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
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 P
The 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.
Open Access
Effect of landslope on uniformity of water distribution of sprinklers
(Department of Land and Water Resources and Conservation Engineering, Kelappaji College of Agricultural Engineering and Technology,Thavanur, 1996) Jigimon T; Joby V Paul
A study was conducted at Keleppaji College of Agricultural Engineering and Technology, Tavanur to find out the effect of land scope on sprinkler uniformity. A single nozzle sprinkler was used for the study. The study was carried out over an artificial platform. The water distribution pattern for three slopes viz; 12.5 %, 10.0 % and 7.5 % was studied for three riser positions viz; vertical, mid way and perpendicular to the land. Isohytes were drawn for the various positions in wind and no wind conditions for the three slopes. The uniformity coefficient, Cu values were evaluated and the spacing between the sprinklers for good overlap was found out. It is found that the water distribution is decreasing as the land slope is increasing. The perpendicular position was the ideal position for all the slopes. The optimum riser angles for various slopes are found to be 70 7 ‘30’ ‘for 12.5 % slope, 50 42 ‘38’ ‘for10.0 % slope and 40 17 ‘21’ ‘for 7.5 % slope with respect to the vertical position. The rpm of the sprinkler head for three riser positions was studied. In vertical position the rpm was almost same in all the slopes. It was decreasing as the riser position was changing from vertical to perpendicular in every slope. The rpm was less in wind conditions than in no wind conditions. The erosivity was also measured. The amount of soil collected for the various positions was evaluated. It was found that the amount of soil loss is increasing with the increase in land slope. It was maximum in vertical position, less in mid way position and least in perpendicular position for all the land slopes.
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 EV
Natural 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.
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
Effect of depuration on the meat quality of the marine clam Sunetta scripta (Linne)
(Department of Processing Technology, College of Fisheries,Panangad, 1998) Nishi Dharan, S; Damodaran Nambudiri, D
Sunetta Scripta harvested from Munabam area were subjected to depuration studies to find out whether purging had any effect on the meat quality of the clam. Result of biochemical analysis shows that the clam is a good source of various nutrients. Meat yield of clam was found to be 9.5%. Pathogenic bacteria was absent except E. coli ,. which is within the permissible limits. Depuration of clam did not significantly change the protein and glycogen content. But sand content was reduced to insignificant level within 24 hr depuration. When clams were exposed to a concentration of 109 ceUS/ml of Vibrio parahaemolyticus, there was progressive accumulation of the micro-organism and it accumulated on an average of 2.6xl05 cells/g within 6 hrs exposure. Though accumulated organism was not completely eliminated from the clams during purification in a laboratory depuration unit using U. V for sterilising the water, the number had reduced to more than 1000 fold during 48 hrs depuration. There was remarkable change in the sensory attributes and grittiness character of the clam after depuration
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.

Kerala Agricultural University, Thrissur

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