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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 Biology and biometry of Neochetine elchhorniae warner (Curculionidae: Coleoptera) and the nature of damage caused by it on Eichhornia crassipes (mart)(Department of Agricultural Entomology, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 1990) Sreekumar, K M; KAU; Joseph, DThe biology, morphology, biometrics and dispersal pattern of the weevil Neochetina eichhorniae Warner and the nature and extent of damage caused by it on water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes (Mart.) were studied. An indirect method of estimating the field population was also attempted. The insect laid the eggs beneath the epidermis of plant parts. Incubation period was 6.6 days and the hatching percentage was 93.2. The larvae fed by tunnelling, and the first, second and third larval instars were completed in 8-10, 13-16 and 13-17 days, respectively. The cocoon was attached to the live roots of the plant and the pupation was just below the water surface. The pupal period was 16.6 days. Adult female longevity was 75.3 days while that of the male was 172.3 days. Pre-oviposit iona I period was 49 days and the total number of eggs produced during the whole life period was 462.5. The head capsule width of first, second and third instar larvae were 0.3, 0.488 and 0.693 mm respectively. In adult males, the average distance between the antennal socket and the tip of the rostrum was 0.259 mm and it was 0.487 mm in females. This character helps in the identification of sexes. No microbes or mites were recorded as natural enemies. The predators were the common non-specific aquatic insects like dytiscid beetle, giant water bug, dragon fly naiads and back swimmers.ThesisItem Open Access Quantitative analysis of runoff parameters in selected river basins of Kerala(Department of Irrigation and Drainage Engineering, Kelappaji College of Agricultural Engineering and Technology, Tavanur, 1990) JJayasree, S; KAU; John Thomas, KThe evolution of a drainage basin is the result of the flow of mass and energy and the resistance of topographical surface. Precipitation is the major source of matter and solar radiation, the source of energy. The stream flow is a function of geomorphological and hydrological factors of the river basin. The objectives of this study were to make a quantitative analysis of the effects of geomorphological and climatic factors on the stream flow and to study the inter – relationships between these factors. The selected river basins were Chaliyar and Kabbani. The specific objective was to express stream flow in terms of morphological factors and rainfall. The river basin was divided in to sub basin, each of which contains a rivergauge station. Morphological factors were measured from the map. Monthly rainfall from all the raingauge stations were collected and the arithmetical average for each sub-basin was computed. The monthly stream flow was also collected. It was found that the morphological factors were interrelated. The number of stream segments of successive order form a decreasing geometric progression whereas the length of stream segments of successive orders form an increasing geometric progression. Confluence ratio is inversely related to stream flow. Elongation and drainage area are highly correlated. A larger value for the confluence ratio indicates a more elongated basin and a lower flood peak. The sub - basins are similar to the form of a rectangle. Area and elongation are the morphological parameters strongly influencing the stream flow. Drainage density and stream frequency are highly correlated. Drainage density gets altered by the land use, vegetal cover, deforestation and urbanization. Drainage density also affect stream flow. Finally, the expressions for drainage area in terms of the main stream length, drainage density in terms of stream frequency and average monthly stream flow contributed by unit area in terms of the average monthly rainfall were obtained. The data used for the final equation was inadequate. The equation may be improved, by increasing the number of rivergauge stations and providing more representative raingauge stations.ThesisItem Open Access Comparative performance of three exotic tree species in social forestry strip plantation in Trichur Social Forestry Division(College of Forestry,Vellanikkara, 1990) Nandakumar, G; KAU; KrishnanNair, V RA study was conducted in 1987-88 on the social forestry strip plantation on the premises of the Sitaram Textile mills Ltd. In the Trichur Social Forestry Division of Kerala State; to compare the performance of three exotic fast growing tree species, Casuarina equisetifolia, Acacia auriculiformis and Eucalyptus tereticornis in social forestry strip plantation. Comparisons were made on the three year old plantation in respect of growth, biomass production and impact on the soil and undergrowth. General observations were also made on the tree form, occurance of pests and diseases and wild life habitat improvement. The site of experiment was being used for dumping coal cinders and other wastes from the textile mill and was barren before planting. The experiment was laid out in RBD with five replications. The results obtained in the study have been summarised below : At the end of the third year Acacia auriculiformis had a DBH of 4.56 cm followed by Eucalyptus tereticornis with 3.82 cm and Casuarina equisetifolia with 1.62 cm. The mean annual diameter increments were 1.44 cm/year in Acacia, 1.20 cm/year in Eucalyptus and 0.51 cm/year in Casuarina. Acacia had more primary branches (27/tree) followed by Eucalyptus (23/tree) and Casuarina (17/tree). The first primary branch was 3.18 m above the ground in Eucalyptus, 2.22 m in Acacia and in 2.16 m in Casuarina. Acacia had 100% survival at the third year while Eucalyptus had 88%. But Casuarina had only 72% survival rates. In growth as well as survival, Acacia auriculiformis was found to be the best among the three. Eucalyptus tereticornis was found superior to Casusrina equisetifolia while the latter was the least impressive of the three. The total biomass yield at the third year was 98.438 mt (drymatter)/ha in Acacia auriculiformis, 48.424 mt/ha in Eucalyptus tereticornis and 12.506 mt/ha in Casuarina equisetifolia. Acacia had a mean annual biomass increment of 32.813 mt/ha. MAI of Eucalyptus was 16.141 mt/ha while that of Casuarina was only 4.169 mt/ha. In biomass production too, Acacia auriculiformis was found superior to Eucalyptus tereticornis and Casuarina equisetifolia. Of the three species Casuarina equisetifolia with a light intensity on the floor of 49.5% was the least shading one, followed by Eucalyptus tereticornis with 43.6% and Acacia auriculiformis with 30.6%. Eucalyptus was found to permit luxuriant undergrowth, so also casuarina. The above ground phytomass was 1.431 kg drymatter/m2 in Eucalyptus and 1,176 kg/m2 in Casuarina. But Acacia was found to inhibit undergrowth (0.183 kg/m2 ). Even the little undergrowth that was permitted by it comprised mostly of its own seedlings. The undergrowth in Eucalyptus comprised mostly of woody species (65.5%) while that of casuarina comprised mostly of grasses (68.5%). The presence of coal cinders had caused a rise in the soil pH, organic matter content, available Nitrogen content and available phosphorus content of the soil. The lowest pH value in the top soil was found in Acacia soil 4.31. Eucalyptus soil had 4.69 and Casuarina soil had 4.94 compared to the barren laterite (5.16) and the barren laterite with coal cinders (5.32). At the depth of 30-45 cm, the pH values were 4.85 in Acasia soil, 5.17 in Casuarina soil and 5.32 in Eucalptus soil. The barren laterite had a pH of 5.24 and in the barren laterite with coal cinders it was 5.42. The pH at 60-70 cm depth was 4.88 in Acacia soil 5.24 in Casuarina soil, 5.33 in Eucalyptus soil, 5.36 in barren laterite and 5.52 in barren laterite with coal cinders. All the three species reduced the pH of the soil. But Acacia auriculiformis was found to lower the pH of the soil more than the other two. pH increased with the depth in all the treatments. The organic carbon contents in the top soils were 0.57% in Acacia, 0.41% in Eucalyptus, 0.49% in Casuarina, 0.39% in barren laterite and 0.43% in barren laterite with coal cinders. The organic matter content was found to decrease as depth increased in all the treatments. There was a general rise in the organic carbon content of the soils due to the impact of the three species with the maximum in Acacia soils and the minimum in Casuarina soils. The available Nitrogen content in the top soil was 1277 kg/ha in Acacia, 1165 kg/ha in Eucalyptus, 1098 kg/ha in Casuarina, 874 kg/ha in barren laterite and 963 kg/ha in barren laterite with coal cinders. There was a reduction in the available Nitrogen content as the soil depth increased in all the treatments. All the three species caused an increase in the available Nitrogen content of the soil, the highest being observed in Acacia auriculiformis followed by Eucalyptus tereticornis. The available Potash content of the soils did not record any change under the different species. The available phosphorus contents of the top soils were 92.7 kg/ha in Casuarina, 90 kg/ha in Eucalyptus, 81.5 kg/ha in Acacia. 79.3 kg/ha in barren lateric and 87.4 kg/ha in the barren laterite with coal cinders. There was reduction in the content of the nutrient as depth increased in all the treatments. In Acacia soils the content of the available Phosphorus had decreased. Regarding the general observations, Acacia auriculiformis showed pronounced branching habits while Eucalyptus and Casuarina had more or less clean boles. Pests and diseases were not observed excepting the pink disease (c.o. Corticium salmonicolor) in Eucalyptus. Crows and rodents were the principal representatives of wild life in the plantion. Honey bees commonly foraged the inflorescence of Acacia. Acacia auriculiformis proved itself to be a highly promising tree for energy plantations and for afforesting sites dumped with coal cinders and for sites offering little protection from anthropogenic influences and grazing. It also improved the organic matter content and available nitrogen content of the soil and was free from graziers. But at the same time there were also unwelcome effects due to Acacia such as increasing the acidity of the soil and supressing undergrowth. It also tended to be highly branching. Eucalyptus tereticornis also was found to be good in growth and biomass production and could be recommended for similar sites. The species also enriched the soil by increasing the contents of organic carbon and available Nitrogen. Though it too reduced the pH of the soil, the species was found to support luxuriant undergrowth and was spared by graziers. Casuarina equisetifolia was a less suitable species for such a site as seen from the performance of the species. It suffered heavily from browsing and showed lesser survival growth and yield. But the species increased the organic carbon content and available Nitrogen content of the soil and permitted luxuriant undergrowth especially grasses.ThesisItem Open Access Analysis of Maturity related Characters and Identification of Early Maturing Varieties in Groundnut(Department of Plant Breeding, College of Agriculture,Vellayani, 1990) Sunil Kumar, A C; KAU; Sverup JohnWith the intention of identifying suitable superior early maturing genotypes for intensive cultivation in the summer rice fallows of Kerala, a study was conducted for determining the time of optimum physiological maturity of twelve bunch type groundnut genotypes by analyzing the various maturity related component characters in staggered harvests. The twelve test genotypes and the yield and duration checks were staggered harvested at 70, 80, 90, 100 and 110 DAS. The characters that were put to study in each harvest included the height of plant, number and percentage of mature pods, pod yield, 100 pod weight, 100 kernel weight, shelling percentage, percentage of sound mature kernels, haulms yield, harvest index and oil percentage. Analysis of the various parameters in different genotypes indicated that peak pod yield and time of optimum maturity were closely associated with peak performances of components like number of mature pods, 100 pod weight, 100 kernel weight, sound mature kernel percentage and shelling percentage. It was also noted that the genotypes gave fairly high oil percentage at the time of optimum maturity. The genotypes IES 882, IES 883. IES885, ICGS(E) 21, ICGS(E) 52, ICGS(E) 121, Dh(E) 20 and Dh(E) 32 attained optimum physiological maturity at 90 DAS due to attainment of peak values for the various maturity related component characters. A critical appraisal however showed that the genotypes ICGS (E) 52 and IES 883 exhibited significantly superior performance over the remaining genotypes and the yield and duration checks at 90 DAS. The genotypes ICGS (E) 52 and IES 883 may be recommended for intensive cultivation in the summer rice fallows of Kerala owing to realization of high yield and yield attributes, combined with early maturity. ICGS (E) 52 ranked first with a pod yield 12.85 g per plant, 100 pod weight of 88.6 g and 100 kernel weight of 38.1 g. The genotype IES 883 stood second in performance with a pod yield of 12.00 g per plant, 100 pod weight of 88.3 g and 100 kernel weight of 36.2 g. Both the genotypes exhibited appreciably high performance for shelling percentage and sound mature kernel percentage also.ThesisItem Open Access Quality Characters Of Clove And Nutmeg At Different Stages Of Maturity(Department of Horticulture, College of Agriculture,vellayani, 1990) Manoj, A M; KAU; Vasanthakumar, KThe present investigation was carried out at the College of Agriculture, Vellayani during 1988 – 89. The objectives of this study were to characterise the growth pattern of clove flower buds and nutmeg fruits and to develop suitable harvest indices for these crops based on quality characteristics at different stages of maturity. The moisture content in clove buds and rind of nutmeg fruits increased with increase in maturity. However, moisture percentage in nutmeg kernel and mace was found to decrease as maturity advanced. The non – volatile ether extract (NVEE), on dry weight basis, was found to decrease on maturity advanced in clove buds and in mace while in nutmeg kernel the NVEE showed an increasing trend. The volatile oil in clove, nutmeg and mace was more at the immature stages and it progressively decreased at the peak harvesting stages. Eugenol, the chief component in clove oil was the maximum at the flowering stage. Hence for extraction of clove oil which is intended for use in medicine, dentistry and other pharmaceutical uses, it is advisable to harvest clove buds at the anthesis stage. The aromatic ethers which are the chief components that determine the flavour and drug action in nutmeg oil was the maximum one month prior to the fruit splitting stage. In mace oil it was found to be high two months prior to fruit splitting stage. So if nutmeg and mace oils are intended for medicinal purpose, then it may be worthwhile to harvest nutmeg fruits at the 6th month for extracting kernel oil and at the 5th month for extracting mace oil. Considering the fact that the nutmeg fruit yield both nutmeg and mace oil, harvesting separately at different maturity stages for extraction of the different oils is practically difficult. The aromatic phenol and phenol ethers showed a very low value in mace oil one month prior to fruit splitting. So in practice the fruit may be harvested two months prior to fruit splitting for extraction of both nutmeg and mace oils. However the high moisture content at this stage makes drying a problem. So such a practice of early harvesting of nutmeg fruits may be resorted to in places where facilities are available for extraction of oil from the fresh kernel and mace immediately after harvesting.ThesisItem Open Access Biology and Population Build up of the Rice Whitebacked Planthopper, Sogatella furcifera (Horvath) on Different Rice Varieties(Department of Agricultural Entomology, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 1990) Ajith, P P; KAU; Madhavan Nair, GInvestigations were carried out in the College of Agriculture, Vellayani during 1988 to identify cultivars resistant to the white backed planthopper, S. furcifera from among the high yielding rice varities commonly cultivated in Kerala. The rice cultivars Cul 126, Cul 93, Ptb 33, Karthika, Pavizham, Jyothi, Triveni and TN-1 were chosen for preliminary screening by seed box screening, free-choice and no-choice tests and by tests on orientation and settling response and population build up. In the seed box screening and free choice and no choice tests, the cultivar Cul 126 recorded the lowest damage and the cultivar TN-1 showed the highest damage, indicating resistance in the former and susceptibility in the latter. The cultivar Jyothi did not differ from Cul 126 and the cultivars Cul 93, Ptb 33, Pavizham and Karthika showed intermediate levels of resistance. In the orientation and settling response test the highest number of S. furcifera nymphs were seen settled on TN-1, where as it was the lowest on Cul 126 and it was followed by Jyothi, indicating a clear preference to the susceptible TN-1. The insect multiplied faster and in greater number on TN-1 and the total count was about thirty times more on TN-1 as compared to that on Cul 126 at 60 days after release. Based on the results of the preliminary screening trials, the cultivar Cul 126 and Jyothi (resistant), Pavizham and Karthika (moderately resistant) and TN-1 (susceptible check) were selected for studying the mechanisms of resistance. In the experiment to study the ovipositional preference of the insects it was found that the susceptible TN – 1 and the resistant Cul 126 received the highest and lowest number of eggs respectively. It was also revealed that the leaf sheath received more eggs than the leaf blade. The antibiosis factor in the cultivars was investigated in terms of nymphal duration, nymphal survival, sex ratio of emerging adults, adult longevity, fecundity and hatching percentage of eggs in three growth stages of plants, namely, seedling, tillering and booting stages. The insects from the susceptible TN – 1 had the shortest nymphal duration and the longest adult longevity. The percentage of nymphal survival, fecundity and female/male ratio of the emerging adults were also the highest on TN -1. However, the insects from Cul 126, and Jyothi had longer nymphal duration and shorter adult longevity. The survival, fecundity and female/male ratio of the emerging adults from these cultivars were also lower as compared to TN – 1. The results were uniform in all the three growth stages of the crop. No difference could be observed in the hatching percentage of eggs in the test cultivars in the seedling stage, but in the tillering and booting stages the eggs on TN – 1 showed higher hatching percentage. The results indicated the presence of antibiosis factor in the resistant cultivars, Cul 126 and Jyothi. These results were further confirmed in the experiment on the feeding rate of the insect on the test cultivars. Insects on TN-1 produced the largest area of honey dew spots as compared to others in all the three growth stages showing significantly higher feeding rates. The feeding rate in Cul 126 was the lowest. The effect of crowing of first instar nymphs was more pronounced on the insects on TN-1. The survival percentage was the maximum in crowing at the rate of 25 and it dwindled substantially in the susceptible and resistant cultivars alike in crowding at the rate of 100. Crowding did not have any effect on the sex ratio and brachyptery of emerging adults. When S. furcifera and N. lugens were released together in different proportions, the latter surpassed the former in total number in all the cultivars when counts were taken at 60 days after release of the insects. The result indicated that in cultivars resistant or susceptible to both the insects, N. lugens established a numerical superiority over S. furcifera. In studies to identify the wet land weeds which serve as alternate hosts to S. furcifera, it was found that the insects oviposited in none of the weed plants tested. The nymphs could survive only on Echinochloa colona and Panicum repens.ThesisItem Open Access Variety Sensitivity Analysis in Cucumis melo L. using Gamma Rays and Ethyl Methane Sulphonate(Department of Agricultural Botany, College of Agriculture,Vellayani, 1990) Nelson Lopez; KAU; Mercy, S TThe effect of gamma rays and 'EMS on ten Cucumis melo L. varieties was studied in the M1 generation. Germinability of seeds was not significantly affected by the different mutagen doses. However in general germination percentage decreased in varieties Panavalli, Attenganam local, Lucknow Sweet, Verma Surprise and Punthala local with gamma ray treatment while in Mudikode local, Pulliporan, Vellanad local and Co-1 germinability was better. EMS treatments in Mudikode local, Hara Madhu, Pulliporan, Puthala local and Co-1 resulted in decreased germination percentage. Significant delay in completion of germination compared to control was observed in different levels of gamma ray treatments in some of the varieties while early germination was noted in some others. Survival percentage, in general, was reduced with mutagen treatment in most of the varieties. Chlorophyll chimeras were noticed in both mutagen treatments. Morphological variations observed included leaf and fruit abnormalities. In general the lower doses of gamma rays resulted in early flowering of male flowers while 30 kR treatment resulted in delayed male flowering. Among EMS treatments, 1.0% and 2.0% treatments in general resulted in a delayed production of first male flower. In the case of appearance of first female flower a significant delay was observed in the higher doses of gamma ray treatments in Co-1 and Attenganam local while a significantly early appearance of first female flower was noted with lower doses of gamma ray treatments in Mudikode local, Lucknow Sweet and Pulliporan. The 1.5 % and 2.0% EMS treatments in general produced first female flower earlier than control and 1.0% treatment. In most of the varieties the EMS treatments in general resulted in the apperance of the first male flower at lower nodes compared to control. EMS treatment induced appearance of first female flower at lower nodes than gamma ray treatment. Increase in sex ratio (male to female) due to some of the EMS treatments was observed in some varieties while a decrease was observed in others. Irradiation with higher doses of gamma rays caused decreased sex ratio in Panavalli, Lucknow Sweet, Hara Madhu, Pulliporan and Punthala local. In general in all varieties there was reduction in pollen and seed fertility with increase in dose of gamma rays and EMS except 10 kR gamma ray treatment and 1.5% EMS treatment where a slight increase in seed fertility was noticed. Different varieties showed differential response to different levels of gamma rays and EMS for number of fruits produced per plant and also for lenght and girth of fruit. Higher doses of gamma rays in Mudikode local, Co-1 and Pulliporan recorded greater fruit weight compared to control while 30 kR treatment in Panavalli and Punthala local recorded lower fruit weight compared to control. In Mudikode local, Panavalli, Vellanad local and Co-1 irradiation of gamma ray in general resulted in significantly lower yields than their control while in Attenganam local gamma ray irradiation resulted in significantly increased yield compared to control. Significantly lower fruit set compared to control occured in 20 kR treatment in Panavalli, Punthala local, Pulliporan and Co-1 whereas 10 kR treatment in Lucknow Sweet and Vellanad local resulted in a significant increase in fruit set. Lower levels of EMS treatments in Hara Madhu, Co-1, Pulliporan and Panavalli induced significantly lower fruit set compared to control. Irradiation with gamma rays resulted in significantly lower number of seeds compared to control in Mudikode local and Punthala local while in Pulliporan greater number of seeds than control was produced due to gamma ray treatment. In Co-1 and Attenganam local, 2.0% EMS treatment resulted in a significant reduction in 100 seed weight while lower levels of EMS treatments in Lucknow Sweet resulted in a significant increase in 100 seed weight compared to their control. The 10 kR treatment of all varieties in general resulted in slight decrease in mean length of main vine compared to control whereas the higher levels of gamma rays resulted in slight increase in mean length of main vine. In general the 2.0% EMS treatment of most of the varieties induced slight reduction in mean length of main vine while the lower levels of EMS resulted in slight increase in mean length of main vine compared to control.ThesisItem Open Access Food consumption and energy expenditure pattern of self employed women in unorganised sector(Department of Home Science, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 1990) Sujatha, A S; KAU; Prema, LA study on the “Food consumption and energy expenditure pattern of self employed women in unorganized sector” was conducted to assess the socio-economic and food consumption and energy expenditure pattern of the women engaged in stone breaking. 150 household surveyed were representing scheduled caste and other backward communities. The families were of nuclear type with four members in the family. Rice, tapioca, fish and coconut were found to be the major ingredients in their daily meal pattern. No special foods were provided during physiological conditions. On an average they engaged in stone breaking for about 8 hours / day and for 5 to 6 days in a week. Time spent for various activities viz. for personal care, child care and leisure was not adequate. The difficulties imposed on these home makers due to the dual role were improper care of the family, inability to cope with the household work and lack of time for child care. Due to economic reasons they engaged in stone breaking even during pregnancy till term and after delivery most of them took their children to the work site. Their actual food and nutrient intake was found to be unsatisfactory which was reflected in their low body weights and prevalence of many nutritional disorders especially anaemia. All the women were found to have a negative energy balance. Knowledge of these women on health and nutrition was found to be satisfactory and statistical analysis indicated that age had a negative significant correlation and education had a positive significant correlation with the knowledge of the women regarding food and health. Attitude of the women towards this occupation was found to be positive since this was considered to be a solution to the unemployment problem. Statistical treatment of the data revealed that age has a negative correlation and educational level of the women had a a significant positive correlation with the attitude of women towards this work.ThesisItem Open Access Impact of integrated child developement services on the nutritional status of preschool children(Department of Home Science, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 1990) Jaifaneesa Beegum, A; KAU; Prema, LThe present study to find out the impact of Integrated Child Development Services on the nutritional status of preschool children was conducted in Trivandrum urban project area which included four project sectors viz. Vallakadavu, Punthura, Paruthikuzhy and Veli. Comparative study was conducted among preschool children who were non- beneficiaries of Integrated child Development Services selected from the same are and socio-economic group, since such data is not available at present. Information regarding the socio-economic background and dietary habits of the families with special reference to the nutritional status of preschool children were collected through weighment, anthropometric, clinical, biochemical and growth monitoring studies. The results of the study showed that majority of the families surveyed in both experimental and control groups were of nuclear type families belonging to the under privileged section of the community, their main occupation were manual labour and fishing. Majority of the adult members in both the groups were found to be illiterates. Majority of the families subsisted below the poverty line and spent more than 60 persent of the family income on food. All the families were habitual non-vegetarians.Rice, tapioca, fish and coconut were found to be the major ingredients in their daily meal pattern. Children in both the groups were found to have unhealthy food preferences like sweets and fried foods. In the experimental group the preference given to children in serving meals may be due to the influence of nutrition education programmes implemented under Integrated Child Development Services Programmes. Results of the food weighment survey indicated that the diets of preschool children in both the groups were inadequate and unbalanced. The consumption of protective food were too low. Calorie consumption in control group of children were unsatisfactory. Since consumption of fish was high in both the groups the availability of proteins in the daily diet were above the recommended Daily Allowance. But in control group this high protein intake become inadequate in the face of calorie inadequacy as protein would be utilized for purpose of providing energy. These observations may therefore be interpreted as indicating that protein deficiency in our preschool children is conditioned to a considerable extent by low intake of calories and that primary bottleneck in the current dietaries of poor Indian Children is not protein but calories. Results of the anthropometric measurements pointed out varying degree of growth retardation in both the groups. Anaemia was the common deficiency symptoms manifested among children of these areas in both the groups. In the control group children, a high incidence of angular stomatitis and dental caries were observed. Growth monitoring for 6 months using growth charts indicated that the mean body weights of preschool children of control group was found to be more but the difference was not statistically significant. All the mothers had sufficient knowledge regarding the various components of Integrated Child Development Services except in the areas of health education and referral services. The attitude of mothers towards the programme revealed that all the mothers had negative attitude towards the method of cooking foods in the anganwadi centres and distribution of medicines for the beneficiaries. Majority of the mothers had not adopted the home production of vegetables and poultry keeping. The lacunae located in the present study as reported by the mothers were inadequate students strength in Anganwadies due to irregular management and indifference of the anganwadi worker, improper timing for supplementary feeding and immunization, lack of play space in Anganwadies, lack of referral services and nutrition and health education classes. From the present study it was clear that in the implementation of the Integrated Child Development Services Programmes all the six different components were not given equal weightage. This stresses the need for giving equal importance to all the six components, frequent visits by auxiliary Nurses and Midwives and other Medical Personnels and for proper supervision by senior field officials, so as to correct the problems located.
