KAU News Letter April 2018

Volume XXIII ISSUE 2 April 2018 INSIDE THE ISSUE International Orchid FestPage 2 Awards & Recognitions Minister Declares Special Agri Zone in WayanadPage 3 Coconut mall & Paddy Village, The international Orchid fest organised KVK pre-action plan meet, at RARS, Ambalavayal was inaugurated by World Meteorology day Minister for Agriculture V. S. Sunil Kumar on 17 March.Page 4 Message from Vice-Chancellor Minister also declared Wayanad asPage 5 Maharashtra minister in KAU, special agricultural zone for floriculture and MOOCS Launched, specialty rice on the occasion. KAU - UK varsity tie up Minister for Agriculture V. S. Sunil Kumar inaugu- In his inaugural speech the minister said rates Orchid Fest at Ambalavayal on March 17Page 6 Academic Council, Polyhouse that the special agricultural zone project will Tomato, Call for Convergence help the farmers to enhance productivity and floricultural significance of Orchids and explore international market, leading to an international Orchid show.Page 7 US University delegation visit, higher income. ‘Conservation of traditional Lithuanian University officials in rice varieties, propagation of millets and C. K. Saseendran MLA delivered Key- KAU, POWER GRID - KAU pact expansion of aromatic rice farming will be note address in the inaugural function taken up in seventy acres along with fruit presided over by Ambalavayal GramaPage 8 KAU - UWA project, Inauguration village projects in ten villages. The rice project Panchayat President Seetha Vijayan. KAU of stalls, Farm Business School will be spread to 450 acres by 20-21 fiscal Executive Committee member Dr. A. Anil and fruit villages will be extended to all parts Kumar, Director of Research Dr. P. Indira of the district.’, said the minister. Devi, ICAR ADG Dr. P. Janakiram, TOSI President Prof. Promila Pathak, KAU GC The Orchid Fest jointly organised by KAU member Cheruvayal Raman and RARS and The Orchid Society of India (TOSI) head Dr. P. Rajendran spoke. included a national conference on current Trends in Conservation, Sustainable Develop- ment and Social benefits of medicinal andGC Approves 666 crore budgetThrust on farmer friendly initiatives KAU budget 2018-19 BUDGET HIGHLIGHTS with an outlay of Rs. 666.70K. V. Vijayadas MLA presenting crore was approved by the • Support for Attapadi farming, Scientific intervention in Kanthallur-KAU budget 2018-19 in GC meet annual meeting of General Vattavada belt and Seed mission for enhanced planting material Council held at Vellanikkara production. on 24 March 2018. • New College at Ambalavayal, New department for Organic farming, The budget presented by Finishing school for VHSE students. K. V. Vijayadas MLA in the meeting chaired by Vice- • Enhancement of Seats for BSc ( Ag), Capacity building programme Chancellor Dr. R. Chandrababu for students. envisages a series of innova- • Development of drought tolerant varieties, Use of nano techno-tive programmes in academic, research and extension sectors. logy for productivity enhancement, Farmer innovation centres,K. V. Vijayadas MLA described the budget as an attempt Technology incubators and entrepreneurship hubs.to ensure all possible support to farming community. • Village adoption, Package for urban agriculture, Farm scienceThe estimated receipt under nonplan is 340.40 crore, congress, farm tourism models and KAU web portal.that under plan is 82.5 crore and a total receipt of 242.80is anticipated under external aided projects. The non plan Executive Committee members K. Rajan MLA, G. S. Jayalal MLA,expenditure is pegged at 519.38 crore while the estimated Dr. A. Anil Kumar and Dr. T. Pradeep Kumar, Registrar in charge Dr. P.plan expenditure is 77.70 crore. Indira Devi and other University officers were present. K. KrishnanVice-Chancellor assured the house that initiatives for kutty MLA, M. Vincent MLA, Dr. B. Suma, P. K. Sreekumar, Kunjammadinstitution building, academic improvement, strengthening Kutty, Dr. S. Estelitta, Anil Radhakrishnan, K. D. Babu, C. H. Muthu,of research and extension activities will be taken up in a Vasim Fajl, Abin George, Dr. Thomas George, Dr. Sakir Hussein and Dr. K. K. Sathyan participated in the discussions.time bound manner.

PAGE - 2 KAUNews April 2018 Awards & RecognitionsAward for KAU IPR Cell Best Thesis Award KAU IPR Cell Coordinator Dr. C. R. Elsy receives award from Priyanka S. Chandran receiving award for the Union Minister Suresh Prabhu best MSc. thesis on Spices, Medicinal and Aromatic crops IPR Cell of KAU received Special mention award for best Priyanka S. Chandran, PhD scholar, Department of Planta-facilitation of registration of GI and promotion of registered tion Crops and Spices, CoH, Vellanikkara bagged Smt. VijayaGI in India. V. Korikanthimath award for the best MSc. thesis on Spices, Medicinal and Aromatic crops published in India during The award was presented by Suresh Prabhu, Union 2016. The award constituted by IISR, Kozhikode wasMinister of Commerce and Industry in a function organised presented to her during the SYMSAC IX organised by Indianby Ministry of Commerce and Industry on April 26, World Society for Spices at SASRD, Nagaland University,Intellectual Property day 2018 at New Delhi. Medziphema Campus, during 15-17th March 2018. She undertook research on Collection and characterization of unique genotypes of nutmeg (Myristica fragrans Houtt.) under the guidance of Dr. N. MiniRaj, Professor. T.P. Anseera, PG Scholar, CoH, Akhil Ajith, PG Scholar, CoA , Vellanikkara secured Best Paper Presen- Vellayani secured Best Poster Presen- tation Award in the international tation Award in the international conference on Sustainable Development: conference on Sustainable Development: Futuristic Challenges and Prospects Futuristic Challenges and Prospects jointly organised by Extension Education jointly organised by Extension Education Society and TNAU at Coimbatore during Society and TNAU at Coimbatore 09-10 March 2018. during 09-10 March 2018. The award was for the paper on Information The award was for the poster on Catalytic Role of FPOCommunication Technology for management of Natural in doubling farmers’ Income, Co-authored by Dr. N. KishoreResources Co-authored by Dr. Jiju P. Alex, Professor. Kumar, Professor.National Bio diversity Award for Wayanad Farmer According to communication received by KAU, which facilitated Shaji’s nomination for the award, the award ceremony will be held at PJTSAU, Hyderabad on 22 May 2018, the International Day for Bio diversity. Shaji met KAU Vice-chancellor Dr. R. Chandrababu to thank the University for the guidance and support. Vice-Chancellor congratulated Shaji for the award and said that the university as well as whole farming community in Kerala should feel proud of this award. ‘I am happy to see a farmer from Wayanad got this award and he was guided by KAU. The University has been constantlyVice-Chancellor Dr. R. Chandrababu congratulates Shaji N. M. and relentlessly supporting the farming fraternity and hence this Shaji N. M., Mananthawady, Wayanad district has is a matter of pride for us as well. Farmer First is our motto and allbeen selected for National Biodiversity Award (special our endevours are meant for farmers’ benefit. Our efforts forcitation), 2018 by National Biodiversity Authority (NBA). guiding farmers to national recognition has also been recognized. I wish to help more farmers from Kerala win national recognitions.’,Shaji, who is conserving a wide spectrum of tuber said the Vice- Chancellor.crops including wild tubers, paddy and vegetable crops Director of Research Dr. P. Indira Devi, Director of Extensionunder organic cultivation has been selected for individual Dr. Jiju P. Alex and KAU IPR Cell coordinator Dr. C. R. Elsy wereaward for conservation of domesticated species. present.

April 2018 KAUNews PAGE - 3Coconut Mall, Paddy Heritage Village Inaugurated Minister for Agriculture V. S. Sunil Minister V. S. Sunil Kumar inaugurates harvest festival “Government of KeralaKumar inaugurated a Coconut mall, at heritage paddy project at Pilicode on March 18 is committed to paddythe heritage paddy village project and development progra-paddy harvest at Pilicode on March 18. The function was presided over by mmes across the state. M. Rajagopalan MLA. Panchayat President The Paddy heritage In his inaugural speech the Minister T. V. Sreedharan, KAU Executive Committee village project in Pilicodesaid that the Government will ensure member Dr. A. Anil Kumar, Director of will be fully supportedfinancial support for the heritage paddy Research Dr. P. Indira Devi, Comptroller by the state Government”village project and declare Pilicode as E. P. Rajamohan and Associate Directorthe first heritage paddy seed village in Dr. P. R. Suresh participated. - Ministerthe state. The new mall at RARS will promoteagri entrepreunership in the area,minister said. Value added productsproduced from coconut, fruits andvegetables in the station will be madeavailable for public from the mall.KVKs to promote Integrated Farming,Revive rice production systems The three day pre action plan meet interventions to improve their liveli- KAU Vice-Chancellor Dr. R. Chandrababuof KVKs of Kerala and Lakshadweep hood. KAU Director of Research Dr. P. inaugurating the three day pre action plan meetheld from March 1 to 3 resolved to Indira Devi raised the multiple challenges of KVKs of Kerala and Lakshadweepimplement coordinated programmes faced by the agricultural sector andfor extensive revival of rice production called upon the scientists of KVKs to worksystems and promotion of integrated out strategies to address the concernsfarming systems in the state. about quality of the farm produce as well as income of farmers. KAU V ice-Chancellor Dr. R.Chandrababu inaugurated the meeting Dr. Jiju P. Alex, Director of Extensionon March 1. The Vice- Chancellor in pointed out that KVKs are best equippedhis inaugural address appreciated the to extend viable farming models sincevibrant and vital extension services they only combine expertise of differentrendered by KVKs for transferring the discipines., Dr. D. V. Srinivasa Reddy,technologies developed by the Principal Scientist, ATARI, Bengalururesearch system. He also called upon insisted on need based action plansthe KVK scientists to be sensitive to including training programmes.the needs of local farmers and planAwareness the key to combat climate change : Expert Environmentalist and former KFRI not bothered to know the weather or account of natural variability as wellscientist Dr. S. Sankar has called for effect of its fluctuations. We are yet to as human interventions in nature.a weathermatic approach to mitigate realise that weather fluctuations affectthe challenges posed by climatic our life in many ways. The awareness on ‘ Though we recieve 2.6 times unitchange. ill effects of climate change will rainfall than rest of the country, we necessarily ignite thinking on ways to have to support 2.7 times more Inaugurating the world meteo- overcome it. Proper awareness is population with it. Thus the per capitarology day celebrations at Academy essential to even comprehend the theme water availability in Kerala is onlyfor Climate Education and Research of this meteoro-logy day ie. Weather 9,880 liters whereas the corresponding(ACCER) of KAU, Dr. Sankar said that ready, Climate smart and water wise.’, he figure in Rajasthan is 16,000 litres. Yetwe are neither weather ready nor said. Dr. A. B. Anitha, Executive Director, we call our state a land of rivers.‘, sheclimate CWRDM, Kozhikode delivered the key said. note address. She pointed out that even smart, as the scenario demands. as demand for water is increasing, water Director of Research Dr. P. Indira‘How’s the weather is the first query resources are getting depleted, on Devi and Dr P. O. Nameer spoke ona britisher will raise but Indians in environmental protection andgeneral and Keralites in particular are conservation of natural resources.

PAGE - 46 KAUNews April 2018 Message from the Vice-Chancellor Enhancing water productivity- Need of the hourWater has always been a valuable natural resource and it is becoming scarce. It is very much essential andcannot be locally manufactured or imported as in the case of other produces. Water is also a component of lifein all living beings. Unless we care for our water resources and optimize their use, future generations will bedeprived of this precious, finite commodity. Protection of natural water sources and recharging ground water are important strategies. Haritha Keralammission promoted by the Government of Kerala has succeeded in renovation of many water resources and theresultant relief we experienced this summer is apparent and appreciable. The organised movement to clean thestreams and tributaries of major rivers had a telling effect in water conservation. Not to forget the rejuvenation ofmany wells and ponds taken up across the state with public involvement and Government funding. While theassets so recreated have to be protected and nurtured, more such activities need to be undertaken forconservation of ground water. At the same time producing enough food for the world population, projected to touch 7.8 billion in 2025, isanother challenge we have to confront with. Agriculture is the largest consumer of water and the gross use ofgreen and blue water would grow manifold in view of increasing demand for food. Irrigation accounts for about72% of global and 90% of developing-country water withdrawals. As pressure on available land and waterresources increase, achieving higher water productivity is the only pragmatic option. Water Productivity, defined as the physical or economic output per unit of water application or as crop yieldper cubic meter of water consumption, is a highly relevant and critical factor directly linked to production of foodfor ever enhancing population. In the broadest sense water productivity reflects the need to derive more food,income, livelihood and ecological benefits at lesser social and environmental costs per unit of water consumed.Increasing water productivity is particularly relevant in water scarce areas. Many arable areas in India in generaland those in Kerala in particular are not water rich as they are believed to be. This brings to light an imminentneed to enhance water productivity. With the increase in demand for irrigation water competition across water-using sectors also increase andthe challenge is to produce more food with less water. This goal will be realistic only if appropriate strategies arefound for water savings and for more efficient water uses in agriculture. Water productivity varies from field tofield and depends on many factors, such as crop patterns and climate, field water management, land andinfrastructure, and inputs including labour, fertilizer and machinery. Therefore it is imperative that the controllablesamong these are efficiently managed to attain maximum water productivity. Increase in water productivity can be achieved both by the increase in crop yield and improvement in basinefficiency, but major contribution comes from increase in the crop yield. Better cultivars and better agronomy arekey factors in enhancing water productivity. The stress should be on increasing crop yield and several provenagro techniques to achieve this are in vogue. For example, SRI technique in rice is a potent tool to enhanceproductivity by using lesser water. Micro irrigation is another successful method for increasing water productivity. Generally water productivity in farmers’ fields has been lower than experimental plots. This underlines theneed to educate farmers about the practices to enhance water productivity and transfer appropriate technologiesto them. Making people aware of the techniques to enhance water productivity and empowering them to adoptsuch techniques is the need of the hour. I take this opportunity to solicit more attention to this need and moreefforts in this regard. Let’s use water more efficiently and increase crop productivity and farmers’ income.

April 2018 KAUNews PAGE - 5KAU Models Enthuse Maharashtra Minister KAU’s Food Security Army (FSA) Maharashtra Minister Deepak Kesarkar in conversation Vice-Chancellor offeredand allied farm mechanisation with Vice-Chancellor Dr. R. Chandrababu support for replicating FSA,protocols are excellent concepts worth AMOSC and other allied modelsemulating, said Maharashtra minister repairs, which are all excellent models. Growth in Maharashtra.‘. Extending ourDeepak Vasant Kesarkar. of farmers’ income is possible only through such technology for agricultural deve- innovative and pragmatic approaches. I want lopment in other states is highly Interacting with KAU Vice- to extend these models to Maharashtra, may satisfying. We are only happyChancellor Dr. R. Chandrababu after be in some districts to start with.’, he said. to support the move throughvisiting ARS, Mannuthy, the minister of Government of Kerala.’ saidstate for Home, Finance and planning, Dr. R. Chandrababu.Maharashtra, said that he wants tohave a tie up with KAU to replicate Registrar Dr. S. Leenakumary,the models in Maharashtra. ‘I am Director of Research Dr. P. Indiraimpressed by the Food Security Army, Devi, Agricultural mechani-Agro Machinery Operation and sation Special Off icer Dr. U.Service Centers (AMOSC), Mobile Jai kumaran and ARS headunits for Agro machinery service and Dr. A. Latha participated in the interactions.Minister Calls for Optimum use of ICT Four new Massive Open Online NEW MOOCs in online courses in agri-culture. TheCourses (MOOCs) developed by KAU’s four MOOC courses being launched,Centre for e-learning (CeL) was launched * Safe food-our right for good health aim at aiding sustain-able developmentby Minister for Agriculture V. S. and support objectives of HarithaSunilkumar on April 13. * Wealth from waste Keralam mission. I would like to see more such courses being formulated.’, In his inaugural address the minister * Poly Kitchen Garden- nutritional sufficiency he said.called for the optimum use of ICT to at family levelstrengthen agricultural development The function presided over byprogrammes. * Forests & Sustainable Cities K. Rajan MLA was attended by Executive Committee members Dr. A. Anil Kumar ’KAU, with required expertise and and the farmers will suffer.’, he said. The and Dr. K. Aravindakshan; VFPCK CEOknow how, should take up the respon- minister also distributed certificates for Jeeja Kumari, KAU General Councilsibility of guiding farmers in adopting persons who successfully implemented members Dr.B.Suma, P. K. Sreekumar,and adapting to technologies. Since the lessons learnt from online courses of CeL. C.H. Muthu and K.D. Babu, Director ofagricultural technologies are developed Research Dr. P. Indira Devi, Director ofin KAU labs, this University has the right KAU Vice-Chancellor Dr. R. Chandrababu Extension Dr. Jiju P. Alex, heads ofand responsibility to propagate them. said that online courses facilitate global institutions, teachers and students.If this responsibility is not discharged, dissemination of knowledge and support skillunscientific practices will be spread development. ‘KAU is the pioneer institutionKAU, UK University plans Tie-Up Coventry University, UK and Kerala Agricultural Coventry University representatives with KAU officialsUniversity have decided to explore the possibilities ofcollabo-ration in academic and research activities. Mark Holton evinced keen interest in the various farmer intervention activities and technologies developed by the The decision was taken in a discussion between Coventry University. The Coventry University has a Research CentreUniversity representatives Mark Holton - Director of Group on Organic Agriculture and research is being carried out inOrganization Development and Dr. Andrew Turner - Associate various fields like agro-ecology, intercropping, aquaticPro-Vice-Chancellor (Teaching and Learning) and KAU officials systems, management of organic waste and grey water etc.,held on February 3. said Dr. Andrew Turner. The identified areas for collabora-tion are Developmentof climate resilient water management strategies in commandarea of river diversif ication system, student exchangeprogrammes in biotechnology and molecular biology, Organicagriculture, Bio-solid waste management tech-nologies andinstitu-tional intervention for sustainable agriculture and ruraldevelopment, said Dr. P. Indiradevi, Director of Research, KAU.

PAGE - 6 April 2018Academic Council nod for New College, Seat enhancement Academic Council meeting held on registration of additional semester. “The proposed college atFebruary 22 cleared the proposals to Subcommittees have been constituted to Ambalavayal has the potentialincrease the seats in existing colleges examine these issues along with other to become the best agriculturaland establish a new agricultural demands for enhancing fellowship for PG educational institution in Southcollege at Ambalavayal in Wayanad. and PhD scholars, revision of syllabus of India. The agricultural back- some courses, reframing PG entrance ground of Wayanad and the Vice-Chancellor Dr. R. Chandrababu, exam module, policy for recognizing aptitude of Wayanad popula-who chaired the meeting attributed degree from foreign universities and tion is congenial to agriculturalthe increase in seats to heavy demand unification of academic calendar. education and research. Educationfor BSc (Hons) degree course. ‘The being the strongest tool for socialnumber of seats in agriculture colleges The 131st meeting of the council also change, it will trigger progressin the state has been stagnant for approved the recommendations of and development of Wayanad”several years while the demand has board of studies in the faculty ofbeen constantly increasing. The agriculture and agricultural engineering. : Vice-Chancellorinsufficiency of seats has prompted Minutes and action taken reports ofaspiring students to seek admissions previous meeting was confirmed.outside the state. By increasing the Registrar Dr. S. Leena Kumary; Facultynumber of seats we can provide Deans Dr. A. Anil Kumar, Dr. K. Vidyaopportunity for quality education to sagaran and Dr. Santhi Mary Mathew;more students from the state.’, he Director of Extension Dr. Jiju P. Alex;said. Director of Students Welfare Dr. Manoj T. I.; students’ representatives Akhil Ajith, Vice-Chancellor also agreed to Archana Unnikrishnan and Hena M.;consider the demand of student teachers’ representatives Dr. A. V. Santoshrepresentatives to reduce the fees for kumar, Dr. M. Joy and Shivaji participated.revaluation, re examination andTechnology for Polyhouse Collector Calls for Convergence of SchemesTomato Production Developed Thrissur District Collector Dr. A. interventions, thereby opening new Vice Chancellor, Dr. R. Chandra Babu Kowsigan IAS has called for conver- opportunities. The best approach isinaugurated the harvesting of the tomato gence of different farm development to boost productivity, develop resilienthybrid raised in the poly house at the and farmer welfare programmes cultivars and technologies and reduceCentre for Hi-Tech Horticulture and Precision introduced by different agencies. carbon foot print. Success of researchFarming, Vellanikkara on February 1. is measured by rate of adaptation by In his inaugural address at the farmers. KVKs play a key role in popula- The hybrid suitable for naturally technology week of Thrissur KVK, rising new varieties and disseminatingventilated Polyhouses of Kerala was Dr. Kowsigan said that the objective new agro techniques.‘, he said.identified by the centre through a series of different programmes put in placeof trials. Poly house tomatoes have in by Union government, State govern- Director of Extension Dr. Jiju P. Alex,determinate growth habit. The average yield ment and Local Self Government VFPCK district Manager A. Amja,expected from a plant is 8 – 10 kg and the Institutions could be one and the same. Associate director of research Dr. Ashaaverage weight of fruits is 90-110 g. Convergence of such programmes shankar and KVK head Dr. A. Prema will make things easier for implemen- spoke. Award winning farmers from Although tomatoes are widely grown in ting agencies and help realise the Thrissur district were honoured duringprotected structures all over the country and objectives faster. Changes in know- the function.abroad, successful cultivation of this crop ledge, attitude and skills will lead toin Kerala was not feasible due to poor fruit performance and hence the forums likeset. The newly identified hybrid performed technology week is very important.;very well, said Dr. C. Narayanan Kutty, ADR he said.(Vegetable Mission). Vice-Chancellor Dr. R. Chandra babu, in his presidential address, said that researchers should convert the challenges posed by climate change in to an opportunity. ‘Farming fraternity is highly vulnerable to the pertur- bations in weather and it directly affects farmers’ income. This also demands new technologies and

April 2018 KAUNews PAGE - 7Delegation from US Universities visit KAU A delegation of fourteen represen- Representatives of US Universities and USIEF with Post harvest handling oftatives of US universities visited KAU KAU Vice –Chancellor, Officers and students crops, Post harveston March 18 as part of the prestigious handling of crops, foodFullbright - Nehru international education Full bright scholarship programmes to students. processing and valueadministrators programme. They explained the modalities of various scholar- addition and entrepren ships and grants provided under USIEF programme. eurship development are Speaking at the interactive progra- some of the areas in whichmme between US delegation and KAU Academic Director Dr. Sarah T. George, our students can seekacademics and students Vice-Chancellor Director of Extension Dr. Jiju P. Alex, Director of higher studies in US. I knowDr. R. Chandrababu expressed willing- Students Welfare Dr. Manoj T.I., and CoH the value of Americanness to explore the possibility of Associate Dean Dr. George Thomas explained education system and Ilaunching Dual Degree programmes academic, research and extension programmes will only be happy to helpand joint degree programmes in of KAU. our students to explore thecollaboration with universities in the exceptional educationalUnited States. possibilities there.” Academic Officers of different US : Vice-Chancelloruniversities interacted with studentsand academia of KAU. US–IndiaEducation Foundation (USIEF) liasonofficer Reshmi Mitra and Regionalmanagers of USIEF Lalitha Nageswariand Maya Sunderrajan, explained theKAU to join hands with Lithuanian Varsity KAU and Aleksandras Stulginskis to associate with reputed foreign universities. ‘ASUUniversity (ASU) of Lithuania will join being a state owned universityhands to promote academic coopera- it is all the more easy to asso-tion. The decision to have students and ciate with it. We will work outfaculty exchange programmes between a memorandum of understan-the universities was taken at a meeting ding for the exchange progra-between KAU Vice-Chancellor Dr. R. mmes and dual degree progra-Chandrababu and ASU delegation mmes.’, he said.headed by Prof. Raimundas Rukuisaand Prof. Rolandas Domeika held at Prof. Raimundas explainedthe KAU Head Quarters. that ASU is a state run institu- KAU Vice-Chancellor Dr. R. Chandrababu Vice-Chancellor Dr. R. Chandrababu tion and the duration of Degree, with ASU representatives at KAU HQtold the delegation that he wants KAUstudents to gain the advantages of PG and PhD courses in Lithuania Controller of Examinations Dr. R. Krsihna Kumar andglobal education and so he is eager and Kerala being equal, it CoH Head Dr. George Thomas also participated in would be easier to cooperate. the discussions.POWERGRID Extends Support to KAU KAU and POWERGRID have decided Vice-Chancellor Dr. R. Chandrababu KAU Registrar Dr.S.Leena Kumary andto strengthen inter institutional on April 30. POWERGRID GM Jayachandran P.cooperation for mutual support. Exchange Copies of MoU POWERGRID DGM Supriya and An MoU signed between the KAU Director of Physical Plant Dr.institutions under Corporate Social V. R. Ramachandran were also present.Responsibility and Sustainabilityinitiative scheme of POWERGRID Vice-Chancellor Dr. R. Chandrababuenvisages funding of the construction thanked POWERGRID for the supportof a new students’ hostel for girls for enhancing academic facilities inat KAU main campus at the cost of KAU.’ With the enhancement in numberRs. 445 Lakhs. of seats for KAU Courses and majority of students being girls, the proposed The MoU was signed by KAU hostel which can accommodate 108Registrar Dr. S. Leena Kumary and students will be a boon to students. WePOWERGRID General Manager (HVDC) look forward for more projects inSri. Jayachandran P. in the presence of collaboration with POWERGRID.’, he said.

PAGE - 8 KAUNews April 2018KAU & UWA Launch Collaborative Project National Banana Fest Dr. Kadambot Siddiq and Dr. Michael Blakeney Dr. Michael Blakeney on April 23. Union Minister in conversation with Vice-Chancellor Dr. Chandrababu expressed inaugurates Dr. R. Chandrababu satisfaction over the existing KAU Stall academic collaboration with UWA University of Western Australia and stressed the need to scale it Union Agricultural Minister Radha Mohan Singh(UWA) and KAU launched a collabora- up for the benefit of students and inaugurates the stall put up by CoA, Vellayani attive project on Food security and future generation of scientists National banana fest at Kalliyur, ThiruvananthapuramGovernance of local knowledge in from KAU.Kerala. The project, aimed at extricating The Exhibition stall arranged by CoA,small farmers from the twin challenges Dr. Michael Blakeney explained Vellayani in banana fest at Kalliyur wasof multinational agribusiness and that the project will analyse the inaugurated by Union Minister forclimate change, taken up as part of local knowledge on plant selection, Agriculture Radha Mohan Singh.Australian Research Council DiscoveryProject (ARC DP) in India and Indonesia, breeding and conservation in relation The stall was enriched with advice onbegan with pilot study among tradi- with regional food security laws and remedies to common pests and diseasestional farmers in Wayanad, Malappuram policies and Intellectual Property of banana, organic farming protocolsand Palakkad districts. (IP) policies in India. Dr. Kadambot Siddiq for banana, value addition technologies said that traditional wisdom is a and management of organic waste in The modalities of the study were repository of time tested information banana plantations. The value addeddiscussed between the KAU Vice- about management of crops in harmony products of banana and live model ofChancellor Dr. R. Chandrababu and with nature. ‘Awareness of such knowledge banana- duck- fish-vegetable integratedUWA faculties Dr. Kadambot Siddiq and in plant genetic resources is an invaluable farming systems exhibited in the stall tool for developing adaptable technologies. attracted attention. Kerala is chosen because it combines ambitions of agribusiness with concerns Pooram Exhibition of small scale farmers.’ He said. KAU Pavilion Opened Registrar Dr. S. LeenaKumar y, Director of Research Dr. P. Indira Devi, Director of Extension Dr. Jiju P. Alex, Director of Planning Dr. T. Pradeep Kumar, Dr. Jayasree Krishnankutty and heads of institutions under KAU participated in the deliberations.KAU to Launch Farm Business School andEntrepreneurship Facilitation programme KAU has decided to institute a The main target group of FBS progra- Minister V. S. Sunil Kumar Inaugurates KAUcomprehensive support system to help mme would be educated youth and Pavilion in Thrissur Pooram Exhibitionentrepreneurs set up Agri enterprises, farmers who want to initiate a businessbased on technologies developed by in agriculture. Lessons on vital aspects such KAU pavilion in Thrissur PooramKAU. This system envisages helping the as making business plans, market Exhibition was inaugurated by Ministerentrepreneurs through the entrepre- studies, credit availability, physical for Agriculture V. S. Sunil kumar atneurship cycle and even after, through infrastructure, input supply etc. would be 2 p.m. on April 21. Executive Committeeincubation and handholding support. imparted in addition to the technology Member Dr. K. Aravindakshan, Director part. of Extension Dr. Jiju P. Alex, Director of The envisage mechanism will have Research Dr. P. Indira Devi, Controllertwo major components ie. Farm Faculty of the Directorate of Extension of Examinations Dr. R. Krishnakumar,Business School and Entrepreneurship and its constituent units, Principal General Council Member Dr. B. SumaFacilitation programme. While Farm Investigators of the technologies deve- and Dr. Binoo P. Bonny, General Convener,Business School (FBS) is a one week loped at various research stations and KAU pavilion were present.practical oriented intensive training colleges, experts on Agricultural Econo-programme on farm business, Entre- mics, Agri Business Management, Entre-preneurship Facilitation programme preneurship Development, Market Ledprovides potential entrepreneurs with Extension, Institutional Innovations etc.,opportu-nities to avail the technologies would lead the orientation sessions indeveloped by KAU to start an enterprise. School of Entrepreneurship Development. Printed and Published by Dr. Jiju P.Alex, Director of Extension, Kerala Agricultural University. Editor: B.Ajitkumar, Public Relations Officer, KAU. Printed at KAU Press, Mannuthy KAUP 141/400/05/2018