-1 and 1943.5 Rs ha-1. Cost of manual manure application followed by manure pulverization was 582.7 Rs h-1 and 4662.2 Rs ha-1.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Design, fabrication and testing of a power operated jab type paddy dibbler
    (Department of Farm Power Machinery and Energy, Kelappaji College of Agricultural Engineering and Technology, Tavanur, 1997) Maji Krishnan, G; KAU; Jippu, Jacob
    A power operated jab type paddy dibbler developed and tested at K.C.A.E.T, Tavanur is described. A cup feed type metering mechanism, discharged the seeds into the distribution wheel. Rotation of this wheel caused the transfer of seeds from the distribution wheel to the seed tubes. The to and fro motion of the plungers inside the five seed tubes closed and opened the port between the seed tran9fer tube and seed tube at predetermined intervals. A cam and follower arrangement fitted on the main shaft regulated the to and fro motion of the plungers. In operation, the rotation of the dibbler wheel caused the tip of seed tubes to make holes in the soil. At the time of penetration the plunger occupied a position farthest to the main shaft thus keeping the tip of seed tube closed. This prevented the entry of soil into the seed tube. After the seed tube has reached the maximum depth the plunger is moved up quickly transferring the seeds into the holes. The dibbler gave seed rates of 87.1, 74.6, 68.0, and 61.1 kg/ha at the speeds 0.788, 1.152, 1.530 and 1.778 km/h respectively in the field. It placed at an average 3-6 seeds in a hill at a depth of 4-4.2 cm. The number of seeds mechanically damaged was only 0.89 per cent and loss of viability due to mechanical damage was only 3.77 per cent. The average power required was 0.093 hp. Labour requirement was 60.68 man-h/ha. Cost of operation of this dibbler was Rs 86.0/h including the cost of power source. The jab type dibbler is convenient for use by both men and women.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Developing and testing of a collector-cum-storage types solar water heater for domestic use
    (Department of Farm Power Machinery and Energy, Kelappaji College of Agricultural Engineering and Technology, Tavanur, 2000) Bijukumar, K; KAU; Mohammad, C P
    The present study was undertaken to desi~n and develop a collector-cum-storage type solar water heater of 30 litre capacity to supply hot water for domestic use. Five solar water heaters with different absorber plate positions were constructed. The storage tanks with dimensions of 67 xIl7 x 10 cm were made by using fibre glass, and the top of these storage tanks were covered using single plain glass plates of 71 x 51 x 0.4 cm size. The position of the absorber plate was varied by changing the width of the spacers (4 nos. at an angle of 400 with the side aluminium sheet), which connects bottom aluminium plate and top absorber plate. The absorber plate was of 65 x 45 cm size. The top face of the absorber plate was painted black to absorb maximum solar. radiation. The absorber plate positions were lcm, 3cm, 5cm, 7cm and 9cm from the top glass cover plate and were designated as SWHl 0, SWH30, SWH5.0, SWH7.0 and SWH9.0 respectively. The absorber plate position was optimized by testing the solar water heaters under two different test conditions. Solar water heater II (SWH3.0) outperforms other solar water heaters under the two test conditions. Maximum outlet temperature of 64°C af 3pm and maximum efficiency of 55.72% also at 3pm were observed in solar water heater 11. So it is optimized that the position of the absorber plate should be at 3cm from . the top glass plate. The solar warer heater can easily be handled by a single person since the weight is only 9.5kg. The operating cost per unit of thermal energy obtained withthe solar water heater was found to be 25 paise per kWh.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Development of low cost electrostatic spray-charging system for liquid formulations
    (Department of Farm Power Machinery and Energy, Kelappaji College of Agricultural Engineering and Technology, Tavanur, 2016) Dipak Khatawkar, S; KAU; Dhalin, D
    The introduction of electrically charged sprays in agricultural application has become inevitable for better control on droplet transference with reduced drift and increase in application efficiency with less spray chemical requirements. In the present study was under taken to develop an electrostatic induction spray charging system as attachment to powered knapsack mist-blower. A high voltage generator was fabricated on the basis of Cockcroft-Walton voltage multiplier principle with input of 6 V DC battery to provide high voltage required at the developed charging electrode assembly (Model III, Model IV and Model V) for inducing electrostatic charge on spray droplets. As the existing (Model I) and redesigned (Model II) nozzle failed to give fine atomization, a self-atomizing hydraulic nozzle was developed for delivering the droplet spectrum required for effective electrostatic charge induction. The three working models (III, IV and V) were evaluated for charge to mass ratio (mC.kg-1) at five electrode potentials (1 kV, 2 kV, 3 kV, 4 kV and 5 kV), four electrode placement positions (0 mm, 5 mm, 10 mm and 15 mm) and five distances (50 cm, 100cm, 150 cm, 200 cm and 250 cm) from the nozzle. Model V with electrode voltage potential at 5 kV and EPP at 5 mm shown the maximum CMR value (1.088 mC.kg-1), followed by Model III (0.888 mC.kg-1) and Model IV (0.777 mC.kg-1) with same combination of variables. In contrast with commercial system (ESS-MBP90) it was observed that except at 50 cm distance from nozzle, Model V (at 4 kV and 5 kV) surpassed commercial system in CMR from 100 cm to 250 cm distance. To avoid air blast injury of plant, the nozzle has to be 100 cm to 150 cm away from the plant. The droplet spectrum of the developed system was analysed and observed that the size of droplets were 100 to 200 μm. The deposition efficiency of the developed system was on par with that commercial unit, and was within the range of 60 to 70 per cent. The developed system found to be cost effective and significantly consistent than the commercial system.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Evaluation of physiological cost and subjective assessment of existing coconut climbing devices
    (Department of Farm Power Machinery and Energy, Kelappaji College of Agricultural Engineering and Technology, Tavanur, 2015) Hameeda Bindu, Vahab; KAU; Bini, Sam
    At present there are different models of coconut climbing devices available in the market. Most of the climbing devices safety and efficiency aspects are not being studied and needs to be comparatively evaluated and modified. In this study five coconut climbing devices were selected, those are Sit and climb type (TNAU model), Standing type (Chemberi model), KAU coconut palm climber (developed at KCAET), Kerasureksha (Model developed at ARS, Mannuthy) and CPCRI model coconut climbing device. Pertinent anthropometric dimensions of human subjects with reference to the dimensions and positions of the functional components of coconut climbing devices was identified and 35 different body dimensions useful for the design or redesign of coconut climbing devices were recorded by following standard anthropometric procedure. Ten subjects (five each for men and women) were selected, conforming to statistical requirements of anthropometric dimensions. The selected ten subjects were screened for normal health through medical and bio-clinical investigations which includes Electro Cardio Graph (ECG), blood pressure and bio-clinical analysis. Selected ten subjects were calibrated in the laboratory by indirect assessment of oxygen uptake. The relationship between the heart rate and oxygen consumption of the subjects was found to be linear for all the subjects. Then energy cost of operation of the selected coconut climbing devices were computed by multiplying the oxygen consumed by the subject during the trial period with the calorific value of oxygen as 20.88 kJ lit-1. Energy cost is comparatively less for KAU coconut palm climber with other models. Mean energy cost of male subjects during the operation of KAU coconut palm climber is 23.16 kJ min-1 and female shows 25.73 kJ min-1. Variation of heart rate and energy cost of both male and female for selected five models were statistically analyzed. Female subjects are significantly differed in both heart rate and energy cost on different coconut climbing devices and all the female subjects showed minimum heart rate while operating KAU coconut palm climbing device. But male subjects are shown any significant difference for both heart rate and energy cost. But they shows comparatively less heart rate for KAU coconut palm climbing device. The oxygen uptake in terms of VO2 max was minimum for KAU coconut palm climber (58.53 per cent) while it was 65.22 per cent for Sit and climb type (TNAU model) for male operators. Similarly for female subjects, minimum for KAU coconut palm climber (74.30 per cent). Sit and climb type (TNAU model) is difficult in operation compared with other devices. Major discomfort was happened in left thigh, right thigh, left foot and right foot. Based on these results it was found that KAU coconut palm climber and Kerasuraksha coconut climbing device were identified as more suitable for climbers than other climbing devices. Seating unit of Kerasuraksha coconut climbing device and pedal unit of KAU coconut palm climber were ergonomically comfortable for the climbing operator and developed a new model by incorporating the constructional behavior of both KAU coconut palm climber and Kerasuraksha coconut climbing device. Energy expenditure of new model for male is decreased by the rate of 10.8per cent when compared to Sit and climb type (TNAU model and with KAU coconut palm climber it is comparable. In the case of female subjects, Energy cost of new model was decreased by 7.8 per cent with Kerasuraksha coconut climbing device and 6.2 per cent with Sit and climb type (TNAU model) and it is comparable with KAU coconut palm climber. Mean VO2, VO2 max and work pulse of new model is 1.10, 58.16 per cent and 69.70 beats min-1 for male and for female it is 1.22, 73.45 per cent and 81.10 beats min-1 respectively. These values are comparatively less than value of other five models. The time required for climbing new model was 65.01 sec for male subjects which are less than other five selected coconut climbing devices and same trend for female also. The setting time of the new model was 65 sec while for KAU coconut palm climber it was 150 sec. Time was reduced by 56.67 per cent compare to KAU coconut palm climber
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Development of powertiller operated paddy reaper windrower
    (Department of Farm Power Machinery and Energy, Kelappaji College of Agricultural Engineering and Technology, Tavanur, 1997) Shiny, Lukose; KAU; Sivaswami, S
    A vertical conveyor reaper-windrower suitable for mounting on KAMCO 9hp powertiller was developed Kerala for the first time. After considering the maneuvrability, weight distribution, field capacity and power transmission, the 1.6m width vertical reaper was selected for the KAMCO powertiller and was locally fabricated. The complete rotavator unit was dismantled and a newly designed power transmission unit was fitted on the KAMCO powertiller. The handle was kept at an ergonomically suitable height of 1m. A combination frame was developed inorder to accommodate both the engine and the reaper at the most appropriate location to achieve the static and dynamic balancing during field operation after the removal of rotavator. The centre of gravity of the engine at the new location was 50mm in front of the wheel axle and at a height of 180mm from its original position. Field evaluation of the reaper was carried out during November and December, 1996 at Tavanur. The front mounted reaper- windrower was evaluated to find out the optimum engine speed and forward speed to achieve better harvesting and windrowing pattern, maximum field capacity and field efficiency with less harvesting losses were found out. For the recommended engine speed of 1200 to 1400rpm at low first and low second gears a forward speed of 0.53 to O. 94m per sec. was obtained in the field. The actual cutting width was 1.5m. The maximum field efficiency of 85 per cent was obtained for first gear when the engine rpm was 1200. Actual field capacity for this speed was 0.224ha per hr. It was seen that for the recommended engine speed between 1200 to 1400rpm a normal forward speed of (.53 to 0. 94m/sec was obtained with an average actual field capacity of 0.25 ha/hr and an average total grain loss of 1.9 per cent in the field. Downward handle reaction for this recommended speeds varied between 9 to 14 kgf at the time releasing the clutch or using the accelarator. By the use of powertiller reaper a labour saving of 82.5 per cent was obtained. The owner would get a monitory benefit of Rs.1210/ha while the farmer hiring the reaper would get a saving of Rs.830/ha compared to manual harvesting. The initial invest of the owner would be paid back within 2 years if he could hire it out for 1000hrs per year. The total weight of the unit is 451kg which is 34kg less than the original weight the powertiller with rotavator unit. Its overall dimensions are L:279S x W: 1650 x h: 1510mm and the total cost is Rs.1,16,500.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Ergonomic investigations on hand arm vibration of brush cutter for the development of a vibration reducing aid
    (Department of Farm Power Machinery and Energy, Kelappaji College of Agricultural Engineering and Technology, Tavanur, 2016) Aswathi, K; KAU; Sureshkumar, P K
    Brush cutters are widely used in Kerala for weeding and clearing fields. While operating brush cutters, certain amount of vibration is transmitted to human body.Extended exposure to mechanical vibration can induce degeneration of the vascular and sensio-neural systems in the hand called hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS).The hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) is a complex condition associated with vibration exposure and the use of hand-held vibrating machines. The vibration exposure of worker can be decreased by proper selection and maintenance of tool. To study the ergonomic aspects and hand transmitted vibrations of brush cutters, six subjects (3 male & 3 female) were selected who arehaving experience in operation of brush cutter.A suitable vibration reducing aid for brush cutters is designed and fabricated keeping the view that it should be capable of transmitting at least a part of the vibration produced at cutter head to the ground.It should be easily attached or detached from the brush cutters shaft.The material used for the vibration reduction aid should be light in weight and sturdy, so that it could be raised along with the cutter head by the operator. According to the conceptual design, a vibration reduction aid is developed and field tested. It consists of parts viz. curved arms, fixture to arms, quick fixing locks, ground rollers, rollers fixture and rubber grip. The brush cutter and vibration reducing aid is evaluated in the field with different cutter heads viz. nylon rope, 2 blade, 3 blade and circular blade. The experiment is repeated for 2-stroke and 4-stroke models of brush cutters operated by male and female subjects. The energy expenditure for brush cutter operation is calculated for two models of brush cutter for all subjects and compared. A statistical analysis is conducted using MSTAT software and found that the developed vibration reducing aid, blade and type of internal combustion engine have significant effect on vibration excitation in both right and left handles of brush cutters selected. The proposed method of evaluating occupational risk related to mechanical vibration exposure while working with brush cutter makes it possible to account the effect of attachment, cutter head and type of internal combustion engine. Subjective ratings like ODR, OER, OSR and BPDS also indicated significant effect of reducing vibration due to the vibration reducing aid.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Investigations for the development of electrostatic pollinator
    (Department of Farm Machinery and Power Engineering, Kelappaji College of Agricultural Engineering and Technology, Tavanur, 2019) Rinju lukose; KAU; Dhalin, D
    The problems in fruit setting with artificial pollination (contact type) can eradicate by the application of electrostatic forces (non - contact pollen collection and deposition), hence the study was undertaken to develop an electrostatic pollinator. Anagha variety of tomato and Preethi variety of bitter gourd were selected. Morphological characteristics of these flowers were studied for design of pollinator. A high voltage amplification unit with flyback transformer and MOSFET, a spherical shaped electrode and a DC input source were the major components of the electrostatic pollinator. The pollen collection capacity of two electrodes E1 (10 mm) and E2 (7.5 mm) were evaluated at voltage potentials of 3 kV, 4 kV, 5 kV and 6 kV at 5 mm, 10 mm and 15 mm distance from the anther tip of flower. The maximum number of pollens (409 for tomato and 2827 for bitter gourd) was collected by electrode E1 with a charging potential of 6 kV at 5 mm distance, both in case of tomato and bitter gourd. This high pollen collection rate was due to high detaching forces acting on the pollen grains at shorter distance between the anther tip and electrode. The pollen collection capacity was minimum (87 for tomato and 1227 for bitter gourd) for electrode E2 with an electrode potential of 3 kV at 15 mm distance. Pollens were deposited into the flower using the two electrodes (E1 and E2) at voltage potential of 1 kV, 3 kV and 6 kV at 5 mm distance from the tip of stigma. The fruit set efficiency of electrostatic pollination in tomato was 80% and artificial manual pollination was 40%. In bitter gourd, fruit set efficiency of electrostatic pollination and artificial pollination was 100%. But damage of stigma during hand pollination caused reduction in size, weight and number of sound seeds.