KAU News - April 2015

Volume XXI. ISSUE 2 April 2015Web: www.kau.in Email: [email protected] Five MoreVarieties of Seedless HybridCrops released Cucumber Developed Twenty Five new Crop varieties developed by KAU have been approved KAU has develo-for release by the state variety release committee. The Crop wise list of new ped seedless hybridvarieties include five of Rice; five of Cocoa; two each of Sugarcane, Garcinia, Cucumber ideal forSeedless watermelon and Cucumber; one each of Jackfruit, Chilli, Mushroom, polyhouse cultivation.Cowpea, Ashgourd, Brinjal and Tomato. This is the first such Cucumber hybrid deve- The State Committee on Variety release which met at Thiruvanathapuram lopedinSouthIndiaby aon April 25 under the chairmanship of Agricultural production Commissioner Public sector researchwas attended by KAU Director of Research, Director of Agriculture, represe- team.ntative of National Seed Corporation as well as farmers’ representatives.The respective scientist presented each variety before the committee. The new Parthe- nocarpic hybrid is a KAU Vice-Chancellor Dr. P. Rajendran said that the new varieties approved blessing to farmers,for release reflect the university’s commitment to farming community and who now depend onconsistent research output. ‘The main characteristics of these varieties are costly hybrid seedsresistance and tolerance to abiotic stresses. The new F1 hybrids symbolize sourced from multiour initiative to develop F1 Hybrids of various crops.’, he said. nationals, as it offers increased availability of indigenously developed Dr. T. R. Gopalakrishnan, Director of Research said that release of twenty hybrid seeds at affordable rates.five varieties at a stroke is a landmark achievement by the university. ‘Withthis the total number of crop varieties developed by KAU has reached 308. KAU Parthenocarpic Cucumber Hybrid-1 (KPCH-The very fact that development of a variety takes five to seven years explains 1) is found to be significantly superior tothe effort and value of a newone. Many of the new varieties are ideal for the commercial hybrids with respect to fruit number,emerging farming patterns and hence assumed great relevance.’, he said. Cont’d on page 2 Cont’d on page 3Inside Non deficit Budget aimed at Reforms Page 2 The non deficit Budget for 2015-16 prese-Cucumber hybrid, Pesticide residue nted by Thomas Unniyadan MLA in the 41stanalysis, Herbal face pack , Straw baleLoader & Students’ harvesting operation. Annual meeting of KAU General Council held at Page 3 Vellanikkara on 28 March 2015 envisages reformsNew Varieties, Awards and Recognitions. in academic, research and extension fronts. Page 4 The meeting chaired by Dr. P. Rajendran,Message From Vice-Chancellor, MoU with Vice-Chancellor approved the balancedSBT, Students’ Union. budget with an outlay of Rs. 496.64 Crores Page 5 including non plan expenditure of 285.04 Thomas Unniyadan MLA presents KAU BudgetAgrifiesta concludes, Biotechnology 2015-16 in the GC meet held on March 28seminar and Library workshop. Crores and plan expenditure of 56.62 crores. An amount of seven crores have been Page 6 earmarked for academic activities while the constituent colleges and working report ofInauguration of lab at Kayamkulam,Award for Pattambi Centre, Cocoa seminar research and extension programmes have the University up to 2014 December 31.and Women’s day at KAU. been provided with 28 crores and 10 crores Executive Committee members M. P. Vincent Page 7 respectively. The budget proposed affiliated MLA, K. A. Sheeba, P. A. Salam, Dr. Jose Joseph colleges and courses, which is a major shift from and Aji Francis took part. General CouncilResearch Council, Guest house planned the policy hitherto followed and setting up of members Dr. S. Devanesan, Dr. Jiju P. Alex,at Anakkayam, Seed lab inauguration and four agri polytechniques in the state. Thomas Dr. A. Prema, Dr. R. Krishnakumar, V. S. Sathya-KVK Meet. Unniyadan MLA said that the University is hopeful seelan, Fransis Kombara, Soumya Krishnan, of getting additional financial support from the Vishnu Narayanan, C. H. Muthu, Adv. Sony Page 8 state government for clearing the accumulated Sebastian, Varghese Ollukkaran, Rajiv liability of 265 crores.Academic Council, Organic farming Seminar, Nellikkunnel, Anil Pulikkal, Dr. T. N. JagdeeshYoung Farmers’meet and Njavara farming Vice-Chancellor assured the house that Kumar and M. A. Yohannan participated in theworkshop. steps are on to solve acute manpower deficiency discussions. Registrar Dr. P. V. Balachandran, confronting the University. The meeting also Comptroller Dr. Joy Mathew, Faculty Deans approved minutes of two previous meetings, and Directors of Research, Extension, Physical award of degree to students passing out of plant and Planning were also present.

PAGE - 2 KAU NEWS April 2015 Cont’d from page 1 Pesticide residue Seedless Hybrid Cucumber Developed Kerala Vegetables found safe yield and earliness as it produced five Vegetables produced within Kerala have been certified tonnes from a 10 cent polyhouse in 3 safe to eat, following a rigorous analysis for pesticide months. KCPH-1 fruits are green, 20 cm residues conducted at KAU’s Pesticide Residue lab at Vellayani. long and 240 g in weight, which can be stored up to 1 week at room temperature The periodical tests conducted at the lone public sector without any loss in quality. KCPH-1 lab in the state has found that almost all vegetable samples exhibited fair degree of tolerance collected from various sources from different districts, except against Downy mildew caused by for three samples of cowpea and one sample of snake gourd Dr. Pradeepkumar T. Pseudoperonospora Cubensis, a major from Thiruvananthapuram district, are devoid of hazardouslimiting factor for cucumber cultivation during rainy season material. The residue found in the four samples collectedinside naturally ventilated polyhouse in Kerala. The Research from Thiruvananthapuram has been identified as that ofExtension Advisory Council of KAU has recommended this Chlorpyrifos. In the light of test results, KAU has advisedhybrid for multilocational testing across polyhouse in all farmers’ to avoid hazardous chemicals and use saferdistricts in the state. alternatives for pest control. Research team lead by Dr. Pradeepkumar T., Associate Farmer’s can avail the free testing facility extended byProfessor, Department of Olericulture, CoH Vellanikkara pesticide testing lab attached to College of Agriculture, Vellayani.developed the hybrid through technique for F1 hybrid One Kilogram of vegetable sample safely packed in materialsseed production in parthenocarpic cucumber. The same team other than plastic along with a certificate from agriculturalhad earlier developed seedless hybrids of yellow and red officer of the Krishibhavan concerned can be taken to thewatermelon, first seedless watermelon in India. lab for free testing and certification. For further details farmers are advised to contact Dr. Thomas Biju Mathew, Seeds of the new hybrid Cucumber are expected to reachthe farming community within a year. professor, Pesticide residue Testing lab, Vellayani on phone 0471-2380520 (Office).Herbal Face pack from Medicinal Plant Unit KAU Medicinal Plant research unit has come out with a herbal face pack on theworld health day. The new product indigenously produced from herbs cultivated withinthe unit is the Sixth commercially viable product from the AICRP unit at CoH. Dr. KoshyAbraham, Asociate Dean officially released the product, christened MUKHASREE, byhanding it over to Kum. Pournami, Students’ Union Joint Secretary. The AICRP on Medicinal Plants at CoH is well known for collection and conservationof all medicinal plants. Apart from producing planting materials of medicinal plants,the unit has already launched unique products like popular cool drink concentrateNaruneendi Syrup , Skin cure oil DanthapalaVelichenna, Hair nourishing oil Keraraksha ,herbal shampoo Kerasudhi and Vasikachoornam, a herbal remedy for cough.Straw Bale Loader Successfully Tested STUDENTS SAVE PADDY CROPThe Food Security Army of the ARS, Mannuthy conducted the A team of students from College of Forestry,testing and evaluation of the Straw Bale Loader in Kole Lands at Vellanikkara executed an emergency harvestingPadinjare Karimpadam under Venkitangu Krishi Bhavan in Thrissur. operation to save paddy crop in eight acre field at Kartar Straw Loader which Nadathara. They jumped in to save the crop raised by costs around Rs. One lakh four women farmers’ can lift and load straw bales in leased land with weighting upto 50 kg to the Joint Liability Group trucks within 12 seconds. Loan. Their crop ready The operational cost of this to be harvested was machine including the fuel submerged by unsea- charges, Operator’s service sonal rains and machine harvesting being impo- charge and depreciation CoF Students engaged in ssible and manual emergency harvesting comes around to Rs. 155 per hour. 300 straw bales can harvesting being not feasible due to lack of labourTesting operation of Straw Bale loader be loaded to a truck in an force, the desperate women group sought the help In progress at Kole lands hour. This translates in to of KAU’s Centre for Gender Studies in Agriculture. Thea loading cost of 51 paise per bale which is only 10 % of manual centre managed to rope in the help of NSS studentsloading costs. The identification and successful testing of the machine and Bhoomithra Sena of CoF to save the crop.is another significant achievement of ARS, Mannuthy in developing Dr. P. S. Geethakutty, Dr. A. Prema, Dr. A. V. Santhosh Kumara complete package for mechanized agricultural revolution. and Dr. Binoo guided the team.

April 2015 KAU NEWS PAGE - 3Cont’d from page 1Twenty Five More Crop Varieties releasedThe new Rice varieties are MO-22 developed at RRS, green rind colour is redfleshed, theMoncompu by Dr. R. Devika; Amritha, developed by latter with striped green rind is yellowDr. M. R. Bindu, ORARS, Kayamkulam; Ezhome 4 and Jaiva fleshed. The Cucumber Varieties Harithdeveloped by Dr. T. Vanaja, CoA, Padannakkad and VTL9 with light green fruits and Subhra withdeveloped at RRS, Vyttila by Dr. K.S. Shylaraj. greenish white fruits ideal for open and Manuprabha MO-22 is a dwarf, medium rain shelter conditions were also developed at the CoH by duration variety with medium Dr. T. Pradeepkumar. bold red kernel grains and Keerthi, the new Mosaic tolerant Chilli variety developed by Dr. M.C. Narayanankutty, RARS, Pattambi produce green moderately resistant to sheath coloured, semi-wrinkled pendent fruits, 10-12 cm in length. The Ashgourd Thara developed at Pattambi by Dr. M. L. Jyothi gives blight, sheath rot, BLB and false small fruits (1.22 kg) with an average yield of 22t/ha is a variety suited for homestead and commercial cultivation. The mosaic smut and a grain yield of 7-7.5 resistant yard long bean Githika developed at Vellayani by Dr. P. Manju has long thick green fleshy pods with reddish brownSindoor t/ha. While Amritha is a red seeds and gives an average yield of 27.6 t /ha. kernelled long duration salt Manuprabha, the wilt resistant Tomato variety developed attolerant variety suited for Oru mundakan tract producing 4.88 ARS, mannuthy by Dr. M. C. Narayanankutty gives round shaped fruits. The Sugarcane varieties Abhay and Aromal developed byt of grains and 8.8 tonnes straw/ha Ezhome 4 is a long duration Dr.V.R. Shajan, ARS,Tiruvalla arenon lodging paddy suitable for Kaipad lands with white flood resis-tant with higher yield. Ponny, the Brinjal Variety fromkernels.VTL 9 is long duration paddy variety with saline Tiruvalla ARS developed by Dr. Jessy M. Kuriakose is a non spiny, bacterialtolerance up to 12 dsm and 10 % extra yield over existing wilt resistant variety with vigorous growth producing light green fruitsvarities for Pokkali fields. Jaiva, a semi tall, long duration variety of 24cm average length. Garcinia varities Amrutham and Haritham Bheemawith short bold golden yellow grains with white kernel is a developed by Dr. Alice Antony, RARS,Kumarakom, while the five Cocoa varieties were developed by Dr.Minimol.J.S ,Cocoaphoto insensitive rice variety developed for organic farmingin non-saline wet lands. Sindoor is a Jackfruit ideal fortable purpose with attractive sunsetorange flakes and distinct aroma,taste and sweetness developed atFarming Systems research Station,Sadanandapuaram by Dr. S.Regeena. It bears fruits of mediumsize (average 11Kg) twice a year. Subhra Shonima and Swarna, the water melon hybrids developed Research unit, Vellanikkara. Bheema, the pure white milkyby Dr. T. Pradeepkumar, CoH, Vellanikkara are the first seedless mushroom variety weighing almost half a Kg was developed athybrids developed in the country. While the former with dark CoA, Vellayani by Dr.D.Geetha.Awards and Recognitions The paper on Economics of Kerala home gardens, Evidence from southern Kerala co authored by Dr. Allan Thomas, Dr.S.Bhaskaran, Dr.Usha C Thomas and Reeba Jacob won Dr. A. Sakeer Hussain, Assistant Professor, CoH, Vellanikkara the best paper award in the Indian Biodiversity Congresshas been awarded the All India Best Publication Award-2014 by held at SRM Univerrsity, Chennai during December 2014.the Society for Advancement of Human and Nature (SADHNA),Dr. Y.S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan, Divya Vijayan, PG Scholar, CCBM, Vellanikkara receivedHimachal Pradesh. This award was for his research paper Scientific Best paper award in the National Seminar on Recent trendsrationality and evaluative perception on indigenous plant protection in Eco friendly Farming Practices for Food security condu-practices on coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) published in the Journal of cted by Gandhigram Rural Institute during March 12-132.Plantation Crops 39 (2) : 290-298. Dr. Vandana Venugopal, Associate Professor (Agronomy),Dr. Ameena M., Assistant Professor, Department of Agronomy RARS, Kumarakom got the best poster award underreceived the Best Poster presentation in the Second National Agriculture and Food Sciences in the 27th Kerala ScienceBiodiversity Congress held at Kanakakkunnu, Trivandrum during Congress from 27 - 29 January, 2015 held at Alappuzha.26-27 February. The award was presented by Hon.’ble Governor The award was for her paper on Utilization Of WaterJustice P. Sathasivam. Hyacinth (EichhorniaCrassipes) for Open Water Reeba Jacob, PG Scholar, Department of Extension, CoA, Vegetable Farming - A Novel Concept co authored byVellayani won the Best Paper Award in the National seminar on Shynamol. P. Rajan, Noble Abraham, A. V. Mathew and K.G.Environment organised at TNAU, Madurai Campus in December Padmakumar.2014 for the paper on Home gardens : Armament of biodiversity Dr. Anu. G. Krishnan, Assisstant Professor (Horticulture),coauthored by Dr. Allan Thomas, Assistant Professor. RARS, Kumarakom won the best oral presentation awardNoobiya Basheer, PG Scholar , Department of Extension, CoA, in the National Symposium on Modern Agro technologiesVellayani won the Best Oral presentation Award in the Indian for nutritional security and health at Y. S. Parmar UniversityBiodiversity Congress held at SRM Univerrsity, Chennai during of Horticulture and Forestry, Solan from 21-23 April, 2015.December 2014. The award was for the presentation on Gender The award wining presentation on Variability studies indefined roles in home gardens for food security and biodiversity physic chemical qualities of indigenous Jack typesmanagement co authored by Dr. Allan Thomas, Assistant Professor (Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam) of Kuttanad region in Keralaand Dr. R. Prakash, Professor. co.authored by K. T. Suman, G. Jayalekshmi and Ashly. V. Thomas.

PAGE - 4 KAU NEWS April 2015Message From the Vice-ChancellorSupport Urban & Peri urban agriculture The urban population used to believe that food production is the duty of their rural brethren, but the stress on food safety and nutritional security has caused a change in their perception. Food consumption patterns of urban households are undergoing a paradigm shift. More and more urban families are evincing keen interest in homestead farming, whether it is in the backyard, terrace or poly houses. The increased awareness on pesticide residue in agricultural produces from unidentified sources has prompted the urban people to spare some efforts for family farming. The trend is so apparent that a small vegetable garden has become a thing of joy and pride for most homes. The efforts to increase food safety, household food security and child nutrition combined with a fondness for pollution free environment has driven the cause further. In this context, our university is bound to explore the possibility of integrating hydroponics and aeroponics also in thesefarming practices. KAU’s technology for the composting of wastes will be commercially utilized to help popularize urban andperi-urban agriculture in an organic mode. Urban and peri-urban agriculture has the potential to succeed in our state asaround 35% of the agricultural activities in Kerala is currently done by womenfolk. The university can also tie up withKudumbashree and Janashree missions to create a revolution in this front. Urban and peri-urban agriculture will redeem thegreener environment which was lost due to un-sustainable intensification and extension of cities. Urban agriculture can alsomake productive reuse of urban wastes. But this now largely informal activity has to be transformed into a commercial andprofessional initiative through scientific interventions and development of specific package of practices. Kerala’s narrow urban-rural divide is a strength as well as weakness as far as strategies to strengthen urban agricultureare concerned. Yet it is easily possible to promote homestead cultivation of leafy vegetables, mushrooms, cucurbits andprotein rich vegetables. Nutrition garden in housing colonies is another feasible and attractive option. However, we need tosensitize our planners and policy makers about the socio-economic and ecological potentials of urban and peri-urbanagriculture and also take conscious efforts to include the same in our urban planning processes. I have no doubt that urban and peri-urban agriculture can make significant social, economic and ecological contributionswhich will help us to achieve sustainable urban development. This practice can also become a complimentary system of ourrural agriculture. I am asking my scientists to view the urban and peri-urban ecosystems as providers of healthy, nutritiousand safe food that will boost local well-being and reduce the ecological footprints of our cities and towns. Corporate Internet Banking Package Students’ Union InauguratedKAU Signs MoU with SBT KAU Students' KAU and SBT signed a MoU to Union 2015 and help the University Community enjoy Arts club was all advantages of advanced inaugurated on Corporate Internet Banking Package April 25 in a colo- (CINB). urful function held at CoA, The MoU was signed by KAU Vellayani. Inau- Registrar Dr. P. V. Balachandran and gurating the University union, Vice-Chancellor SBT DGM A. Sathyanarayana in a Dr. P. Rajendran called upon the student function presided over by Vice- community to explore and exploit the innu- Chancellor Dr. P. Rajendran. SBT merable career opportunities offered by agriGeneral Manager S. Harisankar, AGM John Varghese, KAU Comptroller Dr. education. Sopana Sangeetham maestroJoy Mathew, Director of Research Dr. T. R. Gopalakrishnan, Director of Physical Njeralath Harigovindan inaugurated the ArtsPlant Dr. V. R. Ramachandran, Director of Students Welfare Dr. Jagdeesh club. Singer Arun Alat was the chief guest inKumar and other University functionaries were present. the function presided over by Union president Melwin. The Vice-Chancellor termed the MoU as a decisive step in the rightdirection. ‘The package not only expedites all banking services for University The University Union also launchedCommunity including employees and pensioners, but also compliments the programmes for Organ donation ande governance package implemented by the University. I look forward for more Palliative Care. Honouring farmers waseffective linkages with SBT, the premier banking partner of KAU.’, he said. another programme initiated by the students' union. Inaugural function was followed by art S. Jayasankar, GM, SBT said that the CINB package offers instantaneous programmes presented by students fromfund transfer to KAU Units and salary accounts and pensioners eliminating different colleges under KAU.delay in realization of instruments like cheque and draft. All employeesand retirees will be provided with zero balance accounts with several facilitiesand special concessions.

April 2015 KAU NEWS PAGE - 5Agrifiesta 2015 & Pooppoli ConcludesMega Research project Launched at Ambalavayal A mega research project for poverty alleviation in Wayanad throughtechnology intervention and people’s participation was launched at thevaledictory function of Agrifiesta and Pooppoli 2015 held at RARS, Ambalavayal. Launching the project, KAU Vice-Chancellor Dr. P. Rajendran said that amulti-disciplinary and realistic approach backed by approprieate technologyis inevitable for successful extension of knowledge generated throughresearch. The project combining training and demonstration of viabletechnologies with entrepreneurial capacity building will do wonders inempowering rural population.’, he said. The 775 lakh worth mega project envisages establishment of a technology centre for research and demonstration ofhi-tech farming at Ambalavayal. The RKVY project has components like advanced centre for horticultural research, hi-techfabrication and model training unit, commercial processing unit, modern mist chambers, green houses, poly houses andrain shelters. It aims at large scale production of quality planting materials of vegetables, spice crops and fruit plants. The valedictory function presided over by District Panchayat President N. K. Rasheed was inaugurated by I. C. Balakrishnan MLA,Chairman, Organizing committee. Block panchayath President A. S. Vijaya, Ambalavayal gramapanchayath presidentM. U. George and other people’s representatives as well as KAU Officers took part in the function as well as the pageantrypreceding it. RARS head Dr. Rajendran P. welcomed the gathering and KVK head Dr. Radhamma Pillai proposed vote of thanks. More than ten lakh people including experts from different agricultural research organisations in the country and functionariesof international organisations like Society for Horticultural Sciences and ICRISAT visited the fair. Special Postage Stamp The Postal Department honoured Dr. Rajendran P., Associate Director, RARS, Ambalavayal by bringing out a stamp on him. The stamp was released by Postal authorities during the valedictory function of Agrifiesta and Pooppoli on February 2, 2015. The Vice-Chancellor, members of Executive Committee and General Council as well as officers of the University appreciated the efforts of Dr. Rajendran in successful organisation of Agrifiesta involving all sections of staff.Seminar on Agricultural Biotechnology National Training On Digital LibraryRelevance of Modern tools highlighted Management The national seminar on New frontiers in Dr. M. Maheswaran, Director of Research,Agricultural Biotechnology organised by TNAU inaugurates the Biotechnology seminar The two day nationalKAU’s Centre for Plant Biotechnology and training programme inMolecular Biology (CPBMB) stressed the need Chancellor Dr. P. Rajendran. The Seminar advanced digital libraryto transform research findings into tangible proposed to Prioritize biotechnology for management organised bydeliverables for the benefit of farming high tech’ Agriculture, explore possibilities Kerala Agricultural Universitycommunity. in Nano biotechnology, encourage produ- Library on 24 and 25 April ction of disease free quality planting material was inaugurated by Dr. T. R. Inaugurating the event, Dr. M. Maheswaran, exploiting biotechnology tools like ELISA test Gopalakrishnan, Director ofDirector of Research, TNAU called for and develop diagnostic tools for the Research. The programmeintegration of Biotechnology and Plant produ- estimation of aflatoxin in spices like pepper, conducted with the supportction as well as plant protection disciplines to ginger etc. for ensuring food quality. of Academic Library Asso-counter the emerging challenges in augmenting ciation was meant to trainfood production, quantity wise as well as quality The valedictory function was presided over library professionals inwise. Dr. T. R. Gopalakrishnan, KAU Director of by Dr. K. S. Subramanian, Professor & Head, digital management ofResearch presided. Dept. of Nanotechnology, TNAU delivered Libraries using D space. the valedictory address in the functionpresided The relevance of Biotechnology tools in over by Dr. P.V. Balachandran, KAU Registrar. Dr. Dr. Sajan Kurien, Diretorcombating multiple challenges posed by fast P. A. Valsala, Dr. P. A. Nazeem and Dr. P. S. (Planning) presided in thechanging physical, economic and social Abida spoke. inaugural session. KAUenvirons was highlighted by experts. All General Council memberpossibilities to improve the stress tolerance Dr. A. Prema, CCBM Associateand pests and disease resistance of food Dean Dr. A. Sukumaran,crops and introgress stress tolerant characte- Course coordinator Dr. A. T.ristics into traditional varieties of food grains Francis, Dr. C. Veerankutty andshould be explored and fully exploited toensure food and nutritional security of Dr. K. A. Shanavaz spoke.mankind., they said. The Farmers’ seminar held as part ofnational seminar was inaugurated by Vice-

PAGE - 6 KAU NEWS April 2015Minister moots Pesticide residue Pattambi adjudgedLaboratory at Onattukara Best AICRIP Centre Minister for Agriculture K.P. Mohanan inaugurated the laboratory complex constructed at ORARS, Kayamkulam under RKVY project (Kuttanad Package) on 22nd April 2015. Agri Minister inaugurates The Minister offered to Dr.R.Beena receives the award for Best AICRIPLab complex at ORARS, Kayamkulam establish a pesticide residue centre in Plant Pathology on behalf of laboratory for Onattukara at RARS, Pattambi a cost of five crores. Minister The Annual rice research groupsaid that the laboratory will help to ensure supply of pesticide free vegetables meeting organised at Directorate of Ricein central Kerala. The increase in vegetable production from 30% to 71% within Research, Hyderabad adjudged the Alla period of two years clearly indicates the achievements made in agriculture India Coordinated Research Project atsector, he said. RARS, Pattambi as the best AICRIP centre in plant physiology. The function was presided over by Shri. C. K. Sadasivan MLA. KAU Vice-Chancellor Dr..P. Rajendran delivered keynote address. N. Padmakumar IAS, District Dr. R. Beena, Assistant professorCollector, Alappuzha; Rajasree Komalath, Municipal Chairperson, Kayamkulam; received the citation on behalf of the centreRajeev Nellikkunnel, General Council Member, KAU; Kandalloor during the 50th annual rice researchSankaranarayanan, Vice Chairman, Onattukara Vikasana Agency; A. Nazarulla group meeting held at Hyderabad.ward councilor, Kayamkulam Municipality; U. Muhammed, Vice Chairman,Kayamkulam Municipality; Dr. V. R. Ramachandran, DPP, KAU and Renjith, DDA,Alappupzha spoke. Dr. T. R. Gopalakrishnan, Director of Research welcomedthe gathering and Dr. A. V. Mathew, ADR, Kumarakom proposed vote of thanks.Cocoa Farmers’ seminar Women’s Day celebratedCall for Producers’ Company KAU Vice-Chancellor Dr. P. Rajendran mooted a Farmer producer company of Cocoa cultivators for enhancing prospects of cocoa farming in the state. Addressing the farmers after inaugurating the two Yogasilpam presented by KAU women During the women’s day celebrations day farmers’ seminar condu- The women’s day celebrations organised by Centre cted by KAU’s Cocoa resea- for Gender Studies in Agriculture and Farm Entrepreneurship Development (CGAFED) at KAU central Vice Chancellor Dr. P. Rajendran rch station in Collaboration auditorium on March 18 was inaugurated by Dr. P.inaugurates Cocoa farmer’s seminar with Directorate of Cashew Rajendran, Vice-Chancellor. Highlighting the role of Cocoa development women in social welfare, the Vice-Chancellor pointed out that KAU is the first University to have a Centre for(DCCD), Kochi at Vellanikkara, Dr. Rajendran said that such a single Gender studies.door marketing mechanism would enhance the bargaining power The lead talks by Dr. Lalitha Lenin and Sreeja Arango- ttukara stressed the need to sensitise the society onof farmers and ensure benefits of farmers’ cooperative movement. women’s roles and rights. Women’s day celebrations should not hinder proper analysis of women’s issues as KAU Director of Research Dr. T. R. Gopalakrishnan in his women’s insecurity reflects the immaturity of society atpresidential address called for cottage industry units based on large., they said. Yogasilpam presented by women inCocoa using the foolproof technologies developed by KAU. KAU stood out among several programmes presentedDr.Koshy Abraham, Associate Dean, CoH; Dr. T. N. Jagdeeshkumar on the day. Registrar Dr. P. V. Balachandran, CCBM Assoc.and Dr. A. Prema, memebers of KAU General Council; Dean Dr. A. Sukumaran, CGAFED head Dr. P. S.Dr. Venkatesh N. Hubbaalli, Director, DCCD; M. R. Rajesh, Manager, Geethakutty and Joint Registrar K.S. Vijayalakshmi spoke.Mondeez India Food limited ; Dr. B. Suma , Head, Cocoa ResearchStation and Dr. Minimol spoke. Technical sessions on Cocoa farming,processing, pest and disease management were held after theinaugural session. Dr. R. Vikraman Nair, former Director of Researchand founder of Cocoa research station was honoured at the function.

April 2015 KAU NEWS PAGE - 7Research Council Propose Study on New Guest HouseSocial impact of Research outputs at Anakkayam ARS problems. It also proposed reorientation of activities in research stations in tune with emerging trends and farmers’ interests without compromising on focus. Dr. S. Edison and Dr.T.R.Gopalakrishnan Dr. T. R. Gopalakrishnan, Director of Minister A.P. Anilkumar laying the foundation at the Research Council meeting Research, highlighted the research stone for a Gust House at ARS, Anakkayam achievements of the University.‘ KAU has KAU Research Advisory Council released 17 improved varieties of different Minister for Tourism A.P.Anilkumar laidstressed the need for a state research crops during 2010-2013 alone and the the foundation stone for a Gust housepolicy vis a vis selection of crops and total number of crop varieties developed at ARS, Anakkayam on March 29 in afarming practices in the state. is 283. Twelve more varieties are ready to function presided over by P. Ubaidulla be released in 2015. KAU is focusing on MLA. The council chaired by Dr. S. Edison, development of F1 hybrid of rice as wellformer Director of CPCRI, Thiruvanantha- as hybrids of common vegetables resistant Vice-Chancellor Dr. P. Rajendranpuram, also recommended social to pests, diseases and abiotic stresses.’ inaugurated the renovated sales counterimpact study of research outputs, he said. and delivered the key note address.technologies including new varietiesand extension activities. The council also took note of the need KAU Executive Committee member to popularize open field hi tech cultivation P.A. Salam, Panchayath president KAU Vice-Chancellor Dr. P. Rajendran practices and develop technologies on K.V. Muhammadali, District Panchayathsuggested introduction of innovative post-harvest handling of spices and member Sekkinapulppaadan, Panchayathinput methods like micro nutrient common agricultural produces of Kerala. member P.T.Asraf, Director of Physicalcapsules, fertiliser sprays and combined Director of Extension Dr. P. V. Balachandran Plant Dr. V.R.Ramachandran and Asso-plant protection chemicals in paste proposed that the KVK network can be ciate Directors Dr. M.C. Narayanankuttyform as well as tools, machines and effectively used for on farm testing of farm and Dr.Rajendran.P spoke. Dr. V. M.equipment appropriate for small farms implements developed by Agricultural Abdul Hakim offered welcome andand orchards. engineering faculty. Dr. Musthaffa Kunnathadi proposed vote of thanks. The council also observed that The meeting was attended by Associateinadequate financial support under plan Directors of research, Deans of Faculties,mode hampers research on filed Senior scientists from CPCRI, CTCRI and VFPCK, heads of colleges and research stations under KAU, Project coordinators as well as farmers’ representatives.KVKs told to Seed Testing Lab inauguratedRestructure modules A High-tech seed testing The two day workshop on formulation of action plan laboratory attached to theof KVKs in Kerala and Lakshadweep for 2015-16 was held Department of Olericulture,at the Directorate of Extension, KAU on 24 and 25 March. CoH, Vellanikkara wasThe annual workshop organised by ICAR Zonal Project inaugurated by Vice Chan-Directorate in collaboration with KAU was inaugurated by cellor Dr. P. Rajendran onKAU Vice-Chancellor Dr.P.Rajendran in a function presided March 26 . He also releasedover by Dr.P.V.Balachandran, Director of Extension. the first seed test result, In his inaugural address Vice -chancellor called upon The Vice Chancellor in histhe KVK scientists to restructure extension modules without Vice-Chancellor at the inaugural inaugural address highlightedcompromising on the focus and objectives and aim at function of the Hi-tech Seed lab the need to ensure quality ofholistic development of farming sector. Principal vegetable seeds, which is the basic input for better vegetableScientist at ICAR Zonal Project Directorate Dr.C.V.Sairam, production. ‘The new seed testing lab will help us to maintainTechnical Officer Ramamurthy, Associate Director of and establish assured quality of our seeds. It will also augmentResearch Dr. I. Johnkuty and Associate Director of Extension higher seed production through contract farming as the seedsDr. Jose Mathew spoke. thus produced also can be tested here.’, he said. The workshop assessed and evaluated ongoing Director of Research, Dr. Gopalakrishnan said that seedsprojects under different KVKs in zone VIII and proposed produced in all centers of KAU will be subjected to mandatorynew programmes for the ensuing year. Integrated pest tests at the new lab set up under a State Government fundedand disease management in different crops, correction project. The lab will facilitate quality assurance of all releasedof soil acidity and micro nutrient deficiency, column method vegetable varieties cultivated in Kerala as well as prevention ofof Pepper propagation, performance assessment of illegal migration of transgenic seeds form un assured sources.varieties in different situations, wild boar managementusing repellents and value addition and marketing General Council members Dr. T. N. Jagadeeshkumar and Dr.approaches. involving SHGs were discussed in detail. A. Prema; Dr. V. S. Devadas, Associate Director of Research (Seeds), Dr. Koshy Abraham, Associate Dean, CoH and Dr. T. E. George, Head, Department of olericulture spoke.

PAGE - 8 KAU NEWS April 2015Academic Council decides to ensure Organic FarmingProductive Research, Preclude Plagiarism Seminar at Vellayani The 124th meeting of the The two day seminar on organic Academic Council held at Univer- farming organised by southern region sity HQ, Vellanikkara resolved to research station, Vellayani was inau- institutionalise plagiarism finder gurated by Dr. Jameela Prakasam MLA software to preclude plagiarism on March 20. and streamline PG and P.hD research. Dr. T. R. Gopalakrishnan, Director ofVice-Chancellor clarifies a point in the Academic ‘Henceforth Chairman of Research, in his keynote address high-Council meet held on March 7 at Vellanikkara advisory committee will have to lighted the contributions of KAU in promoting organic farming. The inauguralexamine all theses with the aid of plagiarism finder and furnish an affidavit to that function presided over by Dr. Sverupeffect’, said Dr. P. Rajendran, Vice-Chancellor. ‘Each Researcher should attempt to John, Dean (Faculty of Agriculture) wasgenerate either a solution to existing field problems or a technology beneficial for our attended by District Panchayat Vicefarming system. In order to facilitate this data of existing field level issues will be president Roufas Daniel, Gramaconsolidated and a project bank will be prepared. The project bank will be periodically Panchayat president S.Udayakumar, GCrevised. PG research will have to be based on topics identified and enlisted in the bank. members N. L. Sivakumar and Vishnu-The Director of Research will chair college level faculty meetings to finalise technical narayanan and Dr. L. Rajamony. Asso-programmes of PG Students so as to ensure compliance of this condition. Apart from ciate Director Dr. S. Devanesan offeredensuring quality research, it will also provide solution to existing problems.’, he said. welcome and coordinator Dr. K.The meeting approved the Prospectus for admission to KAU courses in 2015-16 Ushakumary proposed vote of thanks.as well as a proposal to hold faculty interaction sessions. The council also decided to Two hundred and f ifty farmersco opt Associate Deans of Colleges and other Heads of academic centres as members. participated in the seminar organised The meeting was attended by Dr. P. V. Balachandran, (Registrar), Dr. T. E. George with the support of SHM and State(Director, Academic), Dr. Sverup John (Dean, Agriculture), Dr. M. Sivaswamy (Dean, Agri planning Board.Engineering), Dr. T. R. Gopalakrishnan (Director of Research), Dr. K. Vidyasagar An exhibition of organic farming(Dean i/c. Forestry), Dr. P. Sreekumar, Dr. A. V. SanthoshKumar and Dr. K. P. Visalakshy technologies was also held as part of the(elected members) and Dr. A. T. Francis (Librarian i/c). seminar which concluded on March 21.Young Farmers’ meet moots Workshop on Njavara farmingChange in farmers’ Profile Calls for Strategical Support Young farmers’ meet organised by KAU’s Centre for Excellence in The state level Environmental Economics and AIR workshop on Prospe- has highlighted the relevance of a cts and Possibilities of change in the profile of farmer. Njavara rice farming ‘The Indian farmer is always held at CoH on March portrayed as a lonely, tired and 10 highlighted the distressed figure whereas the need of proper brand- days of manpower driven farmingVice-Chancellor Dr. P. Rajendran is history and present day agri- Dr.Ramankutty Warrier, Dr. P.V.Balachandran, ing and marketingspeaking at Young Farmers’ meet culture is technology driven. Present Dr. T. R. Gopalakrishnan and Dr. C.R. Elsy at strategies. Njavara farming workshopday agriculture is drudgery free and driven by technical The workshop orga-knowhow, competence and intellectual ability . Projection of nised by KAU Centrea smart profile of farmer will attract more and more youngsters for IP Protection took note of the mismatch between persistent demand for quality Njavara rice on one hand and the difficultyin to farming. The successful examples of IT professionals take up confronted by genuine Njavara farmers in selling their productsfarming as fulltime vocation should be projected andpopularised.’, said KAU Vice- Chancellor Dr. P. Rajendran in on the other.his inaugural address. KAU Registrar Dr. P. V. Balachandran, in his inaugural address stressed the need to validate scientific data on medicinal valueAIR Thrissur programme head M. N. Rajiv, in his presidential of Njavara to convince International society. The traditionallyaddress highlighted the role of youth in resurrecting the lost known medicinal properties of Njavara has to be validated withglory of agriculture and the sustained support to agriculture scientific data., he said.rendered by AIR Dr. T. R. Gopalakrishnan, Director of Research in his presidentialKAU Director of Extension Dr. P. V. Balachandran honoured address called for collaboration between KAU and Ayurvedicstate award winner and traditional farmer Cheruvayal Raman research institutions to identify the genetic elements responsibleas well as Master Suraj, who won the state award for best for the medicinal properties of native varieties like Njavara andorganic farmer. Pokkali. Dr. Ramankutty Warrier, Chief Medical Officer, Vydyarath- KAU General Council member Dr. A. Prema, Associate Director nam Ayurveda foundation, Thycattussery, delineated the differentof Research Dr. V. S. Devadas, CoH Associate Dean Dr. Koshy treatments using Njavara and its properties exploited in dealingAbraham, Dr. Latha Bastine and AIR Programme Executive with different diseases.S. Narayanan Namboothiri spoke. Dr. P. Indiradevi welcomed CoH Associate Dean Dr. Koshy Abraham offered welcomethe gathering and V. Udayakumar proposed vote of thanks. and IPR coordinator Dr. C. R. Elsy proposed Vote of thanks. Printed and Published by Dr. P. V. Balachandran, Director of Extension, Kerala Agricultural University. 85/400/06/2015 Editor: B. Ajitkumar, Public Relations Officer, KAU. Printed at KAU Press, Mannuthy