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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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2004 - 20053
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Subject: Processing and Food Engineering × Author: KAU × End date: 2010 × Start date: 2003 ×
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Now showing 1 - 3 of 3
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Scope of banana and plantain pseudostem sheaths for fibre extraction and its utilisation
    (Department of Processing Technology, College of Horticulture,Vellanikkara, 2005) Gopinath, N; KAU; Raju, V K
    Studies were conducted. at College of Horticulture, Department of Processing Technology, Kerala Agricultural University, Vellanikkara from February 2003 to August 2004 to asses the "Scope of banana and plantain pseudo stem sheaths for fibre extraction and its utilization". The fibre extracted under hand method of extraction recorded less wet weight (10.53g), less dry weight (4.24g) and percentage of recovery (0.43per cent). In mechanical extraction comparable values with wet weight (11.02g), dry weight (4.69g), percentage recovery (0.51 per cent) were obtained. The visual quality of fibre was rated as maximum under hand extraction. In retting method of fibre extraction, among different retting agents sodium hydroxide (two per cent) produced maximum wet fibre (12.22g) and dry fibre (6.50g) followed by hydrogen peroxide (two per cent). In regard to wet fibre yield, varieties Red Banana and Palayankodan yielded maximum fibre under both methods of extraction (16.5g and 15.8g and 25.7g and 14.5g respectively). Dry fibre yield was also maximum (6.3g and 13.0g respectively) under both the methods of extraction in Red Banana. The recovery percentage results revealed that Nendran, Red Banana and Palayankodan were showing higher percentage due to increase in sheath weight. Length of fibre was maximum (94.2cm) in Red banana. In visual quality assessment Palayankodan and Poovan (Rasthali) varieties recorded the superiour quality fibres. Palayankodan exhibited maximum value .for fibre wall thickness (4.4J..lm), fibre thickness (47.7 um) and lumen width (38.P9J..lm). Among the varieties, Robusta recorded the maxunum tensile strength (76.8), which was 25 per cent more Clan Nendran, 32 per cent more than I PaJayankodan, 29 per cent more than Red Banana and 10 per cent more than Poovan (Rasthali). The variety Red Banma recorded the maximum elongation (6.38 per cent) followed by Nendran (5.21per cent) and minimum (1.56 per cent) was recorded by Robusta. The density of fibre was directly proportional to elongation and inversely proportional to tensile strength. The density was maximum (2.05g/cm3) for Nendran and minimum (1.78 g/cm ') for Palayankodan. Irrespective of varieties, fibre stored in HDPE cover without vacuum recorded the maximum storage stability for tensile strength and minimum of elongation and density in Robusta. Irrespective of storage method tensile strength, elongation and density of fibre varied significantly over a period of five months in respects of varieties viz., Robusta, Palayankodan, Poovan, Red Banana and Nendran. The stability of tensile strength, elongation and density were maximum during first and second month. The water absorbability in banana fibre plait was maximum ranging from 169.62 per cent to 168.25 per cent, whereas in case of rope the water absorbability was lesser than the plait ranging only from 133.97 per cent to 133.10 per cent. Tensile strength was maximum n the plait of variety Robusta (675.77 cN/tex) and elongation was observed to 1 -e maximum in Kanchikela (23.09 per cent).
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Development of a ready to consume sweetened fish powder for children
    (Department of Processing Technology, College of Fisheries,Panangad, 2004) Varghese John; KAU; Sherief, P M
    A sweetened snack food was developed from a lean and cheap fish (Priacanthus hamrur Forskal, 1775) for children, to meet their increased requirements for protein and energy, corresponding to their higher growth rate and physical activities. The food was planned to be attractive & palatable to children; without any fish flavour and bones; and that could be stored at room temperature. The product was developed from surimi, since the latter was devoid of all the undesirable characteristics of fish flesh but retained its nutritive qualities. Surimi was solubilized with salt, into a protein-sol and sweetened it with sucrose, which also had a protective effect on protein from heat-denaturation. The sol was dried, ground and flavoured with cocoa- powder. The most preferred levels of sucrose and cocoa-powder were standardized by sensory evaluation of samples prepared with different levels of sucrose and cocoa powder. The final product was prepared by the standardized procedure, packed in polyester-LDPE laminated pouches and stored. Children's response to [he product was also tested. A 90day's storage study was conducted and the quality changes during storage were monitored periodically. There were no significant variations in the pH and TVBN values (P>O.05). The moisture and TBARS values showed a statistically significant increase. A decreasing trend was observed in the aerobic plate counts. The sensory quality parameters like odour, texture, taste and overall acceptability, did not decrease significantly. The product was acceptable throughout the storage period.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Value addition in banana (Musa spp.)
    (Department of Processing technology,College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2005) Jasmin L, Rasheed; KAU; Philipose Joshua
    The present investigation entitled 'Value addition in banana (Musa spp.)' was carried out to explore the possibility of value addition in banana through development of different food products and to evaluate the suitability of three cultivars viz., Nendran, Red Banana and Palayankodan. Five products namely squash, RTS, puree, fig and fruit bar had been prepared and evaluated. The biochemical, organoleptic and microbiological qualities were observed at the time of preparation as well as during storage. TSS of all the four products were found to be increasing except in puree. In puree TSS decreased with increase in storage period. Acidity of the products increased with increase in storage period except in the case of fig. The total sugars, reducing sugars and non reducing sugars increased during storage in squash, puree, fig and fruit bar while in RTS only reducing sugars were increased during storage. Moisture content in products like puree and fig were found increasing and that in fruit bar was found decreasing during storage.' Other biochemical parameters like vitamin C and total carotenoids were always decreased during storage for all the five products. In the case of carotenoid content there was marked difference in the products made from cultivar Nendran with those of other cultivars. Nendran products had very high total carotenoids compared to the products of other two cultivars. Regarding the organoleptic quality, Red Banana' products were more acceptable with regard to taste and flavour in most of the products. The exceptions were puree and RTS which were prepared with Nendran cultivar. Nendran products maintained an appreciable colour for the products especially in puree. The organoleptic qualities decreased during storage. Bacterial and fungal colonies were found during the later stages of storage. Only fruit bar remained intact for the full term of six months of storage. The lowest shelflife was for R TS. From the above study it is concluded that banana can be utilized to make many value added products like squash, RTS, puree, fig and fruit bar'. The suitability of the cultivar for making different products was also found. Red Banana found to be highly acceptable for most of the products prepared. With regard to taste and flavour it stands first but shelf life was less compared to Nendran. Nendran was found very much suitable for puree. It had a very attractive colour. Nendran stands next to Red Banana in case of taste and flavour. But was highest in nutritive quality. Palayankodan was not found good for these products with regard to taste. Both Red Banana and Palayankodan products had shorter shelf life.