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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 Input management in dairy co-operatives of Ollukkara Block(Department of Co- operative Management, College of Co- operation, Banking and Management,Vellanikkara, 1994) George Thomas, KAU; Mani, K PThe study entitles input Management in Dairy Co-operatives of Ollukkara Block was undertaken to examine the input management of dairy co operatives, identify the farmers preference for input services, and identify the problems as also constraints in input management by dairy co operatives. Three Anand pattern dairy co operatives, falling respectively in the classes of well performing societies satisfactorily performing societies and poorly performing societies, were selected from Ollukkara block of Thrissur district. Thirty farmers each were drawn at random from these societies for gathering primary data. While the primary data were collected in 1993, the secondary data pertain to a nine year period from 1984. Simple averages, percentages, tabular method, priority index, satisfaction index and direct reporting comprised the methodology. The supply of concentrate cattle feed was the major input service in the sample societies. Despite this, about 80 per cent of the estimated demand for feed was met by the private sector. The societies too depended more on the private sector for procuring feed, thanks to the inadequate production and irregular supply of feed by the co operative union. The farmers were less satisfied over this input service because of reasons like un preferred brands supplied, quality deterioration, stock out situations, inconvenient time schedule for feed supply, non availability of feed in small lots etc. But as regards price, and mode of payment, they were satisfied. Private traders outdid the societies on preferred brand, brand choice, continuous supply of feed, supply in small quantities and at convenient time. Only 56 per cent of the farmers were aware of the provision of veterinary service, and 31 per cent alone availed of the service. Mismatch between need and time of service, procedural complexities, irregularity of doctors, difficulty in bringing animals to societies etc. deterred farmers from using thi service. Supply of fodder seeds too did not yield much response from farmers because of scarcity of land, poor crop, higher crop etc., besides the abundance of natural fodder. The input management is to be made efficient by improving upon the various services in the interest of the farmers.ThesisItem Open Access Studies on tractor mounted paddy reaper(Department of Farm Power Machinery and Energy, Kelappaji College of Agricultural Engineering and Technology,Tavanur, 1993) Sujatha Elavana, KAU; Sivaswami, MA tractor front mounted 2.2 m paddy reaper-windrower was jot fabricated from Punjab. Medications were carried out to suit to Kerala conditions. Power is drawn from the PTO shaft of the tractor through the intermediate shaft to the auxiliary gearbox of the reaper. From the gearbox power is transmitted to cutterbar and conveying assemblies. The reaper assembly is connected to the hydraulic link of the tractor through wire ropes and ‘A’ frames for lifting and lowering of the reaper. The crop is cut by the reciprocating knife and is conveyed through crop row dividers, starwheels pressure springs and lugged conveyor belts and is discharged as a neat windrow. The weight distribution of tractor with and without the reaper on all the four wheels were studied. It was found that in addition to the weight of the reaper at the front axle, a weight of 85 kg is transferred from the rear axle to the front axle when the reaper is mounted at the front of the tractor. The weight of the reaper is equally shared by the left and right wheels without effecting the stability. The idle power requirement of the cutterbar, conveyor belts, universal joints, intermediate shaft and the total power requirement are found to be 0.625 hp, 2.595 hp, 0.09 hp, 0.185 hp and 3.495 hp respectively. The cost of the reaper is Rs.20,000. the average field capacity is found to be 0.37 ha/hr. The circuitous pattern of harvesting is found economical compared to the reverse pattern. The preharvest loss, sickle loss, uncut loss, shattering loss and total cutterbar loss were found to be 0.004 per cent, 0.87 per cent, 2.2 per cent and 2.28 per cent respectively. Manual harvesting costs Rs.1625/ha whereas reaper needs only Rs. 400/ha having a saving of Rs.1225/ha in addition to timeliness of work and saving in manual labour upto 186 man-h/ha. It is established that the tractor front mounted paddy reaper-windrower is an appropriate agricultural machine which suites technically and economically to Kerala conditions and helps to reduce the cost of cultivation of paddy and is recommended for popularization.ThesisItem 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, AStudy 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.ThesisItem Open Access In Virto Multiplication and Standardisation of Hardening Techniques in Pineapple (Ananas comosus (L.) Merr.)(Department of pomology and floriculture, College of horticulture,Vellanikkara, 1993) Prabha J; Keshavachandran RStudies were conducted on in vitro multiplication and standardization of hardening techniques in pineapple (Ananas comosus (L.) Merr.) at the Tissue Culture Laboratory of the All India Co – ordinated Floriculture Improvement Project attached to the Department of Pomology, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara during 1991 – 1993. Surface sterilization treatment was standardized for crown explants. Among the different treatments tried, treatment with Emisan 0.1 per cent for 30 minutes followed with mercuric chloride 0.1 per cent for 10 minutes was found to be the best. Explants collected in the months of January and February gave the least contamination and maximum survival percentage. MS medium with BA 5.0 mg/1 inche alone or in combination with NAA 1.0 mg/1 inche gave maximum establishment of the explants. The globular structures were formed at maximum intensity within the shortest time of 5.96 days in MS medium supplemented with BA 5.0 mg/1 inche and NAA 1.0 mg/1 inche. Among the three cytokinins tried, the fastest response and the highest intensity of globular structures was obtained with BA followed by KIN and 2ip. Maximum shoot proliferation (11.9 per culture) was obtained with basal MS medium in which cent per cent of the cultures developed vigorous dark green shoots. Rooting of the in vitro derived shoots was obtained in in vitro as well as ex vitro conditions. Hundred per cent in vitro rooting was obtained in basal MS medium as well as in media supplemented with various concentrations of IBA and NAA. The fastest rooting (in 8.54 days) was obtained in the basal medium. Rooting was also faster in liquid medium compared to solid medium. In solid medium, early root initiation and the maximum length of roots were observed with 0.65 per cent agar concentration. Among the ex vitro rooting treatments tried, treatment with the rooting powder Rooton resulted in the fastest rooting and the maximum length of the roots. Profuse rooting of the shoots was obtained without using growth regulators by keeping them in a mist chamber. Treatments were standardised for successful transfer of the plantlets to the outside environment. Hundred per cent survival of the plantlets was obtained by immersing the roots of the plantlets in sterile water for 18 hr prior to transplanting. Among the different containers tried, plantlets grown in plastic pots, in general showed maximum vigour with respect to the number of leaves, height and width of the largest leaf, followed by those in mud pots and poly bags. The maximum percentage increase in these parameters was observed for the plantlets in pro-trays. Potting mixes such as cocopeat, soilrite, biofibe and vermiculite were found to be better in inducing vigorous growth of the plantlets. Plantlets grown in plastic pots with cocopeat or plastic bags with soilrite mix, in general, grew more vigorously. A nutrient starter solution of NPK fertilizer solution once a week or one fourth strength basal MS salts was found to be sufficient to induce healthy growth of the transplanted plantlets in the early stages of growth. To induce better growth of the plantlets in the later stages, application of the NPK fertilizer solution twice a week or Hoagland’s solution once a week was found to be better. Encapsulated beads were successfully formed with the differentiating globular bodies formed from the primary explants. The globular bodies could be encapsulated using 2.5 per cent sodium alginate and 75 mM calcium chloride with a complexation time of 30 minutes. The plantlets after 90 days of growth in the greenhouse with a minimum height of 10 cm and 12 leaves were successfully transferred to soil.ThesisItem Open Access Impact Of Rubber Plantation Development Schemes Among Small Holders Of Rubber In Malappuram District(Department of Plantation Crops and Spices, Horticulture College,Vellanikkara, 1994) Vijayakumar VR; Nybe EVNatural rubber is one of the crops enjoying Government patronage on account of the growing internal consumption and the strategic commercial importance. Efforts to increase indigenous production consisted of extensive cultivation and modernization of the existing plantations. For this, assistance was provided by the Rubber Board since 1957 with special consideration to the small holding sector. The present study intended the assessment and analysis of the impact of the RPD Scheme implemented by the Rubber Board in Malappuram district. The data collected from the rubber growers and additional details collected from the Rubber Board were analysed and the major findings are summarized as follows: From the study, it was found that 25 of the growers (41.67%) were having only landed property upto 1.00 ha out of which 12 growers (48%) have planted 100 per cent of the area with rubber. It was also revealed that 51 growers (85%) replaced other crops with rubber where cashew was the main crop (33.33%). All these 51 growers opined that they planted rubber as other crops were not profitable as rubber in Malappuram district. It was noticed that 44 growers (73.33%) have planted the clone RRII 105. This comes to 82 per cent if the growers under the RPDS alone are considered. It was also observed that 50 per cent of the growers under the RPDS have used polybagged plants. This means that majority of the growers are adopting the recommendation of the Board. The farmers have gained a fair amount of scientific knowledge of cultivation of rubber by undertaking own planting. Thirty six growers under the RPDS and 5 growers not under the RPDS have followed the recommended planting distances. So also, 11 growers (22%) have maintained a per hectare stand in between 400 to 500. In the case of intercropping, it was revealed that 30 per cent did not raise intercrop and 38 per cent maintained it upto the second year and only 2 per cent upto the third year. No one planted intercrop after the third year. The intercrop raised helped the growers to a very great extent to supplement their income during the immaturity period. This also means that the growers have adopted the recommendations of the Board which goes to the credit of the RPDS. The study further revealed that the polybagged plants do not have any advantage in the overall growth during the latter period of the immaturity phase. If budded stumps are planted in the ideal season/condition, they can also thrive well as the polybagged plants and attain equal girth by which the development cost can be reduced considerably. The study indicated that 68.33 per cent of the growers have adopted alternate daily tapping system which is normally recommended. Some growers gave rest during rainy and summer months which adversely affected the yield and productivity. The study has brought to light that the yield will be uneconomic if the number of tappings obtained are less than 100 per year. It was further noticed that it will be possible to get an yield of 2948 kg or more per hectare if planted with RRII 105 and if the scientific management practices and correct system of tapping are followed. It is noticeable that all the participants have expressed their appreciation in the implementation of the RPD Schemes. However, 28 growers have desired that imparting of technical assistance in the pre-planting period and after starting tapping would go a long way to improve proper management of areas planted under the RPD scheme. Scarcity of skilled tappers and labour in Malappuaram district needs immediate attention. It is suggested that the Rubber Board may strengthen the extension and advisory services so that the growers can get timely help especially before carrying out the pre-planting works. Better service may also be provided in the exploitation period. Scarcity of skilled tappers is due to low wage rate for tappers in rubber plantations. So, training programme may also be conducted in a phased manner and introduction of new systems of exploitation practiced in other countries which does not require much skill. May be thought of so that unskilled labourers can be effectively engaged. The impact of the implementation of the RPD Schemes, especially in the small holding sector, is clearly manifested in Malappuram district. The small holders share was 88.77 per cent in 1990-91. The rate of growth was 167.03 per cent in holdings having area up to 1.00 ha. Kozhikode district in South Malabar having the same agro-climatic conditions showed a lesser performance than that of Malappuram district Fig.4). This concludes that the RPD Schemes have created a positive impact among the rubber growers in Malappuram district which enabled them to develop good plantations realizing better profit as compared to other crops.ThesisItem 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, SThe 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.ThesisItem Open Access Comparative Study of The Contribution of Biometric Characters on Yieldin Dessert and Culinary Varieties of Banana(Department of Statistics, College of Veterinary,Mannuthy, 1981) Vijayaraghava Kumar; KAU; George, K CInvestigations on the different morphological characters were undertaken from the crop raised at the University Banana Research Farm, Kannara. The plants were grown in Randomised blocks of 3 replications. There were 58 varieties in dessert type and 30 in culinary varieties of bananas. The important morphological characters studied were height, girth, number of leaves, weight of hands, weight of fingers, number of fingers, length of fingers, thickness of fingers, number of hands, number of fingers per hand, length of peduncle and the yield. In both of the groups all of these characters were shown high significant difference among varieties. In many characters and in yield the ‘average values’ were slightly greater in culinary varieties. The correlation studies revealed that the phenotypic and genotypic correlations of all these characters with yield is positive. The path coefficient analysis on dessert varieties has shown that the character having maximum contribution to yield is weight of hands. The weight of fingers and number of fingers also influences the yield indirectly. In the case of culinary varieties of bananas the number of fingers had the maximum direct contribution to yield. In this group the conclusion made was that when the number of hands increases, the number of fingers per hand decreases which will bring down the yield. Studies on the discriminant function were also carried out in both the varieties. The genetic advance through discriminant function didn’t reveal any worth significance as the genetic advances through these functions were less than that calculated by straight selection (in both groups). Thus straight selection is enough for such purposes in these banana varieties. By fixing index values for all the varieties in the two groups selection was made easy. The best varieties obtained by this method were Chenkadali and Red Banana in dessert group and Peykunnan and Walha in the culinary varieties. The results from the path analysis has revealed that there is no need of putting any restriction on the dessert varieties. In the other group after putting restriction on ‘girth’ the genetic advance were calculated individually for the significant (the ones taken in this analysis) morphological characters. It has seen that ‘number of fingers’ had the maximum genetic advance. Finally by combining all the varieties in the dessert and culinary groups a combined selection index was also fitted. The genetic advances of this index was found to be nearer to that obtained from the analysis of culinary varieties.ThesisItem Open Access Compatability among Varieties in Capsicum Annum L. and Frutescens L.(Department of Olericulture, College of Horticulture,Vellanikkara, 1984) Krisnakumari, K; KAU; Peter, K VAttempts at interspecific hybridization in the genus Capsicum have succeeded only in a few cases. Most of the crosses resulted in negligible seed set and flower fall. Capsicum frutescens is valued for its high pungency and also for the source of resistance to leaf curl and mosaic complex. An experiment was planned and carried out during 1982-83 at the Instructional Farm of the College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, Trichur to find out crossability and related aspects involving two cultivated varieties of Capsicum annuum (Jwala and K2) and three useful lines of Capsicum frutescens (White Kanthari, Green Chuna and Ornamental Type). All crosses including directs and reciprocals were found to be compatiable except in two combinations where white kanthari was used as the female parent. Relative efficiency of hand pollination, mixed pollination and pollination after NAA (15ppm) spraying on compatibility indicated that the crosses white kanthari x Jwala and white kanthari x K2 failed with hand pollination and pollination after NAA sprying whereas these crosses were successful with mixed pollination. Effect of maternal parent on crossability index and percentage seed set efficiency was found to be significant. The chromosome numbers of the five parental lines were found to be 2n= 24. Significant heterosis was observed for many of the characters. Genetic distance reveals that parents Jwala and Green Chuna were the farthest whereas K2 and ornamental Type were the closest. Maximum oleoresin content was in Jwala (16.83%) and in hybrids Jwala x ornamental Type had the highest (16.6%).ThesisItem Open Access Standardisation of the Technique of Stonegrafting in Cashew and Management Practices For Field Establishment(Department of Pomology, Floriculture and Landscaping, College of Horticulture,Vellanikkara, 1984) Shylaja, M R; KAU; Aravindakhan, MThe studies on the propagation of cashew by stone – grafting was carried out at the College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara during June, 1982 to May, 1983 to find out the season for stone – grafting, to study the effect of procuring of scions, to standardise the best method of grafting and to find out the proper size, thickness and age of the rootstock on percentage of success of grafting. The studies revealed that the months of August and September were most suitable for stone – grafting under Kerala conditions. The period from October to December was most unsuitable. Of the different treatments tried the treatment TI, where grafting was done by the cleft method using scion sticks defoliated 10 days ahead of the grafting operation was found to be significantly superior to all the other treatments. Defoliation 10 days prior to the grafting operation was definitely superior to five days procuring and non – curing. Similarly the cleft method was found to be better than splice method. There was no significant correlation between the percentage of success and the various weather parameters like quantity of rainfall, number of rainy days, maximum and minimum temperatures and relative humidity. The mist condition did not improve the ultimate take of the grafts. There was linear growth rate for the different growth parameters tested such as the girth of the stock and scion and height of the scion. Also the girth of the stock and scion exhibited the same growth rate giving a ratio of about one for all the treatments except for the treatment T1 (grafting by the cleft method using 10 day procured scions) of the grafts produced in the month of June. There was apparently no difference in the percentage success in stone – grafting prepared from 10 days old and five days old stocks. Stocks and scions of girth 2.1 to 2.4 cm was found to give better success than those of above 2.4 cm. Scions of length 8.6 to 10.5 cm was found to be better than those with a length of 4.5 to 6.5 cm, 6.6 to 8.5 cm and above 10.5 cm.
