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
Resource management in urban co-operative banks in Thrissur district
(Department of Co- operative Management, College of Co- operation and Banking,Vellanikkara, 1993) Babu, C V; KAU; Sukumaran, A
Study on resource management in urban cooperative banks in thirssur district was conducted with the objective of examining the resource management practices of urban cooperative banks with special reference to the management of sources and use of funds, to identify problems and to suggest remedial measures thereof. Study observed that deposits constituted the lions share of total sources of funds of banks. The borrowings of the banks were negligible. Thre strong capital base of the banks helped to retain the credibility of the depositors, Reserves which contribute the major chunk of the owned funds, increased the total source of funds. The high proportion of fixed deposits in the funds mobilized caused to rise the interest liability of the banks. Since there are limits to control the interest cost, banks have to bring down their manpower and other expenses, improve revenue by the profitable deployment of funds, besides enhancing the mobilization of deposits for short periods. Among the three types of loans and advances, short term loans and advances occupied highest place. However, banks may further improve the share of short term loans in the funds deployment, which can ensure frequent recycling of funds, maximize profit and keep the liquidity needs met. The major part of investment in short term loans and advances were financed through fixed deposit mobilization. Funds were not rationally allocated from the view point of periodicity. Yielding lesser income to the banks, the investments increased enormously. The disproportionate growth of equity and debts of the banks intensified the risk exposure of funds portfolio. There had no direct relationship between risk and return of the banks and a proper risk return trade off is lacking in majority of the banks. Banks had kept excess liquid assets and liquid cash over and above the statutory requirements. This necessitated scientific evaluation of the liquidity needs to identify the funds blocked as idle and utilize the excess fund kept for profitable deployment. Credit deposit ration of the banks was below the desirable level and this affected the profitability adversely. The lending efficiency of the banks had also affected by the poor recycling of funds. Therefore, steps may be taken to improve, the credit deposit ratio, reduce mounting over dues, and ensure efficient management of risk and return which in turn calls for the scientific management of funds.
Open Access
Performance of Rubber Clones in Pullengode estate in Ernad Taluk of Malappuram district
(Department of Plantation Crops and Spices, College of Horticulture,Vellanikkara, 1994) Ravindra Das, K; KAU; Prassannakumari Amma, S
The study aimed at evaluating the performance of three clones of rubber viz. RRII 105, RRIM 600 and PB 235 in Ernad taluk of Malappuram district. Ten identical units in each clone were selected and details on girth and yield characters were gathered. The secondary characters such as resistance to diseases, tapping panel dryness, wind damage, yield depression during summer, dry rubber content, colour of latex etc. were studied. The study was conducted through personal visits and with the help of a pre – tested questionnaire. Some of the details were collected from the Rubber Board Regional Officer, Nilambur and from the records mainted in the Pullengode estate. The results of the study showed that the over all performance of the clones RRII 105 and RRIM 600 were satisfactory under the prevailing agro – climatic conditions in Malappuram district and in the hilly tract of Pullengode area. Available information from the estate showed that the highest yield was recorded for the clone RRII 105. It showed a fair degree of tolerance to abnormal leaf fall and pink disease than the other clones, but was susceptible to brown bast. The trees are being kept under the low frequency tapping system to control the occurrence of tapping panel dryness. The clone showed the lowest depression in yield of 16.19 per cent during summer. The clone recorded a dry rubber content of 39.65 per cent. The clone RRIM 600 occupied the second place in the overall performance and yield. The incidence of abnormal leaf fall and pink disease was not so severe. The powdery mildew and brown bast incidence were low. The yield depression during summer was 18.88 per cent. It recorded the highest dry rubber content of 39.75 per cent. Since the trees of the clone PB 235 were opened only in 1992, the yield pattern is not possible to be explained as it has not reached the stable stage. More data are required for a realistic comparison with the other clones. The susceptibility to abnormal leaf fall and powdery mildew was high. Incidence of pink disease was low. Tapping panel dryness was also not observed, perhaps being in the second year of tapping under low frequency system. The clone had light yellow latex of low dry rubber content of 31.45 per cent. In general Pullengode estate maintains the clones, RRII 105, RRIM 600 and PB 235 selected for the study under scientific and uniform conditions. The performance of the clones, except the slight variations inherant with each clone in growth, yield, susceptibility and tolerance to disease incidence, is found to be excellent. The clones are suitable for this region under the existing agro – climatic conditions and the recommended cultural practices.
Open Access
Regulation of flowering and post _harvest behaviour of Anthurium andreanum Cv . Hawaiian red
(Department Of Pomology And Floriculture,College Of Horticulture,Vellanikkara, 1999) Abdussamed, K P; KAU; Valasalakumari, P K
Open Access
Nodulation Behaviour Of Acacia Mangium Wikd.In Response TO Rhizobium Inoculation
(Department of Tree Physiology and breeding, College of forestry,Vellanikkara, 1998) Dhaneshkumar, P; KAU; Ashokan, P K
An investigation was carried out during April 1996 to December 1997 at the College of Forestry, Kerala Agricultural University, Vellanikkara to study the nodulation characteristics of Acacia mangium Willd. plantation and to isolate and compare the efficiency of rhizobia from different agroclimatic regions of Kerala. The efficiency of these rhizobial isolates under varying conditions of soil fertility and acidity were also evaluated. Survey conducted throughout the state showed rhizobial association and nodulation in all mangium plantations. The soil of these plantations were acidic with pH values ranging from 4.9 to 6.2. Experiments conducted to study the rhizobial characteristics indicated that, the fast growers (Rhizobium spp.) as well as the slow growers tBradyrhizobium spp.) are involved in nodulation of A. mangium in Kerala. The efficiencies of different rhizobial isolates were studied in polypots using sterilized and unsterilized soil - sand mixture. Two other polypot experiments were conducted to study the response of the rhizboial isolates to liming and Nand P application. The experiments were laid out in C.R.D with three replications. Seedlings raised in unsterilized soil performed better as compared to seedlings in sterilized soil. However, the response to inoculation was more prominent in sterilized soil. In sterilized soil, seedlings inoculated with Rhizobium isolates from mangium ;MRh-3 (Mananthavadi), MRh- 2(Perambra), MRh-13 (Trivandrum), MRh-6 (Vellanikkara) and MRh-lO (Mavelikkara) and commercial mangium culture (" Agroforester - Group A") showed superiority in nodulation and growth characteristics while the isolates from A. auriculijonnis and commercial culture of A. auriculijonnis, ("Agroforester - Group C") were not much effective. Seedling - response to inoculation varied with rhizobial isolates, and mangium showed its specificity in Rhiozbium requirement for nitrogen fixation. The application of lime adversely affected nodulation capacity of the rhizobial isolates of mangium from Kerala, indicating the adaptations of these isolates to acidic soils. The nodulation efficiency of commercial culture "Agroforester - Group A" was improved by lime application, indicating that this strain is adapted to soils of higher pH. The nodulation and nitrogen fixing efficiency of the isolates were improved by supplementating fertilized N and P. The need for a starter dose of Nand P for effective nodulation and efficient Ny-fixation in mangium seedlings. MRh-6 (Vellanikkara) performed poorly in unfertilized soil, but showed superiority when applied with N and P fertilizers, indicating the sensitivity of this isolate to site conditions. As the rhizobial isolates from different agroclimatic regions of Kerala responded differently under varying soil pH and doses of Nand P, inoculation of selected strains of rhizobia depending on site conditions may be needed for successful establishment of mangium seedlings.
Open Access
Marketing Practices of The study entitled "Marketing Practices of Fruit and Vegetable Processing Industries in Thrissur District
(Department of Rural Marketing Management, College of Cooperation Banking and Management,Mannuthy, 1996) Jeeja, T V; KAU; Rajan Nair, N
The study entitled "Marketing Practices of Fruit and Vegetable Processing Industries in Thrissur District" was undertaken to examine the practices in procurement of inputs, selection of product mix and cost and to examine the marketing efficiency of the fruit and vegetable processing industries. Fruit and vegetable processing units, falling respectively in the classes of ‘oldest unit in the district', ‘excellent unit in the district’, ‘co-operative form of organisation’, and ‘a household rural unit’ were selected from the district. Farmers intermediaries in the procurement of raw materials, intermediates in the distribution network of processed products and consumers were selected randomly for gathering primary data. The data was collected during the period 1993-1995. Simple averages, percentages, tables, non-paramatric test and direct reporting comprised the methodology. The main raw materials used by the processing industry was fruits and vegetables collected from local production centres. However, raw materials were also procured from out-of-state production centres when insufficiency was felt and to improve the product range. The number of channels and intermediates in the procurement process was lengthy, but were performing certain critical functions at times. So the study suggests a revised model which combines the positive aspects of each channel and also provides satisfaction to the farmers, functionary and processing units. The product mix of the oldest unit was the highest while that of the rural household unit was the lowest. It was observed that when product mix was higher, price of products also went up. The marketing efficiency of the distribution network analysed through functional, price spread and consumer response analysis revealed that channel involving dealers was the most effective channel. Finally, a new model, from procurement of raw materials to distribution of procesed items, is suggested for improving the performance of processing industries.
Open Access
Cataloguing And Identification Of Promising Ashgourd Ecotypes In Relation TO Season And Maturity
(Department of Olericulture, College of Horticulture,Vellanikkara, 1998) Mini Menon, P; KAU; Salikutty Joseph
An experiment was conducted during 1995-96 in the Department of Olericulture, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara to catalogue and identify promising ashgourd ecotypes in relation to season and maturity. 1birty ecotypes of ashgourd were studied for their variability. The experiment was laid out in randomised block design with three replications. High heritability along with high genetic gain was observed for the characters primary branches per plant, fruit yield per plant, seeds per fruit and average fruit weight. Yield was positively and significantly correlated with length of main vine, nodes on main vine, primary branches per plant, internodal length, leaves per plant at 30 days after sowing, male flowers per plant, female flowers per plant, per cent of female flowers, average fruit weight, fruits per plant, percent of fruit set, circumference of fruit, length of fruit, seeds per fruit and 100 seed weight. Average fruit weight exhibited the highest positive direct effect on fruit yield per plant. The ecotype BH 21 possessing highest values for characters like length of main vine, number of nodes, number of female flowers, fruit yield per plant and number of seeds per fruit was selected to study the effect of sowing time and periodicity of harvests on yield. This experiment was laid out in split plot design taking months of sowing as main plot treatments and intervals of harvesting as subplot treatments. All biometric characters were significantly influenced by the sowing time. The crop sown in October was superior to other crops with regard to number of nodes, earliest node at which the first female flower was formed and fruit retained, number of female flowers, per cent of female flowers, number of fruits per plant, number of seeds per fruit and fruit yield per plant. In general the crops sown during August, September and October performed better in yield contributing characters when compared to the crops raised during other months of the year. The plants under the harvest interval of 14 days produced the highest number of female flowers and fruits per plant. Average fruit weight, circumference, fruit shape index, flesh thickness and number of fully developed seeds were highest for fruits harvested at full maturity. Though more number of fruits were obtained from plants' under a harvest interval of 14 days the highest yield in terms of total fruit weight was realised from plants harvested at full maturity. The crop was succumbed to the attack of pests and diseases throughout the year. Fruit fly infestation was severe in April, May and June sown crop. Incidence of pumpkin beetle was severe 111 February, March, April and May sown crop. Mosaic was severe 00 crops sown in November, December, January and February. June and July sown crops exhibited downy mildew disease. The better expression of yield contributing characters and lower incidence of pests and diseases tor the crops sown during August, September and October indicated that these months are most ideal for raising a crop of ashgourd. The crop weather relationship revealed that maximum temperature during first and second weeks after anthesis had a significant positive correlation with' yield at full maturity. Minimum temperature and sunshine hours also have a positive correlation though not significant. A negative correlation exist between relative humidity and yield.
Open Access
Anti-ulcer activity of Ocimum sanctum (Thuiasi ) Musa (AAb Group,Nendran) and Withania somnifera(Amukkiram) in rats
(Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences,mannuthy, 1998) Sanjay, D; KAU; Venugopalan, K
The study was~conducted in adult albino rats of either sex to assess the comparative anti-ulcer effect of powder and alcoholic extract of Ocimum sanctum (leaves), Musa (AAB group, "Nendran", mature, unripe fruit) and Withania somnifera (root) with Famotidine, at different dose levels given orally for 10 days and, 20 days after induction of gastric ulcers with aspririn at the dose rate of 200 mg/kg body weight for 7 days orally. The doses of different plant preparation were fixed arbitarily (Table 1) . Table 1. Doses of oc imum sanct um leaves, Musa (AAB group •. Nendran" ) mature and unripe fruit, withania somnifera root and Famotidine (in mg/kg orally) were fixed as below Plants Alcoholic extracts 10 dayo treatment 20 days treatment Powder 10 days treatment . 20 days treatment Ocimum sanctum G( 1) G(2) G(3) G(4 ) G(5) G(6) G(7) G(8) 250 500 250 500 500 1000 500 1000 Nusa (MS group G(9) 0(10) G( 11) (3(12) G( 13) G( 14) G(15) G( 16) Nendran) 500 1000 500 1000 1000 2000 1000 2000 Withania G(l7 ) G(18) G( 19) G(20) G(21) G(22) G(23) G(24 ) somnifera 250 500 250 500 500 1000 500 1000 Famotidine 10 days treatment F(10) 20 days treatment F(20) 40 mg/kg p.o 40 mg/kg p.o Control group A (CG(A) I - Aspirin treated controls (200 mg/kg b.wt) Control group B (CG(B) I - Natural healing for 10 days Control group C (CG(C) I - Natural healing for 20 days Control group A [CG(A)] was given aspirin at the dose rate of 200 mg/kg body weight for 7 days and on the 8th day, the rats were sacrificed and number of ulcers and severity (ulcer score) were determined with the help of magnifying lens. 11 The ulcer index and healing index were calculated based on the formulae: Ulcer index = Number of ulcers + Ulcer + score % incidence Number of animal Ulcer index (control) CG(A) Healing index Ulcer index (control) CG(A) Ulcer index (drug) x 100 The control group B [CG(B)] and control group C [CG(C)] were administered aspirin orally for 7 days and they were maintained by normal feeding and watering without any treatment for 10 days and 20 days respectively to assess natural healing. Famotidine was taken as standard drug and given orally at the dose rate of 40 mg/kg body weight for 10 days and 20 days respectively. The anti-ulcer activity of plants under study was compared with Famotidine . . Haematological parameters such a erythrocyte count, total leukocyte count, differential count and haemoglobin count were decermined to assess any changes in the haemogram. Histopathological study was also conducted to evaluate the severity of ulceration and healing process. The result of the present study with O. sanctum leaf powder and alcoholic extract showed that none of the experimental groups produced statistically significant healing effects comparable to Famotidine groups. Observation with Musa (AAB group, "Nendran") unripe fruit powder and alcoholic extract have indicated that all experimental group under study with the plant have better healing effect than control group for 10 days. The alcoholic extract of Musa (AAB group, "Nendran") at the dose rate of 1000 mg/kg body weight for 10 days, 500 mg/kg body weight for 20 days and 1000 mg/kg body weight for 20 days produced healing comparable to Famotidine at the dose rate of 40 mg/kg body weight for 10 days and 20 days respectively. The result of healing obtained with W. somnifera root indicate that alcoholic extracts at the dose rate of 250 mg/kg body weight for 20 days and 500 mg/kg body weight for 20 days and powder at the dose rate of 1000 mg/kg body weight for 20 days are comparable with Famotidine groups administered for 10 days and 20 days respectively. All other experimental group under study with this plant produced healing comparable to Famotidine administered for 10 days. Haematological study revealed no significant change and all values fall within the normal range of blood value for the species under study. Histopathological study revealed various ulcer lesions and healing process.

Kerala Agricultural University, Thrissur

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