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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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Author: George, C M × Type: Thesis × Thesis Type: M.Sc ×
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Studies of rats and rat traps of Kerala
    (Department of Agricultural Entomology, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1979) George, C M; KAU; Joy, P J
    In order to study the distribution of different species of rate in the State a detailed survey was conducted in different parts during the period from September 1978 to February 1979. Burrows of the various species were excavated to get detailed information on the special features of the burrow patterns. The findings of the present investigation are summarized below. It was found that 15 species of rats occur in Kerala. 1. Tatera indica cuvieri Of the four subspecies of Tatera indica, only T. indica cuvieri was present in Kerala. This species was distributed all over Kerala except in higher elevations like Wynad. The burrow system followed no specific patterns with a minimum of three openings. The emergency escape were concealed underneath. The burrowed out soil was expelled through a particular opening. More than one adult lived in a burrow system. 2. Rattus norvegicus This was a serious pest of paddy in Idukki district and Kuttanad and was mostly a field rat in Kerala. 3. Bandicota bengalensis bengalensis This species was more predominant in garden lands. Burrow were found extensive. Burrow entrances were concealed by heaps of soil. Food was found stored in the burrow system only in a few cases. Male and female rats lived in separate burrows. 4. Bandicota indica indica A field rat causing great damage to tuber crops. The burrow openings were larger in size than those of other species. The exit for removal of soil was always located on a higher point. Definite runways starting from the entrances were seen. 5. Mus platythrix The burrow openings of this mouse were encircled by pebbles. It lived in discarded burrows of other species of rats and not a fossorial type. 6. Mus saxicola Similar to M. platythrix in every aspect. 7. Mus booduga booduga It lived in small burrows in paddy fields and garden lands. The burrow system was always seen provided with one or more emergency escapes. 8. Mus cervicolor Found similar to M. booduga booduga in appearances, habits and habitats. 9. Mus musculus Found in houses and shops. 10. Rattus rattus Two subspecies were found in Kerala viz., R. rattus ruffescens and R.r. wroughtoni and the latter was found attacking coconuts. 11. Vandeleuria oleracea Found inhabiting trees and under grass growth around crop fields. 12. Golunda elliotti Found in forest and in thick grass growth around crop fields. 13. Millardia meltada meltada Seen in paddy fields in Wyanad, Calicut district. 14. Rattus raniiniae A new species of rat found in Trivandrum District. 15. Platacanthomys lasiurus A spiny rat damaging cashewnut in Idukki district. Study on indigenous rat traps. A total number of 17 indigenous rat traps were collected from various parts of Kerala. Among the various traps, Moncompu traps, for capturing rice field rats, bamboo-noose trap for trapping mole rat from live burrows, and the bamboo bow-trap for capturing rats infesting coconut crowns were found most useful.