KAU News January 2015

Volume XXI. ISSUE 1 January 2015Web: www.kau.edu Email: pro@kau.inIAUA moots Comprehensive Policy to conserveLand, Water and Biodiversity The National workshop on Family farming for sustainability Inauguration of IAUA Meet at Thrissurorganised in connection with fifth Regional conference of IndianAgricultural UniversitiesAssociation (IAUA) at Thrissur mooted an University centres for fostering knowledge sharing and qualityover reaching policy on resources such as land, water, forest, improvement, and a multi university centre in south India.biodiversity and fisheries. Technology advancement inevitable The workshop hosted by KAU stressed the need for an innovativeand dynamic extension network involving ICT for quick and efficient Inaugurating the event, ICAR Deputy Director General (croptechnology transfer and emphasis on social engineering. science), Dr. Swapan Kumar Dutta said that prosperity cannot be achieved without technological advancement which invariably depends The recommendations of the workshop includes consolidation of on progress in higher education and research. Stressing the needland holdings to facilitate group farming, upgradation of family farming for a multidisciplinary approach in agricultural education to help betterfrom the status of subsistence farming to high tech farming, inclusion capacity building, Dr. Dutta said that Indian Agricultural Universitiesof Indigenous knowledge in curriculum, development of site specific are doing appreciably well despite fund crunch.integrated nutrient management systems and mass multiplication ofbio control agents. But we should think of involving internationally acclaimed experts in teaching and guiding research in order to incite innovative thinking The workshop also proposed smart subsidies for purchase of and attract universal attention’. he said.machinery,promotion of integrated homestead farming,strengthening (cont’d on page 5)of post harvest, value addition chain and marketing channels to raisefarm income, planning based on sub zonal agro ecological level, stresson nutritional security and thrust on small farm mechanisation anddevelopment of gender friendly tools. The recommendations on academic front include research todevelop appropriate technology for periurban agriculture, modelfarming units at zonal levels, Centres at state and national level fordocumentation and revalidation of Indigenous knowledge, InterColourful Start to Agri Fest & Flower show 2015 Inside Minister forYouth affairs and ST welfare Kumari Page 2 Message From Vice-P.K. Jayalakshmi inaugurated the National Level Agri Page 3 Chancellor,festival (Agrifiesta 2015) and Flower show (Pooppoli Lime applicator2015) organised by KAU at the RARS, Ambalavayal Page 4in a colourful function on January 20. Page 5 CoA Workshop, Awards, Page 6 Journal goes online The event held from January 20 will be an and Geographicunforgettable fortnight for people of Wayanad as Page 7 Information workshopwell as visitors, she said. Page 8 Agrifiesta & Pooppoli The inaugural function was presided over by Minister P. K. Jayalakshmi inaugurates through LensExecutive Committee member and Organising Agrifiesta and Pooppoli 2015 at AmbalavayalCommittee chairman I. C. Balakrishnan MLA. M.I. IAUA ConferenceShanavas M.P. opened the exhibition stalls. KAU gladiolus garden, three acre dahlia gardenVice-Chancellor Dr. P. Rajendran, Registrar Dr. P.V. with more than 5000 varieties, gerbera Inauguration of IndoorBalachandran, District Panchayath President N.K. garden with 100 colour varieties, sun garden Stadium, RepublicRasheed, Block Panchayath President A.S.Vijaya, and moon garden. The two hundred odd Day, Family Farming KitAmbalavayal Grama Panchayath President M.U. stalls housed nursery units from different and Machines inGeorge and other people’s representatives, RARS stations of KAU demonstrating vast collection coconut farmsAssociate Director Dr. Rajendran. P and University of ornamental plants, fruit trees and plantingfunctionaries took part in the function as well as materials including rare collection of orchids Organic farmingthe pageantry held prior to it. and ornamental cucurbits grown in Ambalavayal. Workshop, University Suite, Garbage dis- The expo, participated by different research Workshops and seminars on agri related posal technology, Runorganisations, state departments, commodity boards subjects of contemporary relevance, cultural Kerala Runand institution was complemented by an enormous evenings, Food festival and joy rides in thedisplay of flowers extended over ten acres. The rare children’s park were other attractions of the Forest Minister at CoF,collection included a two acre rose garden, two acre event. EC election, KAU HS Anniversary, Bond with nature, Bookfest

PAGE - 2 KAU NEWS January 2015LMeestsaugesFrreomdetheemVicoe-uchranscoelliolsr elements in the soil. Hence correction of these deficiencies at the soil level is the The 68th UN General best remedy to alleviate nutrient Assembly has declared 2015 deficiencies in plants, animals and human beings.The sustainable management of our as InternationalYear of Soils soils, no doubt, is imperative for a healthier (IYS). The UN has rightly Nature and in turn, for supporting healthy driven home the plants, animals and human beings. relevance of soil health for achieving global But in Anthropocene, modern man’s chaotic lifestyle has food and nutritional continuously decimated the soil health which is challenging our security and in eco- quest for food and nutritional security and also our biological system functioning. The wealth.The imbalances in our ecological systems and changes in main agenda of IYS is to our climate can invariably traced to our illogical interventions in create awareness on the our soils and other natural resources. The Kerala Agricultural University is always committed to developing packages and fundamental roles of soils for practices which respects soil health in both cultivated and natural human welfare, to sensitize ecosystems. In the IYS, I would ask my scientists and students todecision- makers towards formulation of effective policies for develop soil based agro-technology crop protocols for all oursustainable management, protection of soil resources and enhance agro-ecological zones. Concurrently, our experts must also givecapacities and systems for collection of soil information and serious attention to OM budgeting at the panchayath level whichmonitoring. will help us to reclaim the lost vitality of our soils. KAU scientists must also initiate developing location specific Soil Quality IndicesSoil is not only the basis of our biological wealth and (SQI) which will then act as the region wise ready reckoners ofagriculture, but is also essential for the production of many goods soil health of our state. Detailed investigations on soil pollution,that we use daily for food, shelter and clothing like processed especially heavy metal pollution and mitigating the same throughfood materials, wood, paper, cotton, cement, paints, iron and phyto-remedial techniques are another areas where our scientistssteel, bricks, etc. No other pursuit of natural resource has must focus research.The potential and limitations of engineeredcontributed to the welfare and sustenance of the whole mankind nanoparticles (like for eg., nano rock phosphate, other forms ofas soil does.The most important function soil performs in nature nano fertilizers, bio-fertilizers and plant growth substances) mustis the mineralization of dead remains and organic tissues of plant also catch our research attention in the IYS. Ready to use productsand animal origin, bio-wastes, industrial wastes (degradable) of insecticides, fungicides, organic manures and chemical fertilizersleading to the release of pvliatanltpnruotcreiessntosf/mthienecraarlbsoanndcyCclOe w2.Thihcihs should be developed to achieve maximum efficiency and to reduceiesvionlcuetisosnanotflyCgOoi2nfgoromnsina nature, sustaining the most important wastage of nutrients and environmental pollution. This will alsofundamental phenomenon namely photosynthesis. Soil with its reduce substantially the cost of production of agro-products.ion exchange behaviour adsorbs many pollutants reaching the Concurrently, long term experiments to understand soil nutrientsoil thus rendering them harmless through the buffer action. management in relation to climate change must be carried out toEven the tmheainptheontaonlcyesios fotfhwe aOte2 rcoisncmeendtriaatteiodntihnrtohuegahtmthoesspohiel rine understand the impact and possible mitigation strategies. It isthrough high time to renew our interest in rotating crops to increase soilgeneral.The deleterious effects of hazardous radiations from the aggregate stability,decreased crusting of soil surfaces and increasedradioactive materials of the lithosphere are also annulled to a granular structure and friable consistency.greater extent by the soil matrix. Many mineral deficiencysymptoms manifested in plants and subsequently in animals Let us pledge to take affirmative actions to redeem the healthincluding man are due to the inherent deficiencies of these of our soils and make IYS a meaningful dream.LIME APPLICATOR FOR KOLE LANDS The R&D team of KAU’s Food Security Army (FSA) has developed a system of protocols to use fertilizer broadcaster as lime applicator. After farm trials at ARS Mannuthy, this was successfully demonstrated at Ponnamutha Kolepadavu on October 20 and found very successful in applying lime at the prescribed rate of 600kg/ha.This machine has come out as a boom to kole land farmers, who were facing acute problems for lime application. Manual workers claim nearly Rs.3-5/ kg of lime application whereas using this machine, the cost can be brought down to Rs.1/kg. This will help to restore the normal practice of lime application in kole lands and rice productivity of more than 10 tonnes/ha. This equipment is operated through the PTO operated tractor and is mounted on three point linkage. Its hopper is conical in shape and can hold nearly 450 kg of lime material. The lime applicator operated using 24 - 45 hp tractor can spread lime at the prescribed rate (600 kg/ha) to a radial distance of 2.75 km. from the central path.Lime application being demonstrated at The PTO operates a central spin situated on the bottom opening of the hopper, Ponnamutha Kolepadavu. which scatters lime material dropping from the hopper.The opening slit of the hopper can be adjusted to regulate the application rate of liming material ranging from 500 - 600 kg/ha.The equipment can be hydraulically lifted and vertical height of application can be adjusted to have maximum spread depending on the coarseness of the material. The machine facilitates uniform application of lime in the field.

January 2015 KAU NEWS PAGE - 3 Young Scientist Award ‘Nature Conservation best shield against climate change’ Dr. Ameena M., Minister for Agriculture K.P. Mohanan Minister K.P. Mohanan inaugurates the Assistant Professor, said that conservation of nature and National Workshop held at CoA, Vellayani Department of Agro- biodiversity is the best way to reduce the nomy, College of Agri- ill effects of global warming and climate Dr. K. Prathapan, : GC members Dr. R. culture,Vellayani received change. Krishnakumar and N. L. Sivakumar; theYoung ScientistAward Director of Physical Plant Dr. V. R. in the National Conference Minister was speaking after inaugu- Ramachandran; Associate Director Dr. S. on Emerging challenges and opportunities in rating the one day workshop on challenges Devanesan; Additional Director of biotic and abiotic stress management in rice posed by Global warming and climate Agriculture P. Sheela and Principal held at Directorate of Rice Research, Hyderabad change and opening the new Post Information Officer B. Hemakumari on 13-14 December 2014. She also received Graduate Block of CoA, Vellayani on spoke. Agricultural Faculty Dean Dr. the Second Best Oral Presentation award in December 4. Sverup John offered welcome and the agronomy session. programme coordinator Dr. S. Rajasree During the interaction with farmers and proposed vote of thanks. Best Paper Awards students as part of the workshop, the Minister called for on field produ-ction of Dr. S. Devanesan, organic manure so that organic farming Assoc. Director, Southern becomes a routine process.Making Kerala Regional Agricultural an organic state is a commitment, he Research Station,Vellayani added. won the special prize for best paper in the world Dr. Jameela Prakasam MLA presided Biodiversity Congress over the workshop organised by Southern held at Colombo in Regional Agricultural Research Station, November 2014. He received the award from Vellayani with the support of State Prof. Sarath Kotagama, Biodiversity advisor to Horticulture Mission and State Bio-diversity Govt. of Sri Lanka. Dr. Devanesan won the Board. KAU Vice-Chancellor Dr. P. award for his presentation highlighting the bio Rajendran was the chief guest. SHM MD diversity of Apis and 129 flowering plants which offered nectar and pollen to honey bees Journal of Tropical Agriculture Launched Online in Kerala. Online version of the Kerala Agri- abstracted and indexed in over ten Dr. Sajeena.A, Asst. cultural University research journal, abstracting services including. Professor (Plant Patho- “Journal of Tropical Agri-culture” was logy), ARS, Thiruvalla launched by Vice Chancellor, Dr. P. Director of Research, Dr. T.R. won the Best poster Rajendran in a function held at KAU Head Gopalakrishnan, Registrar Dr. P.V. presentation award in quarters on November 1, 2014. Balachandran, Editor, Dr. T. Pradeep 6th Indian Horticul- kumar, Associate Editors, Dr. Binoo P. ture Congress - 2014, Journal ofTropicalAgriculture, started Bonny and Dr. Meera V. Menon and organized by TNAU at Coimbatore during rsKsaaniteccsnaeohistderopitooanheullnceoararaearcplAitlsenyeep,sgslnw1arfmaoti9ocsfarao6uraencr1klsatcdmdvcTwad,utgieohpnlereeerhaefsuyapramvmoiiarsbmyssllelreisellocleeRcmsTlhotnnaenvufhibeatpehateasoaceloslcdsnetaieclfcnecrvirirddchnend.aaieleeiyRiyAsggsrtandpsnececs&RaefsecifahaditpnunayeDseerclhdnslt.isarlurJn3otya.odtiutere-nPstfeu5peasPmaerjnrn/cvoacoroeapnaoipokmsufnoemirtanempgcmwnrfuolntrlnoatpyierobeetnoromaiafrlrpdlnygi-fefolllaoiugmlmtuKstolhtsegrUotasciAcamhaiepirfatotvanfUKrolepoesepeluiAtopslv’rnapwhissaacsReltslteet,iwaolerpScFbiptctmstrawooociuaafhioiMtutuodesono.ieynrjonerartamdebrracvnipnofotsoeeptuerynefwSiftpnpreofuaaoGoetiaitlhscnrctniicngcclehMcci.kiiu.raazyriehstOoRnilrt,eehsbsstil.ipeurtaoseiecetshsesaecyptnbdeipodlh,iuas.rasaAebrnrosnsdwMrwraiteouradncisitrhrmdacelahgeoerinfis.c2captycegpouaFh0hratyslsaafamuliut(tysplaiteFl6hecnleenemfwdS0crardrdrcteAs0oasasoroist,kcfsomn)rnoogswhgwkplfitui/ihuveetmettinhhncehhhlarrnelaaodeynseeeest,.l November 2014 for her presentation on In Workshop on Geo Information analysisthe cost can be brought down to Rs.1/kg. this will help to restore the vitro studies on the inhibition of Pythium normal practice of lime application in kole lands and rice productivity aphanidermatum causing stem rot of cowpea of more than 10 tonnes/ha.This equipment is operated through the using Trichoderma and fungicides. Dr. Jim ThPoTmOas,opAeDraRte(dARtra&ctTo)rinaanudguisramteodunthtedoonne dthayrewe oprokisnhtolpinokangeO. pItesn Source SoftwarheoinppGeeroisgrcaopnhiiccaIlninfosrhmapateioandAcnanlyhsioslodrngeaanrislyed45a0t Ckgoollef gliemoefmFaotreersiatrl.y Dr. Sosamma Cherian, on 16th DecemberT2h0e14P.TO operates a central spin situated on the bottom opening Professor & Head, ARS, Radhakrishnoafnth, eTh.,ppCpeoru, wrsheicchosocradttienrastloimr-eGmeoateinrfioalrdmroatpicpsin, gInfrdoiamn tIhnesthitouptpeero. f Thiruvalla won the third Information TecThhneologpyenanindgMsalint aogef mtheenth, Koeprpaelar wcans tbhe madajiunsrtesdoutorcerepgeurlsaoten. tThhee prize for poster presen- PG scholars, PhaDpplsitcuadtieonntsr,aRteesoefalrimchinsgchmoaltaerrsiaalsrawneglilnagsfrFoamcu5lt0y0fr-o6m00CkOg/Fh, aC.TOhHe , tation in the National ACCER, CCBMe,qKuCipAmEeTntacnadnKbFeRhIypdarratuicliicpaaltlyedliftinedthaendwvoerrktsichaolph.eDighr.tVoifjaaypapkluicmataiorann Meet on Moderni-zation of Nair, Former Hcaenadb,eDadejupstt.eodftoGhISav&e mRaSx,imKFuRmI sgparveeadtdhepienntdroindguocntothrey cloeacrtsuerneesosn Jaggery industry in India Geographic InforfmthaetiomnaAtenraialyl.sTish.e amachine facilitates uniform application of lime and Jaggery Carnival Dr. K. Sudhaiknartah,eDfeiealnd.(Faculty of Forestry). Dr. K. Vidyasagaran, Assoc. Professor organized by IISR, Lucknow & Head, Dept. of Forestry Management & Utilisation distributed the certificates. during November, 2014.

PAGE - 4 KAU NEWS January 2015

January 2015 KAU NEWS PAGE - 5(cont’d from page 1)‘Technology advancement inevitable for prosperity’ Dr. Arvind Kumar, DDG (Education) in his keynote addresshighlighted the need to create a youth brigade empowered withtechnical knowledge to meet the challenges in next decade.‘Food security is no longer a threat, but nutritional securityis. Manpower use and land resource exploitation for farminghas to be revisited to ensure nutritional security’, he said. IAUA President Dr. A.K. Srivasthava in his presidential Dr. C.Vasudevappa, Dr. A.K. Srivasthava, Dr. P. Rajendran andaddress pointed out that Family farming system, which played Dr. P. V. Balachandran at the Plenary session of IAUA Conferencea major role in rural poverty alleviation in India, is now crippledby limited access to land, capital and technology, non-influencein market, week bargaining power and threat of land grabbing.Welcome address by IAUA Executive Secretary Dr. R.P. Singh delivered introductory address. KAU Dr. P. Rajendran Vice-Chancellor Dr. P. Rajendran offered welcome and Organising Secretary Dr. T. E. George proposed vote of thanks. The technical session began with a presentation on Fighting Hunger- Plurality in Family farming by Dr. A. R. Pathak, Vice-Chancellor, Junagadh Agricultural University. Dr. Pathak said that the contribution of small farmers who cultivate 44% of land exceeds 50% of total farm out put in India. ‘India has the second largest arable and maximum irrigated area in the world. Yet hunger, nutritional deficiency, mal- nutrition and starvation factors project a vulnerable face of food insecurity in order to make zero hunger vision a reality, family farming activists have to be placed at the centre of policy based on principles of ecology, economics, equity and employment.’, he pointed out. Prof. K. Ramaswamy, Vice-Chancellor, TNAU, in his Presidential address by paper on peri urban family farming made a strong case Dr. A.K. Srivasthava for promoting Urban and Peri urban Agriculture (UPA) in family farming mode.Special address by In his presentation on indigenousDr. Arvind Kumar knowledge in family farming, KAU VC Dr.P.Rajendan delineated various inherent agricultural practices and therapeutic use of plant parts followed by rural farmers, especially in Kerala perspective. Other themes of technical sessions of workshop were food and nutritional security, socio- economic aspects of family farming, Universities’ role to help family farming, family farming and inclusive growth and future of family farming.IAUA members acquaint with The plenary session held on December Vote of thanks by FSA at ARS, Mannuthy 20 was presided over by the IAUA president Dr. T. E. George Dr. A. K. Srivasthava. Host Vice-Chancellor Dr. P. Rajendran and UAS Shimoga Vice-Chancellor Dr. C.Vasudevappa presented the consolidated workshop recomme- ndations.KAU Registrar Dr. P. V.Balachandran proposed vote of thanks.

PAGE - 6 KAU NEWS January 2015CM inaugurates Renovated Indoor stadium Republic Day Celebrated Chief Minister Oommen Chief Minister inaugurates the The Sixty Sixth Republic Day ofChandy inaugurated the Indoor Stadium at CoA,Vellayani India was suitably celebrated inIndoor Stadium at CoA, renovated for National games all campuses of KAU.Vellayani renovated forNational Games. Panchayath President M. Maniyan and While the Vice-ChancellorNational Games will Grama Panchayath President Dr. P. Rajendran unfurledpropel Kerala sports Udayakumar spoke. the National Flag andand athletics to a addressed the parade held athigher orbit as the world CoA, Vellayani, Registrarclass venues developed Dr. P.V. Balachandran took saluteas part of it will provide in the parade held at HQ. Heads ofadvanced training facilities, said institutions performed the duty in other Collegesthe Chief Minister. and Research Stations of the University. The function was presided over by The Republic day pledge undertaken by UniversitySports Minister Thiruvanchoor Community vows to involve in intensive activitiesRadhakrishnan. Jameela Prakasam MLA, for fostering and sustaining soil health forKerala Sports Council President sustainable food sand nutritional security andPadmini Thomas, Sports Director promote organic farming practices.Pukazhenthi, Agricultural faculty DeanDr. Sverup John, District PanchayathVice-President Roufas Daniel, BlockFa Fa Kit for Homestead Farming Agricultural Engineering department of manure. The UV sheet rain cover makes it Family farming structure developed byCoH,Vellanikkara has come up with a portable ideal for all seasons and all kinds of plants Agri. Engg. Department ofstructure to help family farming enthusiasts. including climbers can be grown in this set up. CoH, Vellanikkara Christened Fa Fa kit, the simple structuredesigned by, is ideal for urban and peri urban The FaFa kit can be located in theresidents interested in growing vegetables backyard or terrace depending on thein their own yard or terrace. availability or constraints of space in a house or apartment. Each family can grow the The 2.3 m high structures with rectangular vegetables of their choice to control theiror circular base made of steel is provided food and nutritional security. The kit indeedwith seating for pots and trays to grow is a helping hand to bring back homesteadplants. Lateral provisions to facilitate drip food security concepts so popular in Keralairrigation and fertigation are also incorpo- homes in yester years.rated, helping optimum use of water and Family friendly machines for Coconut farms ARS, Mannuthy has developed a modified previous model. The fastening can beversion of sit and climb coconut climber as well adjusted according to girth of palm,as an improvised tiller to open up basin even while operating the machine,around palms, thus paving way for Familyfriendly mechanization of coconut which is an added advantage.farming. The tiller to open up basin The machines developed under around coconut palm is anotherNABARD funded project on Refinement improvisation by ARS. Hithertoand Testing of KAU Kera Suraksha unavailable, the machinery withCoconut Climber is an improvement its two / three rotations aroundof the earlier version of Kera Suraksha the palm, and two tracks ofCoconut Climber. It is made of stainless operations can open 6 basins ofsteel, lighter, cheaper, quicker and more 1.8 m radius around in an hour.Thiscomfortable than the earlier version.The new tiller consumes only 1.5 liters of dieselmachine is fastened to palm using flexible steel per hour. ARS is also working onrope instead of curved stainless rod used in remote control of the tillers. Coconut Basin being dug by a tiller

January 2015 KAU NEWS PAGE - 7Government committed to Organic Kerala Project : Agricultural Minister Minister for Agriculture K.P. Mohanan said that the Government is committed to convertKerala in to an organic state. Speaking after receiving the recommendations of state organicfarming workshop organised by ATIC, KAU in collaboration with State HorticultureMisson at Thrissur, the minister said that the lessons learnt from Kasargod, as theworkshop is aptly named, would provide valuable guidelines for the implementationof state organic policy.Former Finance Minister Dr. T. M. Thomas Issac said that sustainable organicfarming can only be encouraged as a people’s movement and not imposed upon as acompulsory government directive. He called upon the agricultural scientists to make availablea menu of technologies from which farmers can choose the most appropriate option.V.T. Balram MLA, in his presidential address highlighted the need for a strong political will Minister K.P. Mohanan receiving thecoupled with people’s support to realise the objective of making Kerala an organic state. recommendations of state organic farming workshop held at Thrissur KAU Director of Extension Dr. P.V. Balachandran presented the workshop recommendations in the valedictory session. Dr. RanjanS. Karippai was moderator. Papers were presented by Dr. C.K. Peethambaran, former Director of Research; Dr. Jim Thomas, Assoc.Director of Research; Dr. Ushakumari, Co-ordinator, Organic farming Cell; Dr. C .Thampan, CPCRI ; Dr. K.M. Sreekumar, CoA,Padannakkad and Dr. N. Jayaraj, KVK, Kannur. Dr. George Thomas, Professor, CoH; K. Sanalkumar, KVK, Kasargod; Shaju, VFPCK;Dr. Jiju P Alex, Assoc. Professor, CoH and Farmers from Kasargod, Thrissur and other parts of the state shared their experiences inorganic farming. KAU Director of Research Dr. T.R. Gopalakrishnan, Joint Director of Agriculture V.S. Roy, Assoc. Director ofExtension Dr. Jose Mathew and ATIC head Dr. P.G. Sadankumar spoke.Breakthrough in Waste Management Games fever in KAU CampusesEcofriendly Garbage disposaltechnology released Run Kerala run Programme Dr. Sverup John, Dean, Flags organised in connection with off the Run Kerala Run Vice-Chancellor Dr. P. Rajendran released the prototype of National games in Kerala received Programme at Vellayaniautomated equipment Suchitha for safe and hygienic disposal of buoyant support in KAU Campuseshousehold garbage through rapid conversion of degradable waste across the state.to value added manure. Staff and Students participated in The technology deve- the run organised in campuses in loped by Department of consonance with the State level Soil Science & Agricultural programme organised on January 20. Chemistr y, College of Agriculture, Vellayani of Comptroller Joy Mathew KAU which is very fast, flagged off the run organised at KAU HQ by Director of Students’ Welfare Dr. P.N. Jagdeesh Kumar. Students of Colleges in the campus and KAU High school partook in the event. Vice-Chancellor Dr. P. Rajendran efficient and non polluting The run organised at CoA, Vellayani was flagged off byreleasing the eco-friendly technology suits, residential apartments, Agriculture Faculty Dean Dr. Sverup John. The programme markets, community halls organised by Dr. T. I. Manoj was participated by students of CoA for waste management etc. Since the bioconversion as well as members and sports enthusiasts from Kalliyur Grama Panchayath. methods currently in opera- Run Kerala Run programme was organised at other campuses tion are time consuming and as well. At KCAE & T, Tavanur NSS unit led by Dr. K.P. Sudhir organised the run. Students and staff participated.leading to environmental pollution and human health problems, e-governance programmethe environment friendly and hygienic waste disposal mechanismhas resolved a long pending issue.University Suite launchedThe function held at CoA, Vellayani on January 26 was presidedover by Dr. K. Prathapan, Director, SHM. KAU GC membersDr. R. Krishnakumar, N. L. Sivakumar and Vishnu Narayanan; Dr. KAUVice-Chancellor Dr. P. Rajendran launched the UniversitySverup John, Dean (Agriculture); Dr. S. Devanesan, Assoc. Director, suite as part of complete KAU e governance programme onRegional Agricultural Station and Dr. V. B. Padmanabhan parti- November 17.cipated. In his address, Dr. Rajendran said that the adoption of featuristic technology will sustain success of human efforts byThe technology was developed by Dr. C.R. Sudharmaidevi, Dr. enhancing efficiency of administration.K.C. Manorama Thampatti and Dr. N. Saifudeen after persistent University suite includes e modules for file flow, academicefforts of six years. Dr.V. Ganesan and Dr. M.S.Hajilal of the Dept. manangement and Human resources management as well as payof Agricultural Engineering, KAU and Mr. Ramesh Chandra Varma disbursement and allied matters. KAU had earlier indigenouslyof the AryaVaidyasala, Kottakkal, Suchitha helped to fabricate developed packages for Financial Management, Pensionthe machine with 20 kg processing capacity which needs only 1.5 distribution, Legal monitoring and Research administration.sq.m space and 3 units of electricity for its operation. The finalproduct could be extensively used in crop production as organic Registrar Dr. P.V. Balachandran presided over the function.manure enriched with essential plant nutrients. Since the whole Dr.A. Anandaraj, EC member; Dr.T. R. Gopalakrishnan, Director of Research; Dr.Joy Mathew,Comptroller;Dr.E.V.Nybe, Academic Director; Dr. P.Ahmed, DSW; Dr.V.R. Ramachandran, DPP ; Sureshprocess is completed within one day, there is no need of dumping Menon,District Informatics Officer; M.Viswanathan Nair, Systemsof wastes, thus avoiding the tribulations of environmental pollution. Manager and T.A. Sebastian, Senior programmer spoke.

PAGE - 8 KAU NEWS January 2015Enhance standards of University Executive Committeeeducation : Forests Minister Reconstituted Enhancing the standards of universityeducation in India to match international KAU Executive Committee has beenstandards is a priority, saidThiruvanchoor reconstituted pursuant to the completion ofRadhakrishnan, Minister for Forests and election process in the special meeting ofWildlife. General Council held at Government Guest House, Thycaud, Thiruvananthapuram on Speaking after inaugurating the Minister Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan Saturday,17 January in which Dr. Jose Joseph wasplenary session of three day national addressing the plenary session of elected as the representative of teachers (otherseminar on Agroforestry Options to Workshop held at CoF than Deans) Dr. Jiju P. Alex and Dr. P.N.sustain family farming and laying the KAU General Council member P.A. Jagadeeshkumar were the other contestants forfoundation stone for silver jubilee the lone post.academic block of KAU’s College of Madhavan MLA presided over theForestry, the minister said that our function Vice-Chancellor Dr.P. Rajendran Five non official members of the Committeestudents are no longer competing with delivered the keynote address. Dr. B.S. namely, Thomas Unniyadan MLA, P. A. Salam,their compatriots but with students Corrie, Principal Chief Conservator of Aji Francis (General); I.C Balakrishnan MLAenjoying the advantage of advanced Forests; Dr. B. Mohankumar, Assistant (SC/ST) & Sheeba.K.A (Women) were electedsystems in foreign countries.‘We should Director General, IC AR; Dr. P.V. unopposed earlier.aim to equip our students for the stiff Balachandran, Registrar;Dr. K.Sudhakara,competition at global level and providing Dean (Faculty of Forestry) and Dr. K. Ollur MLA M.P.Vincent, ICAR representativelatest facilities is imperative for it. Let the Kunjhamu spoke. Dr. Anandaraj and Secretaries to GovernmentForestry college and KAU become in the departments of finance and agricultureleading lights in this transition’, the are the other members of the Executive Committee.minister said.National Book fest at CoH Minister InauguratesCall to develop Malayalam e platform KAU HS anniversary WriterAsokan Charuvil Asokan Charuvil inaugurates the Minister for Agriculture K. P. Mohanan inaugurated theinaugurated the three day’s Book fest at CoH anniversary celebrations of KAU High school at Vellanikkara andNational Book Festival presented Dr. N. Kaleeswaran memorial endowment awards. KAUorganised at CoH in a Vice-Chancellor Dr. P. Rajendran presided over the function heldfunction presided over on January 23.by Dr. P.V. Balachandran,Registrar on 13 November. Registrar Dr. P. V. Balachandran welcomed the gathering. Madakkathara panchayath president Sujatha Balakrishnan, Executive In his inaugural address Committee member Aji Francis, General Council members Dr.P.N.Asokan Charuvil highlighted Jagadeeshkumar, Dr. A. Prema and Varghese Ollukkaran, Panchayatthe need to develop a member E.V. Pushpan,Director of Research Dr. T.R. Gopalakrishnan,sustainable e platform for Comptroller Dr. Joy Mathew, Head MistressT.J.Maggy,PTA presidentmalayalam literature. P. Harijith, representatives of PTA, Staff Council and Alumni association participated. ‘Reading habits are changing. Just like manuscripts have \"Restore bond with nature”given way to printed books, digital reading gadgets are takingover now. E books have become an integral part of life and it is Rural Development Commissioner K.V.imperative that Malayalam also fall in line and a system is evolved Mohankumar has said that the deteriorationto sustain reading’, he said. of bondage between man and nature is the cause of all disasters happening around us. Asokan Charuvil asked the students to shed the illusion Speaking on the relationship betweenthat professionals need not read literary works. mankind and mother earth in a function organised byThrissur KVK,Mohankumar said ‘Reading helps everyone to understand life and Universe that the man’s relation with nature was oncebetter and serve humanity better. A crowd becomes a society akin to cow and it’s calf, but it has slowly deterio-only when it realises its functions and duties and for that rated in to that between an animal and butcher. ‘This change inexperiences are required. The multiple personalities and approach and attitude has devalued humane values and led to adivergent experiences narrated in books helps the reader to catastrophic attack on nature. Mankind is confronting a series ofcomprehend life better. It would help to harness his skills and conflicts and disasters on account of its failure to maintain the holyserve the society better.’ , he said. relationship with nature. Future generations will rue the mistakes committed by the present generation. Better we restore the intimate KAU General Council Members Dr. T.N. Jagadeeshkumar, bond with nature. This is where the invaluable contributions ofDr. Jiju P. Alex and Dr. A. Prema, University Librarian K.P. personalities like Sundarlal Bahuguna stands out.’, he remarked.Sathian, CoH Students Union Secretary G. Vishnu and Librarian Dr. Ranjan S Karippai, Head, KVK; Dr. K. Sudhakara, Dean (Forestry)Dr. A.T. Francis spoke. Associate Dean Dr. P.K. Valsalakumari and Dr. A. Sukumaran, Associate Dean (CCBM) spoke.welcomed the gathering and Joint ConvenerV.S.Swapna deliveredvote of thanks. Printed and Published by Dr. P.V. Balachandran, Director of Extension, Kerala Agricultural University. 26/400/02/2015 Editor: B. Ajitkumar, Public Relations Officer, KAU. Printed at KAU Press, Mannuthy