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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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ThesisItem Open Access Economic analysis of lending through joint liability groups(Department of Banking and Finance Management, College of Cooperation Banking and Management, Vellanikkara, 2020) Athulya, Titus; KAU; Ranjit Kumar, E GThesisItem Open Access Study on marketing management of Sitaram ayurveda pharmacy Ltd. for Narasimham oil(College of Co-operation Banking and Management, Vellanikkara, 2017) Bhagyasree, K G; KAU; Smitha, BabyMarketing management is the organizational discipline which focuses on the practical application of marketing orientation, techniques and methods inside enterprises and organizations and on the management of a firm's marketing resources and activities. Marketing management employs tools from economics and competitive strategy to analyze the industry context in which the firm operates. The scope of a business' marketing management depends on the size of the business and the industry in which the business operates. Effective marketing management will use a company's resources to increase its customer base, improve customer opinions of the company's products and services, and increase the company's perceived value. The project entitled “A study on marketing management of Sitaram Ayurveda Pharmacy Ltd. for Narasimham oil” were undertaken with the objectives vii. To understand the marketing management practices followed by Sitaram Ayurveda Pharmacy Ltd for the promotion of Sitaram Narasimham oil. viii. To evaluate consumers, retailers and dealers perception towards the maketing of Sitaram Narasimham oil. ix. To suggest improved marketing strategies for Sitaram Narasimham oil. The sample size of the study was 60 consumers, 8 distributors and 15 retailres of Sitaram Narasimham oil , in Thrissur Corporation. Consumers were selected by using convenience sampling method. The study was based on primary data and secondary data, the primary data were collected from the sample respondents through personal interview. The collected data were analyzed using percentage and ranking index method. In order to keep the company vibrant and responsive to the needs of the customers, it is vital to regularly monitor the level of consumer satisfaction and marketing management practices.ThesisItem Open Access Adoption of mobile phone for agricultural and banking services by farmers(Department of Banking and Finance Management, College of Co-operation Banking and Management, Vellanikkara, 2020) Anu, Roy; KAU; Ranjit Kumar, E GThesisItem Open Access Standardisation and quality evaluation of millet based nutri flakes(Department of Community Science, College of Horticulture, Vellanikara, 2020) Riya K, Zachria; KAU; Aneena, E RConvenient foods are commercially prepared processed foods, which are designed for the ease of preparation and consumption. Utilisation of millets is restricted due to non-availability of processed foods in ready to eat form. Millets can be effectively utilised for developing value added products which can improve the overall diet quality. The present study entitled ‘Standardisation and quality evaluation of millet based nutri flakes’ was carried out to develop nutri flakes using millets and to evaluate the organoleptic, nutritional and shelf life qualities. The suitability of the nutri flakes for the preparation of different food products was also assessed. Two types of nutri flakes, one based on finger millet flour and another one based on barnyard millet flour in combination with tapioca flour and jack fruit seed flour were standardised. Nutri flakes based on finger millet flour (FM) were standardised with different proportions of tapioca flour (TF) along with other ingredients (OI). Among different treatments, T3 (60 % FM + 30% TF+ 10% OI) secured the highest mean score of 7.92 for overall acceptability. Among finger millet based nutri flakes incorporated with jackfruit seed flour (JSF), the mean scores and mean rank scores for sensory parameters were the highest for treatment T3 (60% + FM + 30% JSF+ 10% OI) and secured a mean score of 7.85 for overall acceptability. Nutritious millet flakes using a composite flour of 60% finger millet flour and 30% tapioca flour along with other ingredients was successfully standardised with good sensory qualities. Incorporation of 30% JSF instead of tapioca flour was also found to be suitable for millet based nutri flakes. Barnyard millet flour (BM) based nutri flakes incorporated with tapioca flour was prepared by incorporating tapioca flour in different proportions. The treatment T5 (40 % BM + 50% TF+ 10% OI) secured the highest mean score of 7.61 for overall acceptability. Among barnyard millet based nutri flakes incorporated with jackfruit seed flour (JSF), the highest mean score of 7.61 for overall acceptability was obtained for the treatment T5 (40 % BM + 50% JSF+ 10% OI). Barnyard millet nutri flakes incorporated with 50 per cent tapioca flour and 40% of barnyard millet flour obtained good sensory qualities. Instead of tapioca flour, 50% jack fruit flour also was found to be suitable for nutri flakes. The selected nutri flakes were subjected to quality evaluation. The carbohydrate content of nutri flakes were in the range of 36.54 g / 100 g (BM + JSF) to 50.46 g /100 g (FM + JSF). Protein content was in the range of 6.87 g / 100 g (BM + JSF) to 13. g / 100 g (BM + JSF). Jackfruit seed flour incorporated nutri flakes were found to be high in protein content. The fat content of nutri flakes were in the range of 1.26 g / 100 g (FM + TF) to 1.99 g / 100 g (BM + JSF). Finger millet based nutri flakes with jackfruit seed flour had highest calcium content of 199 mg / 100 g Iron content of nutri flakes varied from 2 mg /100 g (NF.3) to 5.58 mg / 100 g (NF.1). The selected nutri flakes were packed in laminated aluminium pouches and shelf life was studied under ambient conditions. Though the mean scores of all organoleptic parameters slightly decreased throughout the storage, all nutri flakes maintained an acceptable level at the end of storage period. The total microbial count observed were within permissible limits at the end of storage. Yeast population and insect infestation were not observed throughout the storage period. In the present study, nutri flakes were used for the preparation of different value added products such as ready to eat (RTE) instant breakfast mix (IBM) and ready to eat (RTE) nutri bar (NB). The mean scores for overall acceptability for instant breakfast mix varied from 6.82 (IBM- 40 % BM + 50 % JSF) to 7.46 (IBM-60 % FM + 30% TF). The mean scores for overall acceptability varied from 7.43 (NB-40 % BM + 50 % JSF) to 8.12 (NB 60 % FM + 30% TF) for different nutri bars. Acceptable and nutritious nutri flakes and were developed successfully and these products can be successfully utilized for value added products like instant breakfast mixes and nutribars. These millet based products can be included in the daily diet as a strategy to combat micro nutrient deficiencies.ThesisItem Open Access Performance evaluation of rubber producers society Poothrikka Ernakulam district(Department of Co-operative Management, College of Co-operation Banking and Management, Vellanikkara, 2020) Amritha, Anand; KAU; Veerakumaran, GIndia is the 5th largest producer of Natural Rubber (NR) in the world. Indian rubber plantation sector is dominated by small holdings, which account for almost 88% of the total rubber production in the country. The preponderance of small rubber growers makes the sector vulnerable to exploitation by middlemen and also difficulties in gaining access to technology and information. Lack of availability of timely and adequate credit, rapid rise in the wages of labourers and increase in the price of fertilisers were the other major problems faced by the small rubber growers. Only institutional support built upon a community basis would help empowering the framework of small farmers to manage adequate market strengths and also this would help farmers to get a realistic margin. Therefore the Rubber Board promoted the formation of small voluntary associations of small growers called Rubber Producers’ Societies (RPSs) which are free from political and bureaucratic control or intervention. This opened a new opportunity for the extension services of the Rubber Board. The present study entitles “Performance evaluation of Rubber Producers’ Society Poothrikka, Ernakulam district” was undertaken with the objectives viz., to analyse the functions and services provided by Rubber Producers’ Society, to examine the financial performance of the society and to study the problems faced by the society. By considering the accomplishment of thesis works amidst of COVID -19 outbreaks, Ernakulam district was purposively selected for the study. The secondary data for studying the first two objectives was collected from the annual reports for ten years (from 2008-09 to 2017-18) of the society and was analysed with the help of statistical tools such as growth index, CAGR and financial ratios. The primary data for examining the problems existing in the society was collected from president, executive committee members (6) and employees (9) of RPS Poothrikka using a structured interview schedule. The data thus collected was analysed using the tools such as growth index, Compound Annual Growth Rate, liquidity ratios, profitability ratios, activity ratios, solvency ratios, indices and percentages. By analysing the first objective, it was found that sale of estate inputs, collection of latex from member growers, processing of RSS 1X & RSS 4 and marketing of processed sheets, implementation of Rubber Producers’ Incentive Scheme, extension services, training etc., were the major functions and services provided by the society whereas, marketing was opinioned as the major function by the executive committee members. Unpleasant weather condition, grower’s reluctance in harvesting due to persistent low prices during the last few years, high level of incidence of abnormal leaf fall disease etc., were identified as the reasons for the decline in cultivation of rubber. The financial performance of the Rubber Producers’ Society Poothrikka gives the outcome that all the 11 ratios considered under study shows positive results. Even though the fire accident occurred in the year 2010 accounted for an increase in amount due to creditors, the society was found to be in a position to meet the claims and debt obligations in the short run, usually within one year when they become due without raising external fund. RPS Poothrikka also maintained a good profitability ratio which showed the position of society in creating enough operational profit from their assets. Since all the four activity ratios of the society were found to be good, it can be concluded that the assets of the society are being used effectively and efficiently by the management to generate maximum possible revenue. As the debt-equity ratio of the society is less than 1 for almost all years, it can be concluded that the investors (members) have more stake in the business assets. The identified problems faced by the society were lack of nurseries, irregular supply of latex, difficulty in trading with Rubber Board’s trading companies and price fluctuations. Staff paucity & employee overburden and delayed hike in salary were the identified problems faced by the employees. The study therefore suggests that the society should make arrangements to attract more members either by encouraging members to produce good seedlings or by purchasing it from other nurseries, collect rubber sheets along with latex, conduct regular training and extension services to attract members and encourage rubber cultivation while more active members will increase the income of the society as it fetches ₹20/kg as service charge for collection and marketing. And also involving in agreement with dealers can guarantee an assured profit to member growers as well as the society despite of the fluctuations in the market. Only with proper intervention of RPS with the help of Rubber Board on the above mentioned areas can encourage the farmers to continue the rubber cultivation despite of the price fluctuations in the market.ThesisItem Open Access Institutional interventions of Venad poultry farmer producer company in augmenting farm income(Department of Co-operative Management, College of Co-operation Banking and Management, Vellanikkara, 2020) Soni, solaman; KAU; Veerakumaran, GIndia is an agriculture based country, where 60.4% of the population is engaged in agriculture and allied activities. India has over 92 million small holdings or nearly 21% of the world’s small holdings of 450 million (NABARD reports, 2019). The challenge was therefore enormous for India to ensure that small holdings are truly productive and are the main source of livelihoods for millions of people dependent on it. Several institutional models were being tried in India as well as in Kerala to integrate farmers with the value chain. In 2002, through an amendment in the Indian Companies Act, 1956, the Government of India incorporated a new section IXA “Producer Company”. The basic purpose of the Producer Company is to collectivise the farmers or producers for backward linkage such as inputs like seeds, fertilisers, credit, insurance, knowledge and extension services and forward linkages such as collective marketing, processing, market led agriculture production etc. The objectives of the study were to examine the structure and operations of Venad Poultry Farmer Producer Company (FPC), to analyse the role of Farmer Producer Company in augmenting farm income and to identify the problems faced by the company. By considering the accomplishment of thesis works amidst of COVID - 19 outbreaks, Kollam district was selected for the study. The analysis of structure and operations of Venad Poultry Farmer Producer Company revealed that company had a good structure in terms of human resource as well as company departments. While analyzing the operations of the company, simple growth index, compound annual growth rate and ratio analysis were used. The operations of the company were studied under two heads; parameter wise and ratio wise analysis. The company was in its introductory stage ie; established during the mid of 2016. The share capital, deposits, sales, gross and net profits were having a positive growth. The borrowings of the company had decreased so far which indicates the operations of the company was good enough to repay its borrowings. While analyzing the operations in terms of liquidity, profitability, asset management, and leverage, the company had a stable position in its operations. The role of Venad Poultry Farmer Producer Company in augmenting farm income was studied under two heads; parameter wise and member satisfaction level wise. In case of parameter wise analysis, the extension services, input supply and prices were studied by comparing the same facilities provided by a private organization “Saguna” established during 2017 dealing with poultry from the same locality of Producer Company. From the parameter wise analysis it was clear that the Venad Poultry Farmer Producer Company was providing inputs at affordable rates in comparison to private firm. The availability of inputs such as medicines, vaccines, poultry feeds and equipments were a greater relief to poorer farmers. The extension services provided by the company were free of cost and it helped the farmers to acquire new knowledge and technologies that were adoptable to nurture birds. Therefore it was clear that Producer Company runs under co-operative principle. The cost-benefit analysis of household farmers availing services from Venad Poultry FPC and Saguna Pvt. Ltd reveals that the farmers of FPC had obtained greater returns per bird in comparison with farmers availing services from Saguna private firm. The company helps the farmers to market their produce with a brand quality which in turn increases the market value and income for the farmers. The brand name "Venad Signature eggs and chicken" obtained national level acceptance and rewarded for their unique technology - source traceability. In view of member satisfaction, the SERVQUAL model was used for the analysis and it consist of five parameters viz; tangibility, reliability, responsiveness, assurance and empathy. Among the five parameter, the empathy obtained highest satisfaction index of 96 percent. Empathy could be included in the seventh principle of co-operation – concern for community. The problems confronted by Venad Poultry Farmer Producer Company were studied from the view of Board of Directors of the company. The data were collected and analysed using index method. The problems were categorized as negligible, tolerable, risk, severe and chronic. The problems were sub divided into administrative problems, structural problems, human resource related problems and functional problems. The administrative problems were further sub divided as problems related to board meeting, problems related to general body meeting and problems related to audit. The functional problems were also further divided into problems in functional area of board, problems in procurement, processing, input supply, marketing and other related problems. The overall index obtained was categorized under tolerable category. It indicates that the company was able to handle their existing barriers and problems over the years. Therefore it could be concluded that Venad Poultry Farmer Producer Company had a greater role in augmenting the farm income of its member farmers.ThesisItem Open Access Process optimisation and quality evaluation of passion fruit based probiotic drinks(Department of Comunity Science, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2020) Meera, P M; KAU; Sharon, C LThe functions of food has extended from satisfying hunger and providing nutrients to body, to health maintenance, wellness and prevention of diseases. Probiotics are such functional foods which when incorporated to foods helps to improve its nutritional profile and therapeutic value. Hence, the study entitled “Process optimisation and quality evaluation of passion fruit based probiotic drink” was undertaken with the objective of standardising probiotic fruit drinks with different combinations of fruits with passion fruit and also to evaluate the nutritional, organoleptic and shelf life qualities of these developed passion fruit based probiotic drinks. Passion fruit probiotic drinks were developed in combination with mango, pineapple and tomato. The proportion of ingredients were standardised with three sets of treatments, and from each set, one fruit drink combination with maximum organoleptic scores were selected. The fruit drink containing 50 per cent passion fruit juice (PFJ) and 50 per cent mango juice (MJ) (T5) was selected from set 1, whereas fruit drink containing 70 per cent passion fruit juice and 30 per cent pineapple juice (PJ) and tomato juice (TJ) (T3) was selected from set 2 and 3 respectively. Total scores for the selected combinations were 50.06, 51.16 and 49.01 respectively for T5 (PFJ+MJ) and T3 of PFJ+ PJ and PFJ+ TJ. For all the selected fruit drinks, the conditions were optimised for attaining the maximum viable count of L. acidophilus. The fruit drink (25 ml) fermented with 4 μl of inoculum for 1 hour at 370 C gave the maximum viable count of L. acidophilus ranging from 13.27 to 13.38 log cfu/g. The selected fruit drinks from each set along with their respective control (non probiotic samples) were analysed for their nutritional and organoleptic qualities. Titratable acidity ranged from 1.60 to 3.02 per cent in non probiotic drinks, where as in probiotic drinks it ranged between 1.98 to 3.18 per cent. Protein content ranging between 0.36 to 0.61 g/100 g was observed in non probiotic drinks and increased protein content was observed in probiotic drinks (0.62 to1.37 g/100g). Significant decrease in TSS was observed in probiotic drinks (12.3 to 12.80 brix) compared to non probiotic drinks (13.10 to 140 brix). Total sugar and reducing sugar of probiotic drinks were in the range of 14 to 16.66 g/ 100g and 3.08 to 4.08 g/ 100g respectively and a significant increase was observed in non probiotic drink, 15.20 to 17.10 g/ 100g and 3.57 to 4.53 g/ 100g respectively. With respect to mineral content, maximum phosphorus content was observed in PFJ+PJ probiotic and non probiotic drinks, whereas the highest potassium content was for PFJ in both probiotic and non probiotic. Iron and calcium of probiotic drinks ranged from 0.22 to 0.29 mg/ 100g and 2.04 to 2.65 mg/ 100g respectively and that of non probiotic drinks were 0.20 to 0.28 mg/ 100g and 2.02 to 2.64 mg/ 100 g respectively. The probiotic fruit drinks were packed in food grade plastic bottles and kept for storage studies under refrigerated condition for a period of 15 days and a decrease in the sensory attributes were observed. Initially, the overall acceptability of probiotic and non probiotic PFJ drinks were 8.16 and 8.15 respectively which reduced to 8.14 and 8.13 respectively after storage. Similar reduction was observed in every set of samples. The total score of probiotic PFJ, PFJ+MJ, PFJ+PJ and PFJ+TJ were 48.76, 50.14, 50.97 and 49.32 and that of non probiotic drinks were 48.71, 49.95, 50.94 and 49.27 respectively. The viable count of L. acidophilus decreased on storage from 13.27 to 13.39 log cfu/ ml to 13.26 to 13.37 log cfu/ ml. The cost of production of probiotic fruit drinks were in the range of Rs. 25.5 to Rs. 33.5 per 200 ml. The study revealed that passion fruit can be a suitable substrate for probiotic fermentation and probiotic drinks can be successfully developed. Further research can be done for the development of innovative probiotic products from passion fruit.ThesisItem Open Access Impact assessment of integrated child development services (ICDS) programme on nutritional status of children at Trivandrum district(Department of Community Science, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2020) Abhina, B; KAU; Anitha Chandran, CThe project entitled “Impact Assessment of Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) programme on nutritional status of children at Trivandrum district” was carried out at the Department of Community Science, during 2018-2020. The objective of the research was to study the impact of ICDS programme on Nutritional Status of children attending Anganwadi Centres and to study the effect of Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Anganwadi staff on nutritional outcome of children. The study was conducted among 90 children in the age group of 2-6 years attending the anganwadies and 25 anganwadi workers and helpers working under the anganwadies. Children in the study population attending anganwadies were classified into 5 age groups under the heading male and female. 35% of the children in the age group of 24-36 months were male children and 32% were female children. In the 37-48 age group 28% were male children and 34% were female children. 28% male children and 34% of female children were included under the age group 49-60 months. In the category of above 60 months that is 5 years only male children were there (9%). Birth weight of children were collected from their mothers and found that 11.6% of male children and 13% of female children in the study population were having a lower birth weight i.e. less than 2500gm. Majority of children (48.88%) were from the families having a monthly income of less than or equal to 20,000. Food consumption pattern of the beneficiaries were assessed through the collection of details on the food consumption pattern, frequency of having different food items and the meal timing. 4.4% of the children were vegetarians. Food intake of anganwadi children were found through 24 hour recall method and the nutrients present in their diets were calculated using the Indian food composition table of NIN (2017). The mean intake of children in the age group of 1-3 years are having the required RDA. Protein intake is also more than RDA requirements. But their mean intake shows a serious deficiency in the intake of Vitamin A in their diet. Iron requirement is also less than actual RDA needs. The intake of calorie of children in the age group of 4-6 years from the diet were less than the actual requirements. The diet was found to be deficient in Vitamin A and Iron. Anthropometric measurements such as weight, height, skin fold thickness, mid upper arm circumference, head circumference, chest circumference, waist circumference and hip circumference of the anganwadi children was collected. More than 80% anganwadi children are having their required weight and height standards. Head circumference was greater than chest circumference for 7% of children. 52 % of children were having lesser percentile values of BMI than their actual standards. 30% of children have skin fold thickness less than 10 mm. Clinical deficiency symptoms like teeth caries, dry skin, pigmentations in skin and anorexia were found among 4.4%, 2.2%,2.2% and 5.6% respectively among anganwadi children. Nutritional Status Index of children were calculated. 49% of children were having NSI values above the mean value. Nutrition status index of children were correlated with the variables and found that there is strong correlation between Skin fold thickness (.77), Mid Upper Arm Circumference (.73), Waist Circumference (.76) and Head Circumference (.74). Knowledge, attitude and practice of anganwadi workers and anganwadi helpers were assessed through structured questionnaire. Scores were given according to their answers. Association of KAP of anganwadi helper and worker were correlated and found that there is no significant difference between the knowledge of anganwadi worker and helper. Anganwadi workers score were more than anganwadi helpers in their attitude and practice score. Children in the angnawadi with greater knowledge have better nutritional status than others. Angawadies having lesser number of children are getting more attention than those with more number of children. Findings of the study indicates that Anganwadi workers and mothers should be made aware of the nutritional needs and its significance among children. Knowledge of AWW and AWH should be improved to increase the nutritional status of children by providing better training programmes. Nutrition should be given more importance than preschool education in anganwadies. Children should be provided with better infrastructure facilities for their overall development especially the study kits. Kitchen garden shall be maintained by all anganwadies in order to make the required vegetables in the anganwadi itself. A nation’s children are its supremely important asset and the nation’s future lies in their proper development. An investment in children is needed an investment in the Nation’s Future. A healthy and educated child of today is the active and intelligent child of tomorrow. So they should be well-nourishedThesisItem Open Access Quality assessment of coconut oil and detection of adulteration(Department of Plantation Crops and Spices, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2020) Rakhi, Jose; KAU; Sreekala, G SThe research programme entitled “Quality assessment of coconut oil and detection of adulteration” was undertaken at the Department of Plantation Crops and Spices, College of Agriculture Vellayani during the period 2018-2020. The study was conducted in order to assess the quality parameters of coconut oil and to detect adulteration by different techniques and to validate an easy and efficient method for the detection. Coconut oil was adulterated with 1, 5, 10, 15, 20 and 30 per cent of palm kernel oil and mineral oil. Apart from this pure coconut oil, pure palm kernel oil, pure mineral oil and five branded coconut oils were also collected altogether contributing twenty samples. These samples were analysed for physical and chemical characteristics, microbial contamination, thin layer chromatography, fatty acid composition by GCMS and FTIR spectroscopy to detect adulteration and to find an easy and efficient method for detection of adulteration. Physical and chemical characteristics analysed revealed refractive index and relative density of pure coconut oil, branded coconut oil and coconut oil mixed up to 30 per cent palm kernel oil were within the codex standard range. The apparent density of pure coconut oil differed significantly from adulterated samples. Insoluble impurities of all the samples were in the range 0.024-0.047 per cent which was within the standard prescribed by Codex (< 0.05 per cent). Saponification value of pure sample and all the branded coconut oil samples showed a value above 250 mg KOH g of oil-1 which was in tune with standard specified by FSSAI. Palm kernel oil and mineral oil as adulterant in different percentage showed less than 250 mg KOH g of oil-1. FSSAI standard for iodine value of coconut oil is in the range 7.5-10g and the iodine value of pure sample and all the branded coconut oil samples tested were within the range 7.5-10g. Iodine value of coconut oil adulterated with 5 per cent palm kernel oil and above exceeded the standard value (10) while adulteration with mineral oil above 1 per cent showed less than 7.5g. Standard Polenske value as prescribed by FSSAI and Codex (not less than13) was noticed in all samples except coconut oil with palm kernel oil 5 per cent and above and all mineral oil combinations. Pure sample, branded coconut oil and coconut oil mixed with varying percentage of palm kernel oil had unsaponifiable value within the limit of standards (not more than 1 per cent) while that of coconut oil mixed with even 1 per cent mineral oil and above exceeded the limit (1.18 per cent). Acid value of not more than 6 was the standard put forward by FSSAI and Codex and all oil samples except palm kernel oil and coconut oil mixed with 15 per cent palm kernel oil and above recorded values above 6. FSSAI standard for peroxide content in fresh coconut oil is below 10 meq/Kg and higher peroxide value were obtained from coconut samples mixed with palm kernel oil at 5 per cent and above and mineral oil at 15 per cent and above. Codex standard for matter volatile at 105°C is < 0.2% and all samples were within the limit. Principal component analysis (PCA) performed on physical and chemical characteristics of oil revealed high coefficient in PC1 for unsaponifiable matter and it contributed to maximum variation followed by relative density, apparent density, Polenske value, refractive index, saponification value and iodine value. In PC2, high coefficient was noticed for acid value followed by peroxide value and iodine value . Microbial contamination assessed by total plate count was within the APCC standard of less than 10 (< 10) colony forming units/ml. Fungal and actinomycete population was however not detected in the oil samples. Thin layer chromatography revealed yellow streaks in the profile of pure coconut oil sample, branded coconut oil samples and coconut oil mixed with different concentrations of palm kernel oil while yellow streaks were absent in coconut oil samples mixed with mineral oil. Gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry revealed the fatty acid composition in the oil samples. Principal component analysis carried out to analyze the variation contributed by the fatty acids revealed C16:0, C 12:0 and C 14:0 contributed the maximum variation in PC1. In PC2 high coefficient was noticed for C8:0 and C10:0. Percentage of oleic (C18:1) and linoleic (C18:2) acids were found to increase with increase in concentration of palm kernel oil and fatty acids were not detected in mineral oil. FTIR spectra formed peaks at regions of 2800-2900 cm-1, 1743 cm-1, 1465 cm- 1, 1417 cm-1, 1377 cm-1, 1229 cm-1, 1155 cm-1, 1111 cm-1, 962 cm-1, 722 cm-1 in pure coconut oil sample. Branded coconut oil samples and palm kernel oil adulterated samples obtained peaks at similar regions. Intensity of the peak at 3006 cm-1 increased with increasing concentration of palm kernel oil. The peaks for mineral oil were obtained at 2954 cm-1, 2923 cm-1, 2854cm1, 1466 cm-1, 1378 cm-1 and 721 cm-1. Intensity of the peaks at 1743 cm-1, 1229 cm-1, 1155 cm-1 and 1111 cm-1 were found to decrease with increase in percentage of mineral oil which indicated the absence of carbonyl group in mineral oil. Economics of adulteration of coconut oil by palm kernel oil and mineral oil revealed that maximum of Rs 4800/- per quintal was obtained by adulteration when 30 per cent of coconut oil was substituted by mineral oil followed by 20 per cent mineral oil ( Rs 3200/- per quintal) and 30 per cent palm kernel oil ( Rs 3150/- per quintal). The present study implies that among the physical and chemical parameters, unsaponifiable matter, relative density, apparent density, Polenske value and refractive index could be used to identify the adulteration in coconut oil by mineral oil. Similarly thin layer chromatography could also detect the presence of mineral oil. Saponification value, iodine value and Polenske value could detect the adulteration due to palm kernel oil. The use of FTIR spectroscopic technique is an easy method to identify adulteration in coconut oil through identification of specific peaks. GCMS analysis could provide information about the fatty acid composition.
