KAU News January 2017

Volume XXII. ISSUE 1 January 2017Scientists told to harness farmers’ Kerala farmersknowledge Keeps Date with Plant Genome Awards Governor Justice (Retd.)P. Sathasivam called upon the Kerala farmers once again madeagricultural scientists to enrich the state proud by marking strongand harness the knowledge of presence in the Plant Genome Saviorfarmers. awards function held at New Delhi on December 21.Speaking after inaugurat- Four from Kerala figured in theing the valedictory function of list of Plant Genome Saviour awardees (2014) declared by theCoA Diamond Jubilee held at PPV & FR authority in 2016. Seven out of the fourteen awards for 2013Vellayani on 16 November, presented last year were bagged by Kerala farmers.Justice Sathasivam, who is the While two individual farmers,chancellor of University as Chandran from Thrissur and Arvind from Palakkad, were selected forwell, told the audience to KAU Chancellor and Kerala Governor Justice (Retd.) Plant Genome Savior recognition,foster stronger ties between P. Sathasivam inaugurating the valedictory of Diamond Shaji N. M. of Wayanad got Plantthe University and the Depart- Genome Saviour Reward andment of Agriculture so as to Jubilee celebrations of CoA, Vellayani Changalikodan banana growers association, Erumapetty, Thrissurensure prosperity of farming Minister for Agricultural development and Farmers’ has been bestowed with Plant welfare Adv. V. S. Sunil Kumar in his presidential addressand farmers. Genome Saviour Community award. highlighted the relevance and importance of Haritha The Governor inaugurated keralam project piloted by the government and the need Continued on page 6the gateway to the campus to ensure its success.sponsored by alumni associa-tion and also laid the founda- Vice-Chancellor Dr. P. Rajendran, Dean Dr. B. R.tion stone for a new PG hostel Raghunath and alimni association secretary Dr. K. M. Abdulkhader spoke.complex. Inside Plant Genome Awardees honoured Awards & Recognitions, Pre-rabi Minister for Agricul-Page 2 interface, Felicitation to first ODF tural Development and Panchayat farmers’ welfare, V. S. SunilKumar has called General Council, Award for VC, for conscientious effortsPage 3 Republic Day, Rashtriya Ektha to conserve the conven- Diwas tional crop varieties,Page 4 Message from the Vice-Chancellor traditional knowledge and bio diversity resou- The Plant Genome Saviour awardees with Minister & other dignitaries Academic Block for CoF, Vegeta- rces. ble farming workshop, AwardeesPage 5 honoured, Call for pulse promo- Speaking at a function organised by a noble fight to preserve traditional tion KAU to felicitate the winners of Plant crops and traditional knowledge. We Genome Saviour Awards, the minister have to carry forward this fight.’, he said. Academic Council, KVK’s Agri said that the quality of produce, not alonePage 6 development programme, Plant quantity, is what matters in ensuring the The minister highlighted the role health of society. ‘Our ancestors had played by KAU in facilitating the farmers’ Genome awards formulated a menu based on our needs, road to national recognition. The number climate and resources. We have oblitera- of Plant Genome Saviour Awards won byPage 7 Pooppoli inauguration, School ted it and blindly adopted a menu Kerala farmers is the proof of commitment Anniversary, Bookfest followed by people living in different shown by KAU, he said. The minister also agro-climatic conditions which has led to inaugurated a Hi-Tech Kitchen garden Glimpses from VAIGA16, Farmers’ the discard of traditional crops. The model designed for small families at thePage 8 Market at Ambalavayal, Kannur farmers whom we felicitate here have led function held at Directorate of Extension. KVK getsAARRYA, Library Seminar Continued on page 5

PAGE - 2 KAUNews January 2017AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS Dr. Rashmi Vijayaraghavan, Assistant Professor, Department of Plant Pathology, CoH bagged the best poster award in the Dr. K. P. Sudheer, Professor & 29th Kerala Science Congress held at Thiruvalla from 28 to 30Project Coordinator, Centre of January 2017. She won the award for her presen-tation on theExcellence in Post-harvest Technology, “Efficacy of fungicides and bioagents against downy mildew ofKAU has been conferred with National bittergourd“ authored by Reshmi Vijayaraghavan, VimiLouis, Sallyfellow title by ICAR. Dr. Sudheer has K. Mathew, Fridin Davis, Anjali Varghese and Dilna.thus become the first KAU scientist towin ICAR National Fellow title. Dr. Jalaja S. Menon, Asst. Professor, Dept. of Plantation Crops & Spices, CoH received the best paper award in the 2nd National The recognition is for the research on Safety and quality of symposium on edible alliums organised by the Indian SocietyHigh Hydrostatic Pressure Processed fruits and vegetables. of alliums and Directorate of Onion and Garlic research at JalnaThe award consists of research grant of Rs. 500 lakhs, which during Nov. 7 to 9.will be used for standardizing the process protocol forminimally processed tropical fruits like jackfruit and pineapple. Dr. Sheeja K. Raj, Assistant Professor (Agronomy), has recievedHigh hydrostatic pressure technology for safe and shelf-stable the Agronomist Award by Society for Educational & Scientificfood production has enormous potential in the food industry, Research in the International Conference on Green Technologycontrolling food spoilage, improving food safety and extending for Health and Environment: Implementations and Policies heldproduct shelf life while retaining the characteristics of fresh, at Bangalore on 15 & 16 December, 2016.preservative-free, minimally processed fruits and vegetables.Dr. Sudheer has recently received the state award for the best M. Jyolsna and Dr. V. S. Devadas, won the best poster awardagricultural scientist. the Platinum jubilee seminar of Hort society of India held at IARI during 15-18 November 2016.Drought mitigation Madakkathara becomes First ODF PanchayatMeasures formulated KVK felicitates Panchayat Officials The Pre-Rabi farmer - farm science professional interfaceorganised by KAU at Thrissur on October 7 has made several Thrissur KVK felicitatedrecommenda-tions to mitigate the water deficiency and drought the governing council ofexpected in the Rabi season. Madakkathara Panchayat on the local body being recog- The interface was organised to fine tune the recommenda- nised as country’s first Opentions chalked out on the basis of problems presented in the Defecation Free Panchayat.workshop held at Directorate of Extension on September 30. Itwas pointed that all the major crops, vegetables and fruits are Speaking after inaugu-vulnerable to infestations and productivity problems during the rating a function and wasteseason on account of water scarcity and climatic challenges. management training pro- gramme on 25 October 2016, KAU Vice-Chancellor Dr. P. Rajendran in his inaugural V ice-Chancellor Dr. P. Vice-Chancellor presentingaddress highlighted the necessity to change crop pattern and Rajendran said that the memento to Madakkatharacropping calendar in tune with climatic variations. ‘Farming is an pollution of air, water and soil Panchayat Presidentactivity which goes in tune with nature and its vagaries. Hence has precipitated umpteen health threats to humans asthe changes in nature and natural conditions should be taken in well as other living beings.to account and farming calendar re designed accordingly. Cropswhich can withstand stress needs to be promoted even while ‘Waste management is the biggest challengescientific management practices are popularised.‘, he said. confronting mankind. This achievement of Madakkathara Panchayat needs to be hailed. Let this lead to a new level The technical sessions on crop management in food crops of life and prompt other Panchayats to follow suit.’, heand plantation crops, management of pests, diseases and weeds, said.Water management for different crops and terrains, Soil healthmanagement and mechanization were led by experts from KAU Panchayat President P. S. Vinayan said that theand ICAR institutions in the state. achievement is a result of sustained efforts and people’s participation. ‘Sustaining the status is no less a challenge The recommendations formulated on the basis of discussions than achieving it. I solicit the support of all residents inin workshop on September 30 were subjected to detailed general and KAU in particular for our efforts to Marchanalysis, A compilation of recommendations finalised in the ahead and pursue further achievements.’, he saidinterface is being circulated to all district level officers indepartment of Agriculture and Krishi Vigyan Kendras in the state KAU Director of Extension Dr. S. Estelita presided overfor effective transfer of technology, said Dr. S. Estelitta, Director the function. KVK head Dr. A. Prema offered welcomeof Extension. and Dr. T. Suman proposed vote of thanks. Panchayat council members, University officers and public participated.

January 2017 KAUNews PAGE - 3General Council decides to redress man power shortage,assure support to Haritha Keralam Project KAU General Council decided to sectors is crippling the University. Vice- Dr. Jose Joseph, Aji Francis, K. A. Sheebaexpedite steps to resolve the acute Chancellor said that filling up the vacant and Dr. C. N. Ravishanker.manpower shortage in the University. posts is a priority and University will take all possible measures for the same. Dr. Jiju P. Alex, Dr. S. Devanesan, The 127th meeting of the Council held V. S. Sathyaseelan, N. L. Sivakumar,at Thiruvananthapuram on November The council also decided to streng- Sasthamangalam Mohan, Rajiv29 formed a subcommittee to make then the internet-intranet facilities at Nellikkunnel, Dr. A. Prema, Vargheserecommendations to report the vacan- College of Agriculture, Vellayani. The Ollukkaaran, C. H. Muthu and Vishnucies of non-teaching staff. In the case Vice-Chancellor informed the house that Narayanan took part in the discussions.of teaching staff, University will speed the University will provide necessaryup the recruitment process. technology back up to Haritha Keralam Registrar Dr. S. Leenakumar y, programme piloted by state government. elected and nominated members of the The Vice-Chancellor also assured council, Deans of Faculties, Directors ofthe house that selection of farm The meeting Chaired by Vice- Research, Extension, Physical Plant andlabourers will also be expedited. Chancellor Dr. P. Rajendran was partici- Academic and other officers attended pated by Executive Committee members the meeting. The members unanimously pointedout that shortage of man power in allRepublic Day Celebrated KAU VC receives award Sixty Eighth KAU Vice-Chancellor Dr. P. Rajendran has been conferred Republic Day of with international educational excellence award by India was celebra- Confederation of Indian Universities. The award was presented ted in all KAU to him in a function held at Kolkata on October 5. stations. The award is given to academicians who have made notable Republic Day contributions in the field of sustainable development, celebration in KAU educational planning and applied research. Dr. Rajendran was was inaugurated by selected for the award in view of his exceptional skills in Vice-Chancellor Dr. teaching, research administration and planning. P. Rajendran by hoisting the natio- He was nominated by the International Association of nal flag at the head- Educators for world Peace, an affiliate of UNICEF. quarters. Officers of the University, Rashtriya Ekta Divas Observed students, staff and labourers partici- Rashtriya Ekta Divas (National Unity Day) on 31 October to pated in the parade. commemorate the Birth Anniversary of Sardar Vallabhai Patel was observed at KAU. Run for Unity organized at the University Addressing the Headquarters was flagged by Dr. Mercy George, Director of Students’ Welfare. gathering the Vice- Dr. Sajan Kurien, Director of Research addressed the Chancellor called students after pledge. A cycle rally was to spread the message of Swachh Bharath Mission was also held. Dr. B. Raghunath, for intensive efforts Dean (Agriculture); Dr. George Thomas, Associate Dean, CoH; T. S. Majeed, Comptroller, Dr. T. E. George, Director (Academic) to protect natural and Dr. V. S. Devadas Assoc. Director of Research participated. resources like soil,Vice- Chancellor Dr. P. Rajendran addressing the water and biodiver-Republic Day parade at KAU HQ sity. He called uponthe researchers to utilise advancements in informationtechnology for augmenting productivity enhancement andresort to economy in spending in the wake of challengesposed by climate change. ‘Youth organisations, being thebiggest force in society, should involve in and promotetechnology advancement in agriculture and allied fields. Theclaim for one’s rights should be complimented by the effortsto perform duties as well., he said. Respective station heads hoisted the national flag andaddressed the parade in the satellite stations of the University.

PAGE - 4 KAUNews January 2017Message from the Vice - chancellorThe Drought Situation should wake us up I am writing this in winter but our state isconfronting unprecedented drought. The water tablehas gone four meters down and availability of waterfor man, animals and plants is in peril. A state likeKerala known for rivers and undiminishing greeneryis struggling for water as the rainfall deficit of aboutforty percent has depleted its water bodies. The situation is grave and one shudders to thinkof real summer if the situation persists. Water stressaffects every living being on earth. In the primarysector water availability to plants is denied, quality ofwater is compromised and whatever water is leftbehind gets contaminated with pesticides, factoryeffluents, heavy metals and microbial loads. Temperature variation – estimated at 1.8oC to 4oC – is set to cause 20 to 40 percent reduction inagricultural productivity. In a consumer state like Kerala it has a double effect. On one hand the domesticproduction suffers and consequent increase in import of food grains, vegetables and other eatablesimpairs the economy on the other. The rise in temperature also leads to high incidents of pests and diseases and ill health of plantsaffecting crop sustenance. Inevitable use of plant protection chemicals coupled with water scarcity leadsto increased residues which in turn pose health hazards to humans and domestic animals. Livestockproduction and productivity will also be adversely affected. Thus it is clear that the effect of water stress is not limited to crops. Changes in primary sectorwill have inevitable repercussions in secondary and tertiary sectors as well. Price of rice has alreadygone up and so is the cost of vegetables. Price of pulses, fruits etc. will follow suit. The irreparable injuryto economy on account of this is another fallout of water stress. The drought situation will also cause despair and disenchantment for farmers driving away at leastsome of them. This may also lead to the likelihood of more arable lands being left fallow unless microirrigation options are promoted. Protecting and preserving water bodies is another important task.Proper planning and prompt action is the need of the hour. Increased water use efficiency, water harvesting and thrust on waste water recycling are basicconcepts of water management. Tailoring new varieties tolerant to stress situations and screening ofexisting varieties to choose the best suited for the situation is another priority. We are bound to resort tobetter options in the emerging scenario. Every citizen has to contribute to the solutions since water is not a commodity of import. Gone arethe days when Kerala could boast of the overflowing rivers and abundance of water bodies. The fact isthat we are cornered by our own follies. Our reluctance to prepare for the situation has put us in jeopardy.Let’s accept the facts and strive to tide over the precarious situation.

January 2017 KAUNews PAGE - 5CoF Academic Block inaugurated Proper Planning must to sustainMinister Calls for Research – Extension Coordination farming : MLA Minister V. S. Sunil Kumar KAU Executive Committee memberinaugurated the silver jubilee K. Rajan MLA has called for a plannedacademic block of College approach in vegetable farming.of Forestry on December 17. Speaking after inaugurating aIn his inaugural address training programme on advanced plant propagation techniques,the Minister said that the full conducted at the Directorate of Extension, Rajan said that the currentpotential of KAU is to be thrust in vegetable farming felt across the state in general and higher strataexploited.’ It is after several of society in particular is uni dimen- sional leading to surplus productionvisits to different campuses of same items and insufficient availa- bility of other items.and detailed interactions ‘Proper planning is imperativethat I have realised the true before deciding on which crop to grow,. The move to popularisepotential of KAU. The volume advanced propagation techniques is highly relevant in enhancement ofof research done here is vegetable production.’ he said.enormous and the outcome Director of Extension Dr. S. Estelitta presided. Associate Director Dr.is immense. These should Agri Minister inaugurates the CoF academic block Alexander George, Prof. Sreevalsanbe translated in to direct J. Menon and training coordinator Dr. Jalaja S. Menon spoke.benefits of farming community. Social needs scientifically evolved solutions thanresponsibilities have to be fulfilled and emotion oriented decisions. The govern-expectations of people should be met. ment is keen to evolve a solution to wildAll sections of KAU community should animals invading human habitats andcontribute to this. The government causing loss to life and property. Perhaps awants to ensure a cordial relation better management of forest area wouldbetween KAU, other research institutes help to solve it. We have decided to discou-in the state and the department of rage planting of extraneous tree species in forest lands.’ he said.agriculture. ‘he said. Minister for Forests and wildlife, KAU Executive committee memberK. Raju, in his keynote address said that K. Rajan MLA presided. Vice-Chancellormore advanced studies in the field of Dr. P. Rajendran offered welcome. Registrarforestry is imperative and the college Dr. S. Leenakumari, Director of Extension Dr.of forestry has to play a key role in it. S. Estelitta, Forestry Dean Dr. K. Vidyasagar‘Man-animal conflict is an issue which and other officers participated.Continued from page 1 ‘Implement pulse promotion programmes’ Awardees honoured Professor Kadambot Siddique, UN- FAO Special Ambassador for the Inter-national Year All the awardees were nominated by of Pulses said that neglect of legumes in routineKAU which has been in the forefront in diet Keralites has led to a compromise onproviding guidance and support for human health, sustainability of food productionfarmers. ICAR had honoured KAU for and crop rotation.consistent support for farming commu-nity which had ensured notable presence Delivering a lecture on Pulses contri-butionof Kerala farmers in the list of awardeesevery year. to production and dietary diversity to eradicate KAU Vice-Chancellor Dr. P. Rajendran hunger and malnutrition at Academy of Climatesaid that the sustained efforts of universityIPR Cell has ensured lion’s share of Plant Change Education and Research, KAU onGenome Saviour Awards ever since theirinception. The efforts to promote January 17, the Kerala born scientist workingdeserving farmers also proves KAU’scommit-ment to the farming community, with University of Western Australia said thatthe Vice-Chancellor said. Kerala in particular has to implement more KAU Executive Committee memberK. Rajan MLA presided over the function. pulse promo-tion programmes so as to ensureDirector of Extension Dr. S. Estelitta,Registrar Dr. S. Leena Kumari, Associate nutritional security of people and economic Prof. Kadambot SiddiqueDirector of Research Dr. Mercy George stability of farmers. speaking at ACCERand IPR Cell coordinator Dr. C. R. Elsy spoke. ‘India is the largest producer of pulses but it is also a major importer since domestic production is grossly insufficient to meet the requirements. Kerala, which in earlier days used to cultivate a variety of pulses has discarded them. Pulses are the best options for crop rotation and have a major say in nutritional security. Economic and environmental factors also encourage pulse cultivation.’ he said. Dr. Siddique said that the world in general and developed countries in particular have reduced meat consumption and increasingly depend on pulses for proteins. KAU Director of Research Dr. SajanKurien and ACCER special Officer Dr. P. Indiradevi led the discussions on the topic.

PAGE - 6 KAUNews January 2017KAU to Launch Massive Open Online Courses KAU Academic Council decided to launch Online PG Diploma Vice-Chancellor flanked by Registrar and Academic Directorcourse in Food Safety and Quality assurance, a certificate course in the Academic Council meetingin integrated farming and Massive Open Online Courses(MOOCs) for popularising scientific practices and emerging The certificate course in integrated farming, to be conductedtechniques in farming. at Regional Agricultural research Station, Kumarakom, will be a course oriented to promote self-entrepreneurship. The meeting held at the University Headquarters onDecember 28 also approved the amendments in academic The meeting chaired by Dr. P. Rajendran, Vice-Chancellorregulations of Graduate courses, brought in to achieve national was attended by Registrar Dr. S. Leena Kumari, Academiclevel unification as recommended by the fifth Deans’ Committee Director Dr. T. E. George, Controller of Examinations Dr.appointed by ICAR. R. Krishna Kumar, Heads of educational institutions, Deans of Faculties, Directors of Research and Extension and elected The proposed Online PG Diploma course in Food Safetyand Quality assurance is expected to meet the increasing members.demand for human resource requirement in food safety andquality management, said the Vice-Chancellor Dr. P. Rajendran.‘Food safety is a fundamental public concern and has becomea priority for manufacturers, retailers, consumers and regulators.Producing, packing and distributing eatables in a manner whichprevents food borne diseases is science which needs to bepopularised.’ he said. The MOOCs pertaining to farming will be conducted byCentre for e learning under SWAYAM (Study Webs of ActiveLearning for Young Aspiring Minds) platform formulated byUGC. A high power committee has been constituted to workout the content of the courses and other modalities.Thrissur KVK Launch Continued from page 1Agri DevelopmentProgramme Kerala farmers win more Plant Genome Saviour Awards Thrissur KVK has launched aprogramme for agricultural prosperity N. A. Chandran from, Vemballur, Thrissur isthrough scientific farming practices in maintaining collections of coconut, mango, coconut,collaboration with Local Self Govern- Pokkali rice, heliconia types, native animal breeds likement Institutions (LSGIs). Vechur cattle and a traditional rice cultivar (Mundakan) apart from bamboo varieties his organic farm. The programme envisaged in KAUbudget was started with training to Mr. Aravind K., P. V. Kalam, Pombra P. O., PalakkadWomen Self Help Groups (WSHGs) district, maintains 2.5 ha organic garden of fruit andfrom different Panchayats in Alathur vegetables, medicinal and aromatic plants, vegetables,Block of Palakkad District. Plantation crops, Farm animals etc. He is also active in popularising the concept of natural living and biodiversity The training on preparation of conservation.organic inputs is imparted in groupscontaining five women. Eight such Shaji N.M of Edavaka Panchayath in Waynad district is agroups underwent training for ten days guardian of tuber crops. He is conserving a large variety ofeach to master the technique of tuber crops like Greater yam, Colocasia, Sweet Potato, Tapioca,preparing organic inputs to produce Elephant foot yam, Arrow Root, Chinese Potato, Lesser yam,safe to eat vegetables. Turmeric etc. along with other plantation crops, native orchids, vegetables and medicinal plants. The training programme wasinaugurated by Associate Director of Erumapetty banana growers association wonExtension Dr. Alexander George on the plant Genome Saviour Community award forJanuary 23. KVK head Dr. A. Prema the sustained efforts in conservation andpresided over the function. Rani Prakash, promotion of Chengalikodan, a Nendran BananaAssistant Director of Agriculture, variety with unique taste, shape and colour. ThisAlathur explained the programme. variety was recognised as a Geographical Indication in 2015.

January 2017 KAUNews PAGE - 7Minister Calls for Planned Development ofAgricultural research stations Pooppoli 2017, the fourth edition of annual flower show Minister for Agricultural development and Farmers’ welfareand agricultural exhibition at RARS, Ambalavayal was V.S. Sunilkumar Inaugurates Pooppoli 2017inaugurated by Minister for Agricultural development andfarmers’ welfare V. S. Sunil Kumar on January 27. Dr. P. Rajendran welcomed the gathering. KAU Executive Committee member K. Rajan MLA opened the exhibition Speaking after inaugurating 2017 edition of Pooppoli, stalls. District Collector B. S. Thirumeni, KAU Executivethe minister mooted a national workshop on processing Committee members Dr. Jose Joseph and Aji Francis, LSGIand value addition of jack and other indigenous fruits at representatives, KAU Registrar Dr. S. Leenakumari, DirectorAmbalavayal. of Extension Dr. S. Estelita, Director of Research Dr. Sajan Kurien, Comptroller T. S. Majeed and representatives of ‘Pooppoli has become the biggest flower show organized different service organisations and trade unions partici-in Kerala and the varietal treasure showcased here is pated.praiseworthy. Yet there is scope of improvement likeexhibition on live crops of Wayanad. I wish to make Pooppoli Pooppoli show cases a rich and varietal collection ofan annual event scheduled in the tourism calendar. I Rose, Gerbera, Gladiolus, Orchids as well as indigenousunderstand there is dearth of manpower in remote stations flowers. Stalls selling seeds, seedlings and organic plantlike Ambalavayal and it would be addressed on priority.’ protection materials are also part of the exhibition.Minister said. Sunil Kumar also stressed the need of planned develo-pment in research stations. ‘Each research station underKAU should be developed on the basis of a master planbecause the research findings of KAU is so pertinent foraction programmes taken up at field level. I also want KAUto prepare a report on effects of climate change in Wayanadso that specific programmes to redress it can be formulated.’Minister said. Organising committee chairman I. C. Balakrishnan MLApresided over the inaugural function. KAU Vice-ChancellorKAU School Celebrates Books, the light houses ofThirty Sixth Anniversary Life : Sebastian Paul The thirty sixth anni- Annual Book fest organised at KAU central library wasversary of KAU school was inaugurated by Dr. Sebastian Paul on December 19. KAUinaugurated by Dr. P. Executive Committee member K. Rajan MLA presided.Rajendran, Vice-Chancellor. Addressing the audience after inaugurating the event,The Vice-Chancellor in Dr. Sebastian Paul highlighted the value of books in human life.’ Books are light houses which help you reach thehis address appreciated the desired destination in life. Unlimited reading imparts unlimited joy and the pleasure of acquiring knowledgeexcellence in education and through reading is incomparable. While libraries in educational institutions guide the carrier of students, bookco curricular activities KAU fests help to cut down the growing distance between public and books. The books which one read formulatesschool has achieved. Congra- and also reflects his personality.’, he said.tulating the students and K. Rajan MLA in his presidential address reminded the role played by library movement in redefining socialteachers for the accolades culture of Kerala. Executive Committee member Dr. Jose Joseph released the book Climate change and Plantationsreceived, he exhorted them Vice - Chancellor presenting memmento authored by C. S. Gopakumar and GSHLV Prasada Rao. to Madakkathara Panchayat Presidentto work harder to keep up KAU General council members Dr. R. Krishnakumar andthe standards set by them- V. S. Sathyaseelan, Forestry Dean Dr. K. Vidyasagar, CoH Associate Dean Dr. C. George Thomas, Comptroller T. S.selves. Vice-Chancellor also assured the audience that all Majeed, Librarian A. T. Francis and heads of institutions spoke.possible steps to redress the inadequacies of school would beinitiated. Dr. S. Leenakumari, Registrar presided over the function.The awards instituted by endowments in memory of schoolfounder N. Kaleeswaran IAS and Lalitha Kaleeswaran werepresented to meritorious students. Madakkathara panchayatpresident P. S. Vinayan delivered key not address. Director ofStudents Welfare Dr. T. I. Manoj, Headmistress T. J. Maggi, PTApresident Gangadharan and alumni association representativesparticipated. The celebrations culminated with a series of artprogrammes by students.

PAGE - 8 KAUNews January 2017Let’s Save the Earth: KAU Pavilion Hogs the limelightAgri Minister In VAIGA 2016 Minister for Agriculture V. S. Sunilkumar has called for a conscientious effort to regain fertility The KAU Pavilion hogged the Hon’ble Governor and Agri. Minister at of soil, purity of water and serenity of air. lime light in the exhibition held in KAU Pavilion in VAIGA connection with ‘International Speaking after inaugurating a Farmers’ Workshop on Agro Processing Hon’ble Governor, Chief market window at the premises of Wayanad KVK, and Value Addition,’ (VAIGA-2016) Minister, Minister for Agriculture Ambalavayal, on November 21 the Minister said at Thiruvananthapuram. and Minister for Industry among that policy makers, scientists, officers, farmers others appreciated KAU pavilion. and common man have to contribute to this KAU pavilion, the biggest in the cause in their own way, as this is inevitable for whole exhibition showcasing a Food products and nutrace- wellbeing of future generations. variety of value added products uticals made from under utilised from native agricultural produces fruits and vegetables star ‘Agriculture is the most important aspect of drew appreciation from all the attractions. Osmotic dehydra- our culture. Human actions have lead to erosion visitors and was adjudged the tion technology for preserva- of soil fertility, contamination of he ground water, best among stalls put up by tion of fruits like mango, papaya, pollution of air and destruction of bio diversity. Research institutes. banana, pineapple etc. also We have to strive to regain the lost ground.’ attracted attention. minister said. Chief Minister visiting KAU Pavilion in VAIGA Minister also stressed the need to promote Strengthen libraries to aid value addition as the best way to ensure qualitative improvement: MP adequate remuneration to farmers. Strengthening, modernisation and The function participated by farmers, optimum utilisation of library system is peoples’ representatives, public men, KAU imperative to enhance the quality of scientists and officers of agricultural department education and research, said C. N. was presided over by I. C. Balakrishnan MLA. Jayadevan, M. P. KAU Director of Extension Dr. S. Estelitta welcomed the gathering and KVK head Dr. P. Rajendran Inaugurating the Two Day National proposed vote of thanks. Seminar on “Academic Inclusion of Librarians in Digital Era” held at KAU onKannur KVK selected November 4, Jayadevan pointed out thatto implement ARRYA library movement was the key to social reformation in Kerala. Kannur KVK under KAU has been identified as the lone centre for implementing ICAR ‘Now the library system is getting transformed with the evolution of sponsored ARRYA (Attracting and Retaining information revolution and emergence of digital book world. It is important Youth in Agriculture) project in Kerala. that students, teachers and scientists acquire skills to utilise the modern system and librarians enhance their core competency to create an ARRYA, intended to provide entrepreneur- atmosphere conducive for knowledge sharing’, he added. ship opportunities to two hundred youth, will facilitate indirect employment to more than KAU Executive Committee member Dr. Jose Joseph presided. Adv. Aji twenty thousand persons. The programme Francis, member, EC delivered Key Note Address and opened the Technology mainly concentrates on value addition of Jackfruit, Exhibition. Dr. A. T. Francis, University Librarian & Organizing Secretary, Coconut etc. It will also benefit farmers, service Sanjo Jose, State General Secretary, Academic Library Association (ALA), providers and other stake- holders. The selected V. S. Kunju Muhammed, Librarian, Kerala Fisheries University spoke. CoH youth will be trained in production, processing Associate Dean Dr. C. George Thomas welcomed the gathering and and marketing. Dr. V. S. Swapna offered vote of thanks. Kannur KVK will be developed as an incubation centre for entrepreneurship development under the programme. It is the only KVK in Kerala covered under ARRYA project being implemented in twenty five selected districts across the country. Kannur KVK had won the best KVK award in 2010.Printed and Published by Dr. S. Estelitta, Director of Extension, KeralaAgricultural University. KAUP 77/400/04/2017 Editor: B.Ajitkumar, Public Relations Officer, KAU. Printed at KAU Press, Mannuthy