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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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Subject: Silviculture and Agroforestry × Author: Nanaya, K M × End date: 2003 × Start date: 2003 × Type: Thesis × Thesis Type: M.Sc ×
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Phenology and regeneration of shola-grassland edge tree species
    (Department of Silviculture and Agroforestry, College of Forestry, Vellanikkara, 2003) Nanaya, K M; KAU; Sudhakara, K
    A study was undertaken in Mangaladevi, Periyar Tiger Reserve, and College of Forestry, Kerala Agricultural University, Vellanikkara, during the period 2001-2002 keeping in mind that edge species are better suited for the afforestation of the depleting shola forest than going for exotic species or any of the interior species. The specific objectives of this research project were to study and find out important edge tree species in the shola forest, to study the phenological aspects of these selected edge tree species and to study the artificial regeneration possibilities of these selected edge tree species. Phytosociological analysis revealed 47 species of trees along the shola- grassland edge in an area of 5950m2 across 27 families. Species with highest Relative Importance Value Index (RIVI) were Psychotria elongata (15.22). Ligustrum robustum (11.33), Maesa indica (10.53), Litsea wightiana (7.39), and Vernonia arborea (5.27). The total density of the Shola forest edge was 1703 individuals ha-1. Psychotria elongata had the highest density of 588 individual ha-1 followed by Maesa indica, Ligustrum robustum and Litsea wightiana which were subjected to further phenological observations to determine their phenological patterns. Leaf, flower and fruit phenological patterns followed by these selected edge tree species during the period between July 2001 and June 2002 have been presented in detail. Data obtained from the phytosociological analysis were used to derive various diversity indices of the arborescent flora of these forests have also been presented. Results of maturity, storage and artificial regeneration studies conducted on Psychotria elongata, Ligustrum robustum and Maesa indica have also been presented. Maturity studies reveal that the seeds of Psychotria elongata and Ligustrum robustum mature in the month of January while, the seeds of Maesa indica was mature during the months of September to January. Results of storage studies on these species suggest that storage of Ligustrum robustum and Psychotria elongata is not advisable while, storage of Maesa indica is beneficial as it shows a ripening period after collection. The study revealed the lower diversity along the edges of the shola forests of Mangaladevi. This is of great concern and immediate steps need to be taken to stop further degradation of these forests and rejuvenate them. The results available about the phenology, maturity and storage studies of these species can help in further studies, which can lead to use of native edge tree species for enrichment of these depleting forests.