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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Open Access
Water conservation measures and cropping pattern for a watershed using geospatial techniques and swat modelling
(Department of Irrigation and Drainage Engineering, Kelappaji College of Agricultural Engineering and Technology, Tavanur, 2020) Panchamy Balan; KAU; Asha, Joseph
The Manali watershed located in Thrissur district of Kerala with a drainage area of 140.94 km2 receives an average annual rainfall of 2501.08 mm. But the watershed experiences increased water level rise during monsoon and scarcity of water during non-monsoon season. In order to address the problem of water scarcity in the watershed, an attempt was made to plan conservation measures and cropping pattern using geospatial techniques and SWAT modelling. SWAT model was used effectively for the hydrologic water balance assessment and water availability in the watershed. Water demand was estimated as the sum of agricultural and non-agricultural water demand. Agricultural water demand was estimated using CROPWAT 8 model. An analysis of monthly water availability and water demand was carried out to know the status of water in the watershed. Site suitability modelling was done using GIS to locate water conservation measures and IMSD guidelines were applied to select the type of water conservation measures. Cropping pattern was proposed based on existing crops, soil type, physiography and aridity index. The model was calibrated and validated satisfactorily for the watershed with NSE values 0.71 and 0.61 and R2 values 0.81 and 0.61 during calibration and validation respectively. The highest water availability (71.57 Mm³) was found in the month of June and lowest (1.28 Mm³) in the month of January. Water demand was highest in the month of January (8.91 Mm³) and lowest in the month of June (1.23 Mm³). Water surplus was observed in almost all the months of the year except January, February, March and December. The annual total water surplus in the watershed was obtained as 227.43 Mm3. Hence conservation measures were proposed for the watershed. Thus 32 farm ponds, 7 percolation ponds and 4 check dams were suggested to construct in the watershed area. Farm ponds were found to be the most suitable conservation measure in the area. Suitable cropping pattern like sequential cropping and intercropping were also suggested to improve the productivity and economic status of the watershed.
Open Access
Modelling the impact of land use land cover changes on the runoff processes of Chalakudy basin using HEC-HMS model
(Department of Irrigation and Drainage Engineering, Kelappaji College of Agricultural Engineering and Technology, Tavanur, 2020) Nchumbeni M, Odyuo; KAU; Rema, K P
Fast development of urbanization alongside other expanding anthropogenic factors have been distinguished as significant reasons for land use changes and land transformations. This eventually causes several devastations like floods, droughts, water contamination and soil debasement. There is a need for target evaluation and investigation on the land utilization patterns and the mode of operation of water conserving structures in order to take up any preventive and additional healing measures. The state of Kerala in particular is notable for significant level of development as far as socio–monetary components, education, human services and so forth are considered. The broad financial changes have prompted expanded pace of framework, building development and several land use changes in the most recent decade. Evaluating the spatial and temporal changes in land use and land cover (LULC) of a basin is one of the analytic strategies to comprehend the issues continuing in a basin and gives significant understanding of its effect on runoff processes. The Chalakudy river basin in Kerala was one of the worst affected basins during the floods of 2018 and has experienced unaccountable damages to human life, ranches, gardens, domesticated animals, buildings, roads etc. The present study compares the LULC changes over two different decades 1997- 2007 and 2007-2017 by analysing the LULC maps and the effect of these changes on the runoff processes in Chalakudy river basin. From the LULC maps, the area under each class, the percentage area coverage and decadal percentage change for each class were calculated. The Hydrologic Modelling System HEC-HMS, developed by the US Army Corps of Engineers Hydrologic Engineering Centre (HEC) was used to model the flood flows of the basin. Calibration and validation of the model was done by employing the SCS CN as the loss method. Calibration of the model was done for five years (2003- 2007) to discover the best parameters of HEC-HMS model while validation of the model was done for three years (2015- 2017). The final analysis of the model showed CN to be the most sensitive parameter for simulating the runoff in the basin. The Nash-Sutcliffe model efficiency (E) for the calibration period was found to increase from 0.726 to 0.766 and 0.816 for the validation period. The correlation coefficient (R2) value was observed to increase from 0.80 to 0.83 before and after the calibration and a value of 0.85 was obtained for the validation period respectively indicating good performance of the model. Simulation runs of the model were done separately for another three years i.e., 1997, 2007 and 2017 in order to analyze the changes in runoff with respect to land use changes. It was observed that the vegetation area decreased consequently from 886.21 km2 to 803.09 km2 while the urban area was found to increase from 31.74 km2 to 41.93 km2 (1997-2017). Aside from that the annual rate change for each class was calculated and results showed an increment in the class of paddy, palm, barren land and urban area while a decrease in annual rate change of vegetation class was also observed. LULC transition matrix was also prepared for 1997-2007 and 2007-2017. From the net loss and gain calculation it was observed that the highest loss from 1997-2007 was found to be for vegetation (-52.52 km2) and the highest gain was of Paddy (54.39 km2). In between 2007-2017 the highest loss was noticed to be for vegetation (-30.59 km2) while the highest gain was for barren land (54.39 km2). The study highlights a disturbing observation in the last two decades and how this change has prompted the occurrence of floods and runoff. After analyzing the decadal land use changes and the simulated runoff values, it was understood how, loss of vegetation cover and increase in urbanization being the most significant reasons for LULC changes have altered the overall basin ecology.
Open Access
Development and perfomance evaluation of a tractor powered manure pulverizer cum application
(Department of Farm Machinery and Power Enginnering, Kelappaji College of Agriculture Engineering, Tavanur, 2020) Sai Mohan, S; KAU; Jayan, P R
Organic manures such as farm yard manure, green manure etc., when incorporated into the soil not only add nutrients but enriches the soil by the fixation of atmospheric nitrogen. Manures (FYM, vermicompost, edible oil cakes etc.,) are an important resources which provide nutrients that could reduce bagged fertilizer costs and improves the crop growth and performance. A well-managed manure is a valuable resource in providing nutrients for crop production. Use of farm yard manure and other organic manure is the way out to overcome the problems of soil degradation, loss of fertility and soil health. Manual application of manure consumes more time and labour. Therefore, the present study was undertaken to develop and evaluate the performance of a tractor powered manure pulverizer cum applicator. The components of the machine were developed to suit the various dosages of manure without much variation in the distribution efficiency. The actual field capacity and efficiency of manure pulverizer cum applicator was found out to be 0.311 ha h-1 and 86.5 % at a forward speed of 2.0 km h-1, 0.356 ha h-1 and 79.2 % at a forward speed of 2.5 km h-1 and 0.395 ha h-1 and 73.1 % at a forward speed of 3.0 km h-1. Maximum field capacity was noted at a traveling speed of 3.0 km h-1. A larger application rate of 1387.1 kg ha-1 for cow dung, 1624.4 kg ha-1 for goat faecal pellets and 1618.6 kg ha-1 for neem cake was noted at an engine rpm of 2500, forward speed of 2 km h-1 with a field capacity of 0.31 ha h-1. With increasing the forward speed to 2.5 and 3.0 km h-1, field capacity increases but the application rate is decreased. The cost of manure pulverizer cum applicator alone is Rs. 64,000. Cost of operation of manure pulverizer cum applicator as an attachment to tractor as explained in Section 3.4 was found as 583.05 Rs h-1 and 1943.5 Rs ha-1. Cost of manual manure application followed by manure pulverization was 582.7 Rs h-1 and 4662.2 Rs ha-1.
Open Access
Determination of subsurface stormflow using tracer method
(Department of soil and water conservation engineering, Kelappaji college of Agricultural engineering and technology, Tavanur, 2020) Adarsh, S S; KAU; Sathian, K K
The state of Kerala in India is a typical example of a region facing droughts of varying degrees despite receiving high annual rainfall. This is because a lion share of the precipitation received is going out as runoff without recharging the groundwater. The subsurface stormflow is considered as the fast moving component of subsurface runoff on which very little information is available due to its complex mechanism of movement through subsurface. Hence, this study has been taken up for gathering more knowledge on the phenomenon of subsurface stormflow with the help of monitoring of soil moisture movement and tracer method. For data collection, three experimental setups in two experimental plots have been setup in KCAET campus, Kerala, India. It is a lateritic terrain having sandy loam type of soil and a general slope. Through-flow trenches were constructed for all the three setups and studied the soil moisture variation on the trench face at three depths (0-40 cm, 40-80 cm and 80-120 cm) in order to study the subsurface stormflow through different depths. For the experimental setup 1, simulation of rainfall was done using a butterfly sprinkler as the input. Line application of water was done for the experimental setup 2. Natural rain was taken as the input for the experimental setup 3. The subsurface stormflow through the soil matrix is also studied by the salt tracer experiment for obtaining its velocities. From the study it was found that the subsurface stormflow discharge is greatly affected by the soil dry density and soil suction. The subsurface stormflow discharge was found to have negative correlations with both soil suction and soil dry density. The subsurface stormflow velocities through 0-40 cm, 40-80 cm and 80-120 cm depths obtained from the soil moisture variation studies were 23.74 cm day-1, 36.23 cm day-1 and 17.41 cm day -1 respectively and the same obtained through the tracer studies were 27.27 cm day-1, 30 cm day-1 and 26.67 cm day-1 respectively. It was also concluded that the prevailing subsurface stormflow in the experimental sites is due to matrix flow rather than the preferential flow. The results gave the conclusion that high value of rainfall along with low values of soil dry density and soil suction can induce the subsurface stormflow even in the area having gentle slope (<10 %).
Open Access
Studies on combined technologies of pulsed electric field and microwave assisted process for extraction of pectin from Jackfruit rind and core
(Department of processing and food engineering, Kelappaji college of Agricultural engineering and Technology, Tavanur, 2020) Nandhu Lal, A M; KAU; Prince, M V
Value addition of inedible parts of Jackfruit such as rind and core using efficient and environment friendly methods would reduce wastage, and its disposal problem and also fetch additional profit to farmers. Pectin, a secondary food ingredient used as gelling, stabilizing and emulsifying agent in food products is such a valuable by-product having nutritional as well as health benefits. Conventional extraction method includes direct boiling using acidified water, which is time consuming and degrades quality pectin. Application of combined novel technologies might help in conquering the inadequacies of conventional methods. In this study, a pulsed electric field and microwave assisted extraction system for extracting pectin from Jackfruit rind and core was developed. To evaluate the developed system towards pectin extraction, the effect of process parameters influencing pectin yield and energy consumption such as PEF strength (5, 10 and 15 kV/cm); PEF treatment time (2, 4 and 6 min); microwave power density (450, 550 and 650 W/g) and time of exposure (5, 10 and 15 min) were studied. The physicochemical and quality parameters of extracted pectin such as moisture content, ash content, protein content, viscosity, solubility, colour, equivalent weight, methoxyl percentage, galacturonic acid and degree of esterification of the pectin were analyzed and compared with that obtained through conventional extraction. A PEF strength of 11.98 kV/cm, PEF treatment time of 5.46 min, microwave power density of 647.55 W/g and time of exposure of 5 min were found to be the optimized process variables of the combined treatment. High methoxyl pectin of good quality was obtained through the combined process. The moisture content, viscosity, ash content, protein content, equivalent weight, methoxyl percentage, galacturonic acid and degree of esterification of the combined PEF and microwave treated samples were 8.95 %, 39.78 cP, 6.78 %, 3.283 %, 557.473 g/mol, 8.37 %, 69.44 % and 68.43 % respectively with light brown colour whereas that of conventional extracted pectin were respectively 10.04 %, 38.14 cP, 7.27 %, 9.98 % 466.905 g/mol, 9.376 %, 67.85 % and 78.45 % with dark drown colour pectin. Scanning Electron Micrographs of jackfruit powder samples before and after combined treatment and conventional extraction revealed an increase in rupture and severing of parenchymal cells of the combined treated samples indicating better extraction efficiency. It was concluded that combined pulsed electric field and microwave treatment resulted in increased extraction of high quality pectin from Jackfruit rind and core.
Open Access
Development of Neera Powder using spray drying process
(Department of Processing and Food Engineering, KCAET,Tavanur, 2019) Anjali, A V; KAU; Santhi Mary, Mathew
The Coconut Palm (Cocos nucifera) is one of the most important crops grown in humid tropics, cultivated for its multiple utilities, belongs to Arecaceae family. Since most of the components of coconut palm is getting transformed to useful products, it is referred to as “Tree of life”. Neera is a delicious health drink collected from the immature unopened inflorescence of coconut palm. It is a nector like liquid having slightly alkaline pH and translucent in color. Neera is a rich source of natural sugars, minerals and vitamins and it contains substantial amounts of iron, phosphorus and ascorbic acid. The major difficulty associated with neera production is its natural fermentation. The product undergoes fermentation within 2-3 hours under ambient temperature. Thus the shelf life of the sap is identified as a major issue in the long distance transport of neera. The only solution is the development of neera powder by spray drying technology, so that it will arrest the fermentation by reducing the available water. This study mainly concentrated on development of a process protocol for spray dried neera powder, standardization of the spray drying parameters and quality analysis of neera powder. The neera used in the study was collected from two different sources, CPCRI (Kalparasa) and KAU (Keramrutham). The optimum parameters obtained for Kalparasa powder was 3.53% MD+0.353% GA as feed material combination, an inlet air temperature of 168ºC and 4.25 rpm feed flow rate. Whereas for the Keramrutham powder the obtained optimum condition is 7.58% MD+0.758% GA as feed material combination and 171.89ºC inlet air temperature with 4.82 rpm feed flow rate. The blower speed of 1200 rpm and air pressure 2kg/cm2 were kept constant for developing the products. The physico chemical characteristics such as pH, TSS, Colour, moisture content, and reconstitution properties were determined. The optimally produced products were packed, stored in retort pouches and the quality characteristics such as pH, moisture content, vitamine C, antioxidant activity and phenolic content were also analysed up to 5 months. Both powders showed good acceptance in the sensory evaluation. The cost analysis of the product was done and cost of one kilogram was estimated as Rs 2168.6/-.
Open Access
Develpment and evaluation of protein enriched RTE extruded food products
(Department of Processing and Food Engineering, KCAET, Tavanur, 2019) Athira, K; KAU; Rajesh, G K
Malnutrition causes major health problems due to qualitative and quantitative insufficiency of dietary protein and calories intake. Protein energy malnutrition is a serious threat especially in children in developing countries. Fortification or combination of two or more food ingredients can make a solution for this nutritional insufficiency to a certain extend. Food products with improved nutritional profile can be produced by blending legumes. Ready to eat food products are plays a major role in modern consumer’s diets. Extrusion cooking is a novel technology adopted by food industries as it is a rapid, continuous and cost-effective process. Therefore, an investigation has been taken up to develop a protein enriched ready to eat food products from rice, ragi, Bengal gram, ground nut and soybean using extrusion cooking. The feed composition selected for the extrusion were 60% rice, 10% ragi, 10% Bengal gram, 10% soybean and 10% groundnut flour and the physico chemical analysis of the feed mix was conducted and recorded. The process variables used in the study were temperature (120,130 and 140°C), moisture content (12, 14 and 16%) and screw speed (300, 350 and 400 rpm). The optimisation of process parameters was analysed using RSM based on the quality characteristics of the extrudates. The optimum operating conditions of extrusion process namely, barrel temperature, moisture content and screw speed was found to be 140°C, 12.20% and 383.96 (384) rpm respectively. The storage studies of optimally produced extrudates were conducted by using different packaging materials (LDPE and laminated aluminum) and packaging technologies (Active and passive MAP). The extrudates packed in laminated aluminum with active MAP had good overall acceptability after three months of storage and they were microbiologically safe. The total production cost of 1kg of extruded RTE product was found to be Rs. 113.29/-.
Open Access
Investigations for the development of electrostatic pollinator
(Department of Farm Machinery and Power Engineering, Kelappaji College of Agricultural Engineering and Technology, Tavanur, 2019) Rinju lukose; KAU; Dhalin, D
The problems in fruit setting with artificial pollination (contact type) can eradicate by the application of electrostatic forces (non - contact pollen collection and deposition), hence the study was undertaken to develop an electrostatic pollinator. Anagha variety of tomato and Preethi variety of bitter gourd were selected. Morphological characteristics of these flowers were studied for design of pollinator. A high voltage amplification unit with flyback transformer and MOSFET, a spherical shaped electrode and a DC input source were the major components of the electrostatic pollinator. The pollen collection capacity of two electrodes E1 (10 mm) and E2 (7.5 mm) were evaluated at voltage potentials of 3 kV, 4 kV, 5 kV and 6 kV at 5 mm, 10 mm and 15 mm distance from the anther tip of flower. The maximum number of pollens (409 for tomato and 2827 for bitter gourd) was collected by electrode E1 with a charging potential of 6 kV at 5 mm distance, both in case of tomato and bitter gourd. This high pollen collection rate was due to high detaching forces acting on the pollen grains at shorter distance between the anther tip and electrode. The pollen collection capacity was minimum (87 for tomato and 1227 for bitter gourd) for electrode E2 with an electrode potential of 3 kV at 15 mm distance. Pollens were deposited into the flower using the two electrodes (E1 and E2) at voltage potential of 1 kV, 3 kV and 6 kV at 5 mm distance from the tip of stigma. The fruit set efficiency of electrostatic pollination in tomato was 80% and artificial manual pollination was 40%. In bitter gourd, fruit set efficiency of electrostatic pollination and artificial pollination was 100%. But damage of stigma during hand pollination caused reduction in size, weight and number of sound seeds.
Open Access
Design development and testing of a power operated paddy hill seeder
(Department of Farm Machinery and Power Engineering, Kelappaji College of Agricultural Engineering and Technology, Tavanur, 2019) Bandi Nageswar; KAU; Manoj Mathew
Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is important leading food crop and it is widely cultivated in India. The farmers are facing problems due to lack of labour, time, inputs cost and also due to drudgery in work. Nevertheless, mechanization in paddy cultivation can boost higher productivity and considerably reduce the cost of production. Therefore, the present study was undertaken to design and develop a power operated paddy hill seeder in paddy cultivation. The power operated paddy hill seeder was developed and tested based on the, engineering and physical properties of dry and pre-germinated paddy seeds. The tests were conducted on sand bed to evaluate the seed metering mechanism performance with respect to spacing, seed rate, quality of feed index, multiple index, miss index, and seed damage at two different forward speeds (1.5 and 1.8 km h-1), two cell sizes and three transmission speeds (1:1.7, 1:1.2 and 1:0.95). The mean hill to hill spacing was ranged from 0.09-0.20 m, 3 to 7 seeds per hill, seed rate of 21-58 kg ha-1. The missing index and multiple indexe were less for the different combinations of study parameters (speed 1.5 kmph, cell size 9 mm, Transmission ratio 1:1.7), (Speed 1.8 kmph, Cell size 9 mm, Transmission ratio 1:1.7) and (Speed 1.8 kmph, Cell size 12 mm, Transmission ratio 1:1.7). The quality feed index were 86.1, 88.6 and 91.1 respectively for above sequence of combinations of study parameters. The average field capacity of the paddy hill seeder was 0.22 ha h-1 and 0.26 ha h-1 with efficiency of 80.00% and 76.00 % for forward speeds of 1.5 and 1.8 kmph respectively. Based on the performance evaluation results, it is concluded that the developed power operated paddy hill seeder is economical and efficient for direct sowing of paddy.

Kerala Agricultural University, Thrissur

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