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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 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 Identification of paprika (Capsicum annuum L) genotype(s) for yield and quality characters(Department of Olericulture, College of Agriculture,Vellayani, 2012) Lekshmi, S L; KAU; Sreelathakumary, IThe experiment entitled “Identification of paprika (Capsicum annuum L.) genotype(s) for yield and quality characters” was conducted at the Department of Olericultue, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, during the period 2011-2012. The study envisaged assessment of genetic variability in paprika and to study the influence of harvest maturity on quality parameters. Fifty three accessions of paprika were collected from different parts of country and grown in the field in RBD with three replications. The analysis of variance revealed highly significant differences among the 53 accessions of paprika for all the characters studied viz., plant height, primary branches, days to flowering, days to maturity, node to first flower, height of node to first flower, fruit length, fruit girth, fruit weight, fruits per plant, yield per plant, pedicel length, fruit: pedicel ratio, flesh thickness, seeds per fruit, flesh: seed ratio, driage, oleoresin, colour, ascorbic acid, capsaicin, bacterial wilt and leaf curl virus incidence. Among the accessions CA 6 recorded highest yield per plant (776.12 g) and CA 12 recorded maximum number of fruits (265.33). Fruit weight was highest in CA 47 (13.43 g). High phenotypic coefficient of variation and genotypic coefficient of variation were observed for yield per plant, fruits per plant, fruit weight and primary branches per plant. High heritability and high genetic advance also observed for these characters. The path analysis revealed that fruit weight, fruits per plant, plant height and primary branches had direct effect on yield per plant. Correlation and path analysis revealed that fruits per plant is the primary component as evident from the positive correlation as well as high direct and indirect effect on yield. Maximum oleoresin content was observed in CA 7 followed by CA 29 and CA 37. CA 2 recorded a high color value with pungency and CA 37 recorded a high colour with low pungency. CA 38 recorded maximum ascorbic acid content. CA 34 and CA 40 had the minimum pungency and CA 10 recorded the maximum pungency. Bacterial wilt and leaf curl virus incidence among the 53 accessions were studied. CA 33, CA 34, CA 35 and CA 47 recorded less incidence of both diseases. Based on Mahalanobis D2 analysis the current genotypes were grouped into four clusters. Cluster I was the largest with 34 accessions, followed by cluster IV with 15 accessions and cluster II with three accessions. Cluster III had only one accession. In the present study maximum divergence was observed between clusters II and IV as shown by their high intercluster distance. The minimum intercluster distance observed between the clusters I and II indicated a close relationship among the accessions. Based on selection index including both quantitative and qualitative characters CA 34 (Local, Dharwad) was ranked first followed by CA 7, CA 6, CA 33 and CA 35. The accessions were genetically catalogued and the result revealed distinct variations among the accessions for vegetative, inflorescence, fruit, seed and quality characters. Quality characters showed significant differences among the accessions and harvest maturity stages. Oleoresin, colour and capsaicin content in the paprika fruits were found to increase as the age of the fruits increased. Ascorbic acid content in the fruits increased from turning stage to red ripe and then declined. On the basis of the present study the high yielding accessions can be grouped into low pungent and pungent paprika. Among the low pungent, high yielding accessions CA 34, CA 33 and CA 35 recorded high colour value also. CA 6 and CA 7 are promising high yielding pungent paprika accessions. These accessions can be utilized for further crop improvement programmes.ThesisItem Open Access Development and quality evaluation of granular fruit bars(Department of Community Science, College of Agriculture,Vellayani, 2017) Meghna, K; KAU; Nirmala, CA study entitled “Development and quality evaluation of granular fruit bars” was conducted at the College of Agriculture, Vellayani during the period 2015-17, with the objective to develop granular fruit bars using fruit pulp, grains, nuts and pulses and to ascertain sensorial quality, chemical and nutritional composition, shelf life and consumer acceptability. Papaya, pineapple and other ingredients such as puffed rice, oats, bengal gram dal, ground nuts, dried fruits and Jaggery were purchased from the market. Outer coat of granular fruit bars were developed using pineapple pulp (T1), papaya pulp (T2) and blended fruit pulp (T3). Food adjuncts such as sugar and pectin were added to obtain good texture. Fruit bars were dried in tray drier at 55-60°C. After the development of three fruit bars, TSS was recorded. Drying characteristics like moisture loss, drying time and yield ratio was ascertained. Moisture loss was higher in T1 (Pineapple bar) and low in T2 (Papaya bar). Drying time of T1 (Pineapple bar) was on par with T2 (Papaya bar). Drying time required for T3 (blended bar) was 10.84 hours. High yield ratio (0.81) was observed for T2. The filling for granular fruit bars were standardised using energy sources such as puffed rice, flaked rice and oats. Puffed bengal gram dhal and roasted groundnuts were serve as protein sources. Jaggery was used as the sweetening agent for the product. To standardise granular bar, different combinations of different ingredients were formulated. Sensory quality, nutritive value, chemical score and NDP Cal% of each proportion was computed to identify the best combination. Six treatments were formulated with varying amounts of ingredients ( Rice flakes, puffed rice, oats, Bengal gram dhal, ground nuts, jaggery and osmotically dehydrated jackfruits). Three treatments with appreciable nutrient content, chemical score and NDP Cal% were selected for further study. T1 obtained the highest chemical score of 109.97 followed by T3 (98.65) and T2 (93.72). T1 was observed to have the highest value of NDP Cal% (12.38%) and T2 had the lowest NDP Cal% (9.96%). Based on above parameters T1, T2 and T3 selected for further study. T1 was identified as best formulation with the highest score of 35.30 in sensory evaluation using hedonic rating scale. The formulated outer fruit bar coat was cut into pieces and filled with T1 (30:25:10:5:5:20:5) and pressed into bars and designated as A1 (pineapple coated granular fruit bar) A2 (papaya coated granular fruit bar) and A3 (blended bar coated granular fruit bar.), thus the final products were A1, A2 and A3 GFB (granular fruit bars). The products (A1, A2 and A3) were packed in laminated pouches and stored at ambient condition. Quality parameters such as sensory acceptability, chemical and shelf life of final products were ascertained initially and monthly intervals. Sensory evaluation of final products revealed highest mean rank score for A2. Polyphenol (4.21mg) was higher in A2 and all the other chemical components were higher in A1. TSS recorded for A1 was 78.2°B, reducing sugar (43.02%) and acidity (1.32%). A1 has highest fibre content of 0.46g per 100g. The other nutrients, moisture, protein, carbohydrate, energy and fat content were higher in A3 and was 20.02%, 40.16 g, 115.06 g, 461.0 KCal and 7.71g respectively. A3 had high total minerals (4.5 g) calcium, iron, sodium and potassium and the values were 2.36 mg, 2.52 mg, 635.52 mg and 45.03 mg respectively. High vitamin C content was observed for A 3 (23.38 mg) and high β carotene content was noted for A2 (269.798 μg). Changes in moisture, acidity, sensory appeal and microbial growth if any was recorded monthly. It was observed that there was a gradual increase in moisture and acidity in stored granular fruit bars. A3 showed highest moisture content and A1 showed highest per cent of acidity throughout the storage period. Stored GFB showed gradual decrease in all sensory parameters. Microbial evaluation of GFB, revealed that, no bacterial colonies were seen in (cfu 1×10-7) in dilution initially. Few colonies of bacteria and fungus were seen in first month and number of colonies exceeded the safe limit in second month. Consumer acceptance and preference study among 50 adolescents was rated high for A2. The product cost was computed and it was found to be Rs. 36.63/- for A1, Rs. 18.75/- for A2 and Rs. 31.53/- for A3. GFB were nutrient dense, ready to eat product with fruits, grains and pulses with shelf life of one month.ThesisItem Open Access In vitro propagation of sandal (santalum album L)(Department of Tree Physiology and breeding, College of forestry,Vellanikkara, 2013) Surya Soman, KAU; Santhosh Kumar, A VThe study titled “In vitro propagation of sandal (Santalum album L.)” was carried out in tissue culture lab of College of Forestry during 2011-2013. The objective of the programme was to standardize a protocol for in vitro propagation of sandal through axillary bud culture and somatic embryogenesis. Variation in fungal contamination associated with the time of collection of explants was found. Explants collected during November-April showed less contamination (<11%) compared to rainy season (>90 %). Treating with combination of Mancozeb 75 % WP (Indofil M-45) and Carbendazim 50 % WP (Bavistin) fungicides was effective to control fungal contamination. However, different combinations were effective depending on the time of collection of explants. In order to control bacterial contamination surface sterilization with 0.15 per cent HgCl2 for 10 minutes was effective. WPM medium was found to be superior over MS and ½ MS with respect to the average shoot length and average number of leaves. Moreover, cultures in WPM were found to be healthy with less leaf fall. Addition of BA or kinetin singly or in combination was effective for the production of multiple shoots than control. Higher concentrations of BA (3 mg l-1) reduced the number of multiple shoots, while in kinetin at higher concentrations increased the number of shoots per explants. There was also a considerable decrease in shoot length with the increase in concentration of BA above 0.5 mg l-1. Except for the multiple shoot production, all other growth parameters observed in cytokinins were inferior to control. Moreover, shoots of cultures in BA were stunted and were associated with heavy leaf fall and rudimentary leaves. But in kinetin, cultures are devoid of these defects. Thus the combination, 0.5 mg l-1 BA + 1 mg l-1 kinetin was found to be effective for multiple shoot induction by considering all the growth factors. Auxins in combination with cytokinins resulted in delayed bud break, leaf initiation and reduction of multiple shoot induction compared to cytokinins alone. 101 However, auxins promoted shoot elongation and leaf production in combination with cytokinins compared to cytokinins alone. Subculture using single shoots excised from the mother explants failed to develop; while, transferring of new shoots formed along with primary explants was effective. Subculture to media containing kinetin increased the shoot length, leaf area and reduced leaf fall. When media containing combination of auxins and cytokinins was used for subculture, increase in shoot length and number of leaf production was observed. However, cultures in BA containing media were noted with high leaf fall, reduced inter nodal length and rudimentary leaves towards the tip of shoot. While in media with kinetin, shoot length was increased and no leaf fall was observed. Auxins in the media did not promote new shoot formation. Root induction through incorporation of different auxins in the media and pulse treatments failed to induce rooting in the cultures. Somatic embryos failed to develop from, ex vitro explants. But from these ex vitro inter nodal explants in 0.5 and 1 mg l-1 kinetin, shoot development was observed. Direct embryogenesis could be induced from in vitro explants cultured in media containing BA 0.5 and 1 mg l-1. On inter nodal explants, globular shaped somatic embryos were formed on its surface and these were then developed to the torpedo stage. Further development of somatic embryos was arrested.ThesisItem Open Access Wood property variation in selected clones of casuarina equisetifolia L. grown in karur district;Tamil Nadu for pulp and paper making(Department of Wood Science, College of Forestry,Vellanikkara, 2013) Vishnu, R; KAU; Anoop, E VVariation in wood physical (specific gravity) anatomical (vessel and ray morphology) and chemical (cellulose and lignin per cent ) properties of 46 casuarina (casuarina equisetifolia L) clones grown in Karur district, Tamil Nadu was studied to assess their suitability for pulp and paper making. Transverse dics collected from billets were converted to smaller specimens for undertaking studies on wood physical, chemical and anatomical properties. Estimation of specific gravity was undertaken using a precision balance and fibre morphology was studied using an image analysis system. Cellulose and lignin were estimated using standard procedures. Nested analysis of variance was carried out to find out inter and intra clonal variation of clones. All the physical and anatomical properties except fibre lumen width, runkel ratio, rigidity coefficient , flexibility coefficient and shape factor, showed significant difference between clones. Within clone variation was also significant for all the physical and anatomical parameters except specific gravity (oven dry). In order to assess the suitability of clones for pulp and paper making, specific gravity (oven dry), fibre length, Runkel ratio, shape factor, slenderness ratio, flexibility coefficient , rigidity coefficient , and cellulose and lignin content of clones were found to be within the acceptable range for pulp and paper making , clones were grouped to four clusters by carrying out hierarchical cluster analysis on the basis of all physical, anatomical, chemical and growth parameters. Cluster 4 (one clone) and cluster 2 (11 clones) were found to be better for pulp and paper making in comparison to other clusters.ThesisItem Open Access Enhancement of storage life of synthetic seeds of cocoa(Theobroma Cacao L.) through germination inhibition, desiccation and low temperature treatments(Department of Tree Physiology and breeding, College of forestry,Vellanikkara, 2014) Mobin, K M; KAU; Santhoshkumar, A VThe research work entitled “Enhancement of storage life of synthetic seeds of cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) through germination inhibition, desiccation and low temperature treatments” was carried out at Plant Tissue Culture Laboratory, College of Forestry, Vellanikkara, during the period 2012-2014. The objectives of the research work were to enhance the longevity of synthetic cocoa seeds through the application of different concentrations of chemical inhibitors/osmotica, desiccation at different RH for varying durations and low temperature treatment under refrigerated conditions and hence to prepare a storage protocol for synthetic cocoa seed. Synthetic seeds using calcium alginate encapsulation technique were prepared from embryonic axes of cocoa containing ¼ cotyledon. The experiments revealed that, presence of different chemical inhibitors in storage medium significantly influenced radicle emergence of synthetic seeds of cocoa. ABA at 10 -3 M and 10 -4 M level did not inhibit the radicle emergence of synthetic cocoa seeds and seed mortality were observed by 20 th and 25 th day respectively in both the concentrations. All synthetic seeds stored in higher concentrations of coumarin (10 -2 M) and CCC (1 M) containing ½ MS basal medium were found mortal on 10 th and 15 th day respectively. The presence of lower levels of coumarin (10 -3 M) or CCC (10 -1 M) in the storage medium helped to extend the longevity of synthetic cocoa seeds for 60 days without complete loss of viability. The combination of 10 -3 M coumarin and 10 -1 M CCC in the storage medium extended the longevity of the cultures for 67 days. Low levels of osmotica in the storage medium (100 mM sorbitol and 5% PEG) did not inhibit the germination of synthetic cocoa seeds whereas, higher levels (500 mM sorbitol and 15% PEG) had a negative influence on the cultures. Among the different osmotic treatments, 250 mM sorbitol fortified medium was found to be best as it could arrest radicle emergence in 42.97 % cultures. Longevity of more than 40 days were observed for synthetic seeds subjected to desiccation treatment: 85.3% RH (36 hours), 78.6% RH (24 hours and 36 hours) and 46.6% RH (18 hours and 24 hours). A longevity of only 15 days were obtained for synthetic seeds subjected to low temperature treatment in refrigerated conditions at 4ºC. The synthetic seeds stored in 10 M CCC and 10 -3 M coumarin added storage medium, when transferred to ½ MS basal medium after 60 days showed a maximum storage life of 98 days and 92 days respectively. The study was able to enhance the storage life of synthetic cocoa seeds by 9 days compared to a previous study by Shiran, (2012). Based on the results of the experiments conducted, a protocol for short and medium term storage of cocoa seed was developed.ThesisItem Open Access Evaluation of hybrids for yield and quality in chilli (Capsicum annuum L.)(Department of Olericulture, College of Agriculture,Vellayani, 2016) Aiswarya, C S; KAU; Sreelathakumary, IThe research projec t entitled “Evaluation of hybrids for yield and quality in chilli ( Capsicum annuumL.)” was conducted at Department of Olericulture, College of Agriculture, Vellayani during 2015-16. The objective of the study was to evaluate the yield and quality characters of F1 hybrids of chilli. The experimental material consisted of five parents viz., CA 3 (P1), CA 5 (P2), CA 6 (P3), CA 8 (P4) and CA 32 (P5) and 10 F1s produced in diallel mating design excluding reciprocals. The hybrid Arka Harita and variety Vellayani Athulya were used as checks for the estimation of standard heterosis. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with 17 treatments and three replications for two seasons viz., May 2015 to September 2015 and October 2015 to February 2016. Analysis of variance showed significant differences among the treatments for almost all characters studied. Among the hybrids P4 x P5 recorded the highest fruit weight (9.66 g), flesh thickness (2.81 mm), green fruit yield plant-1 (962.93 g), dry fruit yield plant-1 (144.05 g) and yield plot-1 (27.72 kg). Maximum fruits plant-1 was recorded in the hybrid P3 x P4(148.76), fruit length in P1 x P5(12.61 cm) and fruit girth in P3 x P5 (4.43 cm). Among the parents P5 recorded highest fruit weight (6.73 g), flesh thickness (2.61 111m), green fruit yield plant-1 (448.70 g), dry fruit yield plant-1 (79.98 g) and yield plot-1 (12.91 kg). The hybrid P2 x P5 had high quality parameters like oleoresin (18.90 %), ascorbic acid (122.66 mg/lOOg) and colour value (195.39 ASTA units). The check variety Vellayani Athulya was superior for characters such as days to first flower (23. 83 days), days to first harvest (42.96 days), fruit length (12.66 cm), fruit girth (6.27 cm), fruit weight (17.36 g) and flesh thickness (3.31 mm). No incidence of white fly, bacterial wilt, leaf curl, fruit rot and mosaic were observed in the field. The incidence of thrips and mites were less in the parents and hybrid combinations. The highest standard heterosis for green fruit yield plant'1 among the hybrids was recorded in P4 x P5 (177.23 %) followed by P3 x P5 (147.35 %), and P2 x P5 (127.24 %). For fruit weight highest standard heterosis was observed in P4 x P5 (191.09 %) followed by P3 x P5 (188.12 %) and P2 x P5 (170.30 %). Maximum standard heterosis for yield plot'1 was recorded in P4 x P5 (177.34 %), P3 x P5 (147.35 %) and P2 x P5 (127.31 %). Among the hybrids the highest standard heterosis for the quality characters such as oleoresin (36.59 %), ascorbic acid (6.05 %), and colour value (8.17 %) were recorded in P2 x P5. Correlation for different characters showed that green fruit yield plant"1 had positive correlation with the primary branches plant'1, fruits plant"1, fruit length, fruit weight, flesh thickness and seeds fruit'1. On the basis of the present study the hybrids CA 8 x CA 32 (P4 x P5), CA 6 x CA 32 (P3 x P5) and CA 5 x CA 32 (P2 x P5) were found promising for yield characters such as fruit weight, green fruit yield plant'1, yield plot'1 and quality. Among the parents CA 32 (P5) was found superior. The superior hybrids identified viz., CA 8 x CA 32 (P4 x P5), CA 6 x CA 32 (P3 x Ps) and CA 5 x CA 32 (P2 x Ps) can be subjected to multilocational trials and if found superior can be recommended for variety release.ThesisItem Open Access Marketing and credit information to farmers:(Department of rural banking and finance management, College of cooperation, banking and management,Vellanikkara, 2014) Sruthy Madhavan, KAU; Molly JosephKnowledge management can play a pivotal role in enhancing agricultural productivity and addressing the problem of food insecurity. If properly managed, it enables appropriate knowledge and information to reach the knowledge intermediaries and farmers in a timely manner. ICT can play a crucial role in benefiting the resource - strapped farmers with upto date knowledge and information on agricultural technologies, best practices, markets, price trends, and weather conditions. The study on 'Marketing and credit information to farmers: Role of Information and communication Technology' has been undertaken with the objectives of identifying the information needs of farmers in Thrissur district with respect to marketing and credit; studying the extent of use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) by the farmers for getting these information and analysing the constraints in the use of ICT by the farmers. Ninety respondent farmers from three panchayaths of Thrissur district viz., Pananchery, Mattathur, and Varantharapilly were selected as sample size through stratified purposive sampling method. Data were collected through pre-tested structured interview schedule. The major statistical tools used for the study were Chi- Square test, ANOVA, Pearson's Correlation Coefficient and indices such as information index, usage index, overall usage index and credibility index. The location of the selected respondents in the sample panchayats were plotted using Geographic Information System (GIS). Forty two per cent of the farmers have not taken any agricultural loans, neither from institutional or non-institutional sources and rest 58 percent of farmers have access to only institutional sources of credit. Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) are the major institutional agency which provide finance support to the farmers from which more than 48 per cent of the farmers have availed loans. For input market, respondents depended on Krishi Bhavan (78%) and for selling the product major intermediary was private traders (51%), followed by SUPPLYCO (49%). The overall agriculture information needs of the farmers are identified and classified into information regarding production, post-harvest techniques, market, credit, agricultural insurance, government schemes and labour. The most needed agricultural information by the respondent farmers is about government schemes followed by market information. In agricultural operations, the information gap is zero in production and market information which indicate that these are the two important agriculture information, farmers accessing regularly. Marketing information needs of the farmers were identified and classified into nine categories, viz, information needs on input supply, market profile, grades and standards, market research studies, market trend, export market, improved marketing practices, warehouse facilities and futures trading. The most needed marketing information is about market trend and the least needed are on export markets, futures trading and market research. The market information gap is zero for input supply and market trend implying that farmers have more access to these marketing information. Access gap is high for information on improved marketing practices, futures trading and export markets since farmers rely on traditional method of marketing. Farmers have better accessibility to marketing information through newspaper, telephone and television whereas computer, radio and farm magazines have less accessibility. Poor access to farm magazines is the major cause for access gap with respect to farm magazines. Usage gap as the difference between access and actual use is zero for newspaper in the case of marketing information. But the usage gap is the highest in the case of computer and internet. Newspaper is still the main source of marketing information to the farmers. Information on current market price is the most important information for farmers since it has direct relation with profitability of farmers. Most credible source of marketing information among the ICT tools used by the farmer respondent is newspaper and the least credible ICT tool is computer and internet followed by radio. Similar to marketing information, the most popular and credible source of credit information to the farmers are newspaper whereas computer and internet are least accessed by the farmers for credit information. With regard to the usage gap, credit information through all the ICT tools are not commonly used by the farmers. For the respondent farmers, personal source of credit information is more trustworthy and reliable than credit information from ICT tools. The third and last objective of the study is to analyse the constraints in using ICT tools by the farmers so as to enable policymakers to design strategies for effective use of these tools for agricultural information dissemination. Constraints vary with media used for information and communication. Lack of time to read and comprehend is the major constraint pointed out by the farmers with respect to newspapers whereas the major constraint in the use is the availability of alternative sources like television. According to the farmers, farm magazines do not contain the information required by them and cannot improve their farming operations. Major constraint reported is the unsuitable time of telecast of television while lack of awareness is the major constraint identified by the farmers in the case of telephone. It is reported that 64 percent of the farmers are facing the constraint of lack of technical skill in the use of computer and internet. As part of the study, ICT enabled Market Information System of Vegetable and Fruit Promotion Council Keralam (VFPCK) is examined. Market Information Centre (MIC) is envisaged for creating an information system that will provide vital market information to the fruit and vegetable farmers and to the horticulture sector as a whole. From farmers' point of view, farmers' market including VFPCK is actually a traders' market and it is another platform for exploitation of the farmers by the middlemen. Information and Communication Technology tools are an effective way to disseminate agricultural information particularly marketing and credit related information. Among the ICT tools, print media especially newspaper is popular among farmers whereas modern lCT tools like mobile phone, computer and internet are not trendy among farmers. Among the ICT tools, print media especially newspaper is popular among farmers whereas modern ICT tools like mobile phone, computer and internet are not trendy among farmers. A small portion of farmer community is actually using agricultural information especially about current market price and agricultural loan from ICT tools mainly newspaper. All the lCT tools are actively disseminating agricultural information. The problem is with regard to the end users. Farmers are reducing concentration on farming and move on to other occupation because of non profitability ofn this context, farmers are not requiring information disseminated through ICT tools for small scale cultivation. Also new generation who has the skill to operate modern ICT tools are keeping away from farming operations. Hence, concerned authorities should take necessary steps to make the farmers, withstand in agricultural operations and attract youth to the profession.ThesisItem Open Access Impact of projected climate change on cropping pattern of different agro ecological units of southern Kerala(Acadamy of Climate Change Education and Research Vellanikkara, 2017) Sukanya, K S; KAU; Sunil, K MClimate change poses an emerging threat to sustainability of social and economic development, livelihoods, and environmental management across the globe. Characterization of the ecosystems using the AEZ concept is a good decision making approach for variety of farming activities performed by the farmers and is a useful tool for the studying the impact of climate change. The objectives of this study are (1) to study rainfall variability and to determine water availability periods of Agro ecological units of southern Kerala under different climate change scenarios. (2) To study the impact of projected climate change on cropping pattern, crop calendar and the possible changes in the water requirements of major cropping systems prevailed in the various Agro ecological Units of southern Kerala. Daily rainfall data for the period 1991-2014 were collected from the India Meteorological Department, Thiruvananthapurm. Weather cock v.1.5 was used for converting the daily weather data into standard week, month and seasonal formats. It is also used to compute PET and Thornthwaite water balances. CROPWAT model was used for the calculations of crop evapotranspiration, crop water requirements and irrigation requirements for the development of irrigation schedules under various management conditions and scheme water supply. The annual rainfall availability in most of the AEUs of Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam and Pathanamthitta districts show a decreasing trend in the projected climate and an increasing trend in Idukki, Kottayam and Alappuzha. The number of annual rainy days generally shows a decreasing trend. The seasonal rainfall of southwest and summer monsoon will show an increase from the current situation where as northeast monsoon and winter will have a decreasing trend. In projected climate of both RCP 4.5 and 8.5 there will be high probability of having reduction in the number of months having the surplus and an increase in the number of deficit. The crop evapotranspiration values of rice based cropping system will show a tendency to increase. In perennial cropping systems of coconut based and rubber the projected crop evapotranspiration will have a reduction from the present situation whereas in coffee based cropping system the ETc will have an increasing trend. The irrigation requirement of all the major cropping systems will increase from the present situation except in the case of rice-fallow-fallow. The length of growing period of the cropping season in the major rice growing areas of different AEUs are getting shorter with slight differences among various agro-ecological units, implying a higher risk of operating under projected climate as per RCP 4.5. The sowing date will be delayed up to three to five weeks. It can be also observed that the crops will have to suffer water stress during the grain filling stage and will be under heavy rains at time of harvest in almost all the considered cases.
