KAU News July 2015

Volume XXI. ISSUE 3 July 2015Web: www.kau.in Email: [email protected] of Practices WorkshopMinister bats for Farmer friendly, Need based ResearchAgricultural Minister K. P. Mohanan has dosage of green label chemicals likecalled for a farmer friendly, need based Chlorantranilprole, Fipronil etc., bioresearch approach and close co-ordina- control agents like Bacillus thuringiensis,tion between farm scientists, extension Beauveria basisana and herbicides likeworkers and farmers. Fenoxaprop, Azimsulfuron, Penoxsulam Speaking after inaugurating the two and Ethoxysulfuron for integrated pestday state workshop organised by KAU for and disease management displacing allthe revision of Package of Practice recomme- hazardous chemical agents.ndations (PoP), the minister appreciated In addition to KAU, scientists fromthe steps to formulate a separate package CPCRI, CTCRI, IISR and CWRDM alsofor organic farming. ‘KAU’s research Minister K. P. Mohanan inaugurates PoP Workshop presented technologies while officerscontributions have been significant and from department of agriculture andlaudable. Since we are striving to make befitting coincidence as nature and commodity boards participated in thethe state fully organic in 2016, spreading agriculture are inseparable. deliberations.awareness on Scientific organic farmingpractices is imperative and the intended The inaugural function was attended The plenary session chaired bypackage on it would be of great help'. The by Executive Committee member Dr. P. V. Balachandran, Director of Extensionminister said. Aji Francis, Director of Agriculture R. Ajith was inaugurated by Dr. T. R. Gopalakrishnan, Kumar and KAU Officers. Director of Research. Dr. Jose Mathew, K. P. Mohanan also dedicated the new Associate Director of Extension andcrop varieties developed by KAU to farming The two day workshop highlighted Dr. S. Estelitta, General Convener spoke. pest and disease management using bio-community by handing over them to farmers’ agents and ecofriendly crop production Recommendationsrepresentatives. technologies aimed at food safety. Dr. P. Rajendran, KAU Vice-Chancellor For food crops such as rice and Technologies approved in the work-in his presidential address said that the shop include use of Trichoderma viridaePoP workshop on environment day is a vegetables, workshop recommended low Cont’d on page 2Study Report on Organic farming Presented INSIDE THIS ISSUE : mode system, production bonus for Page 2 PoP recommendations, KAU-KSCDC organic farmers and involvement of NGOs and SHGs. MoU, CashewApple processing, ISHS Symposium, Strawberry farming and The report based on the feedback from Library seminar farmers, farmer groups, agri scientists Page 3 Cashew seminar, Pesticide lab at and policy makers also suggested that Padannakkad, Kalpadhenu Online, Bird Atlas & Central Zone ZREAC low cost rain shelters, preservation andMinister for Agriculture with KAU team at the integration of indigenous knowledge, Page 4 Message from VC, Admission portalpresentation of organic farming study report technology accompaniment to farmers, and NPK Sushama awards adequate storage facilities and more Page 5 GC Meet, Power starters for Tiller,Report of the study conducted by KAU residue analysis labs are essential. The Micro propagation unit at CPBMBon sustaining Organic farming in Kerala: study conducted in different locations of Page 6 Academic Council, KVK award, Website Launch, Reading weekFarmers’ appreciations and apprehensions, the state during May -July was supportedcurrent status and way forward was by SHM.presented at the Assembly Media centre Minister for Agriculture K. P. Mohanan Page 7 Kole land centre, Orientation for schoolon July 29. congratulated Dr. Ranjan S Karippai and students, Retirements and newThe report recommends a literacy Dr. Jalaja S. Menon for the timely study Officersmission on organic farming through LSGD and detailed report. Vice-Chancellorinstitutions, model organic farms and market Dr. P. Rajendran, Director of Agriculture Page 8 KNS Memmorial lecture,Felicitation tointelligence networks in all Panchayaths, R. Ajith Kumar, SHM MD Dr. K. Prathapan Govt.Chief Whip and Brain storming sessionParticipatory Guarantee System to ensure and officers of KAU as well as Departmentquality of produces, A three tier mission of Agriculture were present.

PAGE - 2 KAU NEWS July 2015Cont’d from page 1 KAU & KSCDC Sign MoU for Neera ProductionPoP Recommendationsfor bio control of stem bleeding in coconut; Beauveria KAU and Kerala Statebasisana for ginger shoot borer; lime, cow dung and Coconut Development Co-Pseudomonas for Rhizome rot and bacterial wilt of ginger rporation (KSCDC) signed aand Bacillus macerans, Pseudomonas and neem cake for Memorandum of Undermanagement of nematodes in cardamom. Bio control standing for the productionmeasures for the management of diseases of common and sale of Keramrutham,vegetables like Bhindi, Brinjal, Cowpea, Cucurbits etc., using the KAU brand of Neera.Trichoderma, Pseudomonas and Paeciliomyces and practiceslike Pheromone traps were approved by the workshop. The memorandum signed by KAU Registrar Dr. P. V. Balachandran and KSCDC Managing Director Asokkumar Guidelines for organic cultivation in homesteads and Thekkan on May 22 envisages large scale production of Neerapractices for cultivation of cool season vegetables like based on KAU technology and promotion of its sales throughCabbage, Cauliflower, Big onion etc., in the plains, technology outlets of KSCDC as well as University. The MoU was signedfor induction of flowering in Mango, control of Loranthus in the presence of KAU Vice-Chancellor Dr. P. Rajendran, KSCDCand cultivation practices of Pineapple variety Kew were also chairman Sabah Pulpatta, KAU Executive Committee memberapproved. New machines for post harvest technologies Aji Francis, Comptroller Dr. Joy Mathew and Assoc. Directorpertaining to banana, tubers, Jack and coconut were also of Research Dr. Pathummal Beevi.presented.Cashew Apple processing International SymposiumKAU technology attracts French Delegation at Ambalavayal KAU technology for KAU will host International Symposium on Succulents and Other Ornamentals in January 2016. cashew apple proce- International Society for Horticultural Science ( ISHS), ssing found new admi- the World’s leading independent Organization of rers from France. The Horticultural Scientists, has announced the conduct of the symposium at RARS, Ambalavayal four member delegation during 24 to 27, January 2016. from SENS (Solidarites It is the first International Symposium on Floriculture to be held in India. Entreprise Nord - sud), The first notification appeared in the a French entrepreneur- ISHS website can be accessed at http://issorars.org/French delegation at CRS, Madakkathra ship development company, which visited Study on Strawberry Cultivation in KeralaKAU’s Cashew Research Station at Madakkathara evinced keen A study on the perfor-interest in adopting the technologies for cashew apple mance of strawberry (Fragrance X ananassaprocessing in their units in Africa. ‘We have entrepreneurship Dutch.) conducted by KAU has indicated that the fruitdevelopment programmes in many countries. But the Cashew crop can be grown in the high ranges as well asapple is generally wasted and the KAU processing technologies central midlands of Kerala. In both locations plantingseems a wonderful avenue to enhance farmers’ income.’, said has to be done in the last week of September. Open filed cultivation in polyethyleneAnne Meyer, Charge demission, SENS. mulch favoured early fruiting, better fruit quality and higher yield. Strawberry fruits obtained High ranges possessed Michel Pernot Du Breuil , another member of the delegation comparatively better colour and appearance.said that the entrepreneurs could be trained at KAU.Mrs. Ghislaine, Pernot Du Breuil and Marx Abidji, other The yield of 8 t/ha obtained from High ranges was alsomembers of the delegation endorsed his view. Director of higher than the 3.3 t/ha yield from Midlands. The nationalExtension Dr. P. V. Balachandran, CRS Head Dr. P. B. Pushpalatha average is 4.5 to 10 t/ha. The experimental study wasand Dr. A. Sobhana explained the various technologies to the undertaken by Anu Kurien under Dr. K. Ajith Kumar, Associatedelegation. Professor, CoH as part of her PG programme.Workshop on Library Management The two day National workshop on Open Source LibraryManagement Software – KOHA organised by KAU at theCentral Library, Vellanikkara was inaugurated by M. P. VincentMLA, member, Executive Committee on May 29. Addressing the delegates from different parts of thecountry, M.P.Vincent said that libraries have always been anintegral part of knowledge dissemination process and adventof technology has made it more vigorous and interactive. KAU Registrar Dr. P. V. Balachandran presided. KAUGeneral Council member Dr.Mary Regina, UniversityLibrarian Dr. A.T. Francis, Library Association regionalsecretary K. Rajendran, A Sameer, Abdul Razak and K.J.Jessy spoke.

July 2015 KAU NEWS PAGE - 3Stone laid for Return to traditional crops andPesticide residue Lab traditional cuisine : Co-operation MinisterAt Padannakkad Minister for agriculture K.P. Minister for Co-operation, C. N.Mohanan said that the organic Balakrishnan has said that regainingKerala concept will turn in to a reality agricultural glory will not be possiblewith the involvement of people, policy unless Keralites shed lazy lifestyle andmakers and scientists. Speaking after return to traditional crops and traditionallaying the foundation stone for new cuisine.Pesticide residue laboratory andinaugurating the Mangofest 2015 at He was inaugurating a two day stateCoA, Padannakkad, he said Organicfarming techniques wil also pave way level seminar on emerging trends infor effective waste management. cashew farming organised by KAU and The function was presidedover by E. Chandrasekharan MLA. Directorate of Cashew and Cocoa Minister for Co-operation C. N. BalakrishnanK. Kunjhiraman MLA released the Development (DCCD) at Madakkathara. inaugurates the cashew seminarCoA Magazine. KAU Vice-ChancellorDr. P. Rajendran was honoured by the ‘It is pointed out that Kerala, which enjoyed numerouno position in Cashew productionminister. CoA Associate Dean Dr.M. Govindan thanked the minister has dropped to fourth position. Cashew factory workers are struggling. Is it becauseand university authorities forestablishing Pesticide residue lab at Cashew nut has no market? Cashew is enjoyed worldwide, but we have gone back inPadannakkad. production. It is not the lack of research support, but the general neglect of farming The Mangofest organised by CoAStudents’ union attracted the attention that has led us to this state.’, C. N. Balakrishnan said.and appreciation of all visitors as allvarieties of mangoes, rare and M. P. Vincent MLA in his presidential address exhorted farming community topopular were arranged in the show. adopt and practice advanced technologies. Madakkathara Panchayath PresidentBio control agents and plant nutrients Sujatha Balakrishnan, Vice-president Sundaran Kunnathully, KAU Executive Committeewere also on sale. member Dr. Jose Joseph, Registrar Dr. P. V. Balachandran, Director of Research Dr. T. R. Gopalakrishnan, Director of Planning Dr. Sajan Kurien, E. K. Subhash,Kalpadhenu Dr. M. L. Jyothi, K. A. Sulochana and P. Nikhil spoke. CRS Head Dr. P. B. Pushpalathalaunched Online welcomed the gathering and Dr. A. Sobhana proposed vote of thanks. The inaugural session was followed by Technical sessions on Cashew farming. Kerala to be first state with bird atlas A workshop of the Indian Bird Conservation Network (IBCN) held at CoF, Vellanikkara on 13 and 14 June 2015 resolved to create a bird atlas for Kerala, which will be the first among Indian states. Several bird conservation related issues were discussed at the workshop attended by experts from the Royal Society for Protection of Birds (RSPB)- UK, Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS-India) and 55 Kerala birdwatchers.KAU journal Kalpadhenu has gone The workshop proposed that the ecosystem services approach should be used toonline. evaluate Kerala’s beautiful wetlands, and the state should also consider setting a The online edition of Kalpadhenu ‘conservation toll’ for highways that are going through wildlife areas.was launched by KAU Vice-ChancellorDr. P. Rajendran in a simple Central Zone ZREAC held at Pattambifunction held at the University headquarters on June 30. Registrar Dr. The 36th ZREAC of central zone held at RARS, Pattambi on 26th June wasP. V. Balachandran, Editorial Board inaugurated by Dr. P. Raajendran, Vice-Chancellor in a function presided over bymembers of the journal and university Dr.T.R. Gopalakrishnan, Director of Research.officers participated. The Vice-Chancellor hoped that Vice Chancellor in his inaugural address suggested that development ofthe online version would help more production packages suitable for small holdings has become imperative. ‘Aim atquick and effective transfer of Soil health management and eco-friendly approaches in agriculture for healthy plants,technology and information sharing. healthy animals, and healthy food and there by healthy people.’, he said.Access to scientific informationshould be considered the right of ZREAC took note of the weed problems in dry sown rice caused by erratic rains.farmers and knowledge becomes Micronutrient deficiencies in various crops, disease and pest problems in vegetables,meaningful only when it is shared to spices and coconut were discussed. The urgent need for managementdeserving clientile, he said. Kalpadhenu, recommendations on precision farming, post-harvest handling, use of bio fertilisers,trimonthly published by Communi- issues of crop damages by wild animals etc. were highlighted.cation Centre will be hence forthavailable on the web link http:// Dr. Jose Mathew, ADE ; Beena, Additional Director of Agriculture, KSSDA and Dr.kau.in/basic-page/kalpadhenu Shaji James, Programme Co-ordinator, KVK, Palakkad spoke.

PAGE - 4 KAU NEWS July 2015Message From the Vice-ChancellorAgriculture for the Future The Green plants’ wonderful emerging scenario, technology oriented training to our youth ability to trap solar energy to and women should be a priority to boost productivity. feed living beings needs to be strengthened and sustained to Having conceived Food safety as an integral part of food ensure food security of the security in the wake of various developments and awareness planet. campaigns, backyard farming and kitchen gardening has now become a fad in the society. Economically viable and environ- The Indian agriculture mentally sound farming practices will help to empower the harbours about 56% of the society towards food and nutritional security. Harnessing population and its present advancements in IT and launching more MOOCs to provide moreshare in national GDP is 17% as against 30% in 1990. The opportunities is another sure step to ensure such empowerment.agricultural economy which grew at an annual rate of 3.7% in2007-2012, is projected to achieve an annual growth rate of Minimising post-harvest losses is another area which deserves4% in 2012-2017 with the growth rate of national GDP set to our attention. Improved efforts in value addition, productreach 8%. The agricultural production in 2013 was an all time diversification and branding of farm produces, especially thathigh of 264 million tonnes but with the population set to touch of traditional fruits like Jack, Mango and Banana and re-165 crores in 2050, food and water requirements needs to introduction of ethnic vegetables offer a variety of choices forbe up scaled by 40%. At the same time the per capita land the urban and rural population. New health foods for juvenilesavailability of Indians will get reduced to 0.09 ha in place of and diabetic patients can also emerge from such an approach.0.13 ha recorded in 2011. The research and educational activities also have to be In 1970-71, agriculture was the growth engine of Kerala reformed to adapt to the challenges confronting agriculture.economy as it contributed almost 50% of state income. It Shedding complacency and evolving out of the Box ideas is acame down to 17% in 2005 and further declined to 9% in must to achieve improved efficiency, performance and service2014. Per capita land availability in Kerala is estimated to delivery. The efficacy and quality of practical training givendecline to 10 cents from the current 26 cents and with the to students needs to be revisited. Internship and industriallarge scale conversion of agricultural lands and ever increasing attachment programmes needs to be reorganised withlabour charges, agricultural production is further endangered. renewed purpose and direction. Inbreeding has to beThe one and only obvious choice is increase in productivity, eradicated by prompting students to acquire different degreeswithout compromising on farm biodiversity and quality of from different universities. We have to explore thenatural resources. Conservation agriculture, a land use practice possibilities of using nanotechnology, IT, BT, GM technologywhich can sustain itself without degrading land and etc., to enhance productivity and sustainability of crops. Suchenvironment, will become more relevant in the coming years, a paradigm shift should be reflected in curriculum as well.particularly in small homesteads of Kerala. As Kerala agriculture is gearing up to become Organic by Sufficiency and efficiency of manpower is a very important 2016, weather based crop modeling and soil based farmingfactor in sustainable agriculture. The paradigm shift towards technology has to be top priorities. Varieties suitable foreducation and service sector created a big gap between climate resilient agriculture, realistic measures for conser-demand and availability of manpower in agriculture. Yet the vation of soil and water resources and solar powered farmoft decried shortage of manpower in farming sector also offers implements are some important steps towards this objective.an opportunity to create an army of trained youth induced A holistic approach is also imperative for sustainable agriculture,with interest, involvement and scientific knowhow in agricultural which would not materialise without the integration of differentoperations. Superficial skills of migrant workers being sketchy components such as plants, animals, poultry and fish. The futureand insufficient in the context of our agronomic practices and of agriculture rests on such an indispensable integration.New Admission Portal Dr. N. P. K. Sushama memorial awards Presented KAU has launched a V ice-Chancellor Dr. P. Dr. N. P. Kumari Sushama memorial awards and Agrifiesta endowmentRajendran launched the new admission portal at a Gold medals were presented by former Director of Extensionfunction held at University headquarters on July 6 in Dr. A. G. G. Menon in a function held at CoA, Vellayani on 14th July.connection with Digital India campaign week. Kumari Reshma (Best student), Dr. K. Umamaheswaran (Best teacher), Since sharing knowledge and access to services Dr. M. Meerabhai (Head of Best Department) and Silpa and Mathew T.is the primary objective of Digital India programme, (Best Extension students) received the Dr. N. P. Kumari Sushamaan institution like KAU has a key role to play and I am memorial awards.happy that it is being realised. ‘, he said. While Aravind T. received the Agrifiesta endowment Gold medal, The portal (www.admissions.kau.in) was designed Hima Parvathy and Devi Balakrishnan received the awards forand developed by KAU’s Center for e-Governance in best Entomology students instituted by Prof. Rajan Assari. Jayalakshmiassociation with National Informatics. V. R., Jayakrishnan J. T., Renya P. R. and Madhu K. Venu received the awards for best presentations in M.Sc (Integrated Bio Technology) Seminars. Dr. P. V. Balachandran, Registrar presided. DistrictInformatics officer Suresh Menon , Vinod Xavier, Systems Dr. C. Gokulapalan offered welcome and Dr. Biju Joseph proposedManager i/c and Dr. Joy Mathew, Comptroller also spoke. vote of thanks in the function presided over by Dr. L. Rajamony, Dean i/c.

July 2015 KAU NEWS PAGE - 5Transfer of land to Power GridGeneral Council seeks Compensation Package KAU General Council meeting held on 25th EC members P. A. Salam, M. P. Vincent MLA, Vice-Chancellor Dr. P. RajendranJuly resolved to seek a comprehensive and Registrar i/c T. B. Latha at GC meetingcompensation package for transfer of universityland to build a Bi pole station at Vellanikkara. Dr. Jiju P. Alex, V. S. Sathyaseelan and severalothers pointed out that unconditionalsurrendering of land used for research purposesis against bonafide interests of the university.Executive Committee member M. P. Vincent MLAassured the house that land will not betransferred without adequate and acceptablecompensation. Following this his proposal to holdfurther discussions to evolve an acceptablepackage was accepted by the council. The council mooted a sub committee with Francis accounts of the University for 2014-15. A resolutionKombara as chairman and Adv. Sony sebastian and the labour appreciating head and staff of Ambalavayal station forrepresentatives C. H. Muthu and M. A. Yohannan as members successful conduct of Pooppoli and Agrifiesta 2015 was alsoto oversee the welfare of farm labourers. An accident passed by the council.insurance scheme for labourers was also proposed. The meeting chaired by Vice-Chancellor was attended by Vice-Chancellor Dr. P. Rajendran assured Dr. A. Prema Executive Committee members P. A. Salam, Aji francis,that recruitment and Career Advancement Promotion of Dr. Jose Joseph and E. K. Prakash as well as GC membersacademic staff will be expedited. He also informed the house Dr. T. N. Jagdeeshkumar, Dr. S. Devanesan, Vishnu Narayanan,that revival of Manjeswaram station of KAU is being actively Soumya krishnan, Varghese Ollukkaran, Rajiv Nellikkunneelpursued. Vice-Chancellor agreed to approach the and Anil Pulikkal. Registrar i/c T. B. Latha, Comptroller Dr. JoyGovernment for rectification of anomalies in pay revision. The Mathew, Directors of Research, Academic, Extension, Physicalcouncil approved the award of degree to students who Plant and Planning and Deans of faculties were also present.successfully completed courses, Annual report and annualCommercial micro propagation unit Power starter to make Powerat CPBMB instated Tillers Gender friendly The commercial A gender friendly self-starter mechanism for micro propagation power tillers has been developed at ARS, unit atta-ched to KAU Mannuthy so as to avoid the cumbersome cranking Centre for Plant Bio- procedure traditionally used to start tillers. technology and Mole- cular Biology (CPBMB) The new starting system enables smooth key was inaugurated on in starting of tillers just like a car. Working on a 12 May 4. V, 70 AH battery and charging system, it is connected to the control panel which also includesVice-Chancellor inaugurates Micro propagation unit The unit inaugurated ignition switch, indicator switch, headlight switch at CPBMB by Vice-Chancellor and ammeter. Dr. P. Rajendran is expe- cted to ensure large ‘Hither to operation of tillers remained elusive to scale availability of womenfolk because of the difficulty in oper- ation of cranking system.‘Said Dr. P. Rajendran, KAUquality TC planting material as per National Certification System for Tissue Vice-Chancellor after launching the new system onCulture Plants (NCS-TCP) and capacity building of entrepreneurs in July 1. ‘This is an important landmark in our effortscommercial micro propagation. The inaugural function was presided in pursuit of gender friendly farm machinery. Next in line is a remote operated tiller. These machinesover by Dr.T.R.Gopalakrishnan, Director of Research. are bound to revive farming. We also intend to transfer the technology to major tiller CPBMB is the ‘Lead Centre’ validating and perfecting the protocols for manufacturers like KAMCO so that it can becomecommercial exploitation shared among the participating centres. The a standard part of their products.’ Vice-chancellorcentre is providing training to entrepreneurs and giving technical advice explained.to the participating centres and is co-ordinating the production schedule.The net work project is also giving technical support to BMFC, ARS Head Dr. U. Jaikumaran said that the newKazhakoottam under Department of Agriculture for validation of protocols starting assembly is developed at a moderateand trouble shooting. cost of Rs. 20,000/-, but the cost can be further brought down if multiple units are developed on a commercial basis.

PAGE - 6 KAU NEWS July 2015Academic Council nod for Syllabus recast, New Department Vice– Chancellor address the Academic council ’The seat, reserved for students who won state award and should have cleared the entrance examination, will be over Academic Council meeting held on July 10 decided to and above the sanctioned strength. The applications for thisrecast syllabus of various courses offered under the three seat will be scrutinized by a high level committee.’, saidfaculties. Dr. P. Rajendran, Vice-Chancellor. The 125th meeting of the council held at KAU headquar- The council decided to establish a department of seed technologyters also cleared the Government proposal to reserve and finalized the staff pattern for the same. It also approvedone seat for B.Sc (Hons) Agriculture to students with proven the proposals to start a PhD programme in Microbiology inability in agriculture in order to promote awareness of Vellayani and Vellanikkara campuses, reduce the fee foragricultural education and encourage youngsters take up supplementary examinations and permit integrated MScthis stream of science. Biotechnology students to undertake research work in streams other than plant biotechnology. The meeting chaired by Vice-Chancellor was attended by Registrar Dr. P. V. Balachandran, Academic Director Dr. T. E.George, Directors of Research, Extension and Planning, Deans of faculties, Associate Deans, heads of institutions, elected representatives of teachers and students as well as nominated members. Palakkad KVK bags ICAR Award New Website Launched Palakkad KVK under KAU has been adjudged as the best KVK in Thomas Unniyadan MLA launchessouthern India. The ICAR recognition comes in the wake of different The new KAU Websiteactivities undertaken by the Kendra during 2009-2014. The awardconsisting of Rs. Four lakhs and citation was received by Dr. Government Chief Whip Thomas UnniyadanM. C. Narayanan Kutty, Head, KVK and Dr. P. V. Balachandran, DE i/c MLA launched the new KAU Website in aduring the national meet of KVKs held at Patna on July 25. function presided over by Vice-chancellor Dr. P. Rajendran on June 2. M. P. Vincent MLA The initiatives of KVK in farm mechanisation, ecofriendly farming was the chief guest.practices, energy conservation, progressive measures in tribal areas,Popularisation of bio control agents etc. were the factors appreciated The new unified website systemby judging committee. Vice-Chancellor Dr. P. Rajendran congratulated designed by KAU Centre for Informationthe KVK scientists for their achievement. Technology and Instrumentation brings the websites of University and its constituentLanguage the greatest invention: Writer institutions under the common address www.kau.in Writer Madampu Kunjukuttan hassaid that language is the greatest The new web system uses RWD technologiesever human invention without which harnessing the powerful features of theneither the need nor the effect of popular free and open source and contentother discoveries would not have been management system Drupal-7. It providescommunicated. easy reading and navigation experience across a wide range of devices. It also Inaugurating the valedictory fun- Madampu Kunjukuttan facilitates easy sharing of links to Social Mediaction of reading week celebrations platforms, translation of contents to 60organised at CoH by KAU, Madampu will enrich writing there by strengthe- languages as well as accessibility to differentlypointed out that sincere efforts to ning the language.’ He said. abled persons.save Malayalam language is theneed of the hour. Dr. Jose Joseph, member, KAU Executive Committee presided. Dr. Jim ‘If the mother tongue of more Thomas, Associate Director deliveredthan three crores people with hundred key note address. University librarianpercent literacy is at crossroads, it Dr. A. T. Francis, CoH Associate deanis definitely not because of lack of Dr. Koshy Abraham, Administrativecelebrations. Celebrations like Officer V. N. Narayanan, Academicreading day or reading week will not Library Association representativesave the language. Real reading is a K. D. Anto, CoH students’ Uniondaily activity and cannot be confined secretary P. Arunjith, Readers’ forumto occasions. Knowledge and language convener Anagha S Nambeesan andare mutually complimentary and V. S. Swapna spoke.hence inseparable. Those who seekknowledge should read and reading

July 2015 KAU NEWS PAGE - 7Kole land productivity Centre inaugurated Agricultural orientation for Secondary students Minister for Agriculture K. P. Mohanan has said that diversi-fication of farming activities is imperative to sustain agriculture. M. P. Vincent MLA has said that KAU has charted Speaking after inaugurating the KAU Kole land productivity out a programme toresearch centre at Muriyad, the minister said that multi cropping support farming opera-patterns should be encouraged so that holistic self-sufficiency is tions in schools.achieved in all localities. Speaking after inaugura- ‘The Kole lands productivity research centre will be a forum for ting the Agricultural orient-farmer Participatory research. I am happy that the Panchayath, ation programme for Secondary students imple-MLA and farmers in Muriyad have come together to facilitate the mented by KAU at a function held at ARS, Mannuthy,establishment of such a research centre. The expertise of KAU he said that fifty schools will be involved in the pilotscientists will be definitely helpful in propping up the Kole land phase implemented in Thrissur District . ‘One thousandfarming here.’, he said. students and one hundred teachers will be covered in the pilot phase. The programme is envisaged to instill Minister also said that the organic farming model projected by affinity towards agriculture and drive home theKerala is being appreciated and keenly followed by Government importance of food safety and nutritional security. Theof India as well as neighbouring states. project is intended to be pread throughout the state.’ He said. Government Chief Whip Thomas Unniyadan MLA presided overthe function. Thrissur MP C. N. Jayadevan, KAU Vice-Chancellor KAU Registrar Dr. P. V. Balachandran, presided. ARSDr. P. Rajendran, Executive Committee member Aji Francis, Registrar Head Dr. U. Jaikumaran, Dr. K. P. Prameela andDr. P. V. Balachandran, Comptroller Dr. Joy Mathew, Director of Dr. A. Latha spoke.Physical plant Dr. V. R. Ramachandran, Principal Agricultural OfficerC. Sreeletha, and members of Panchayath council participated.Director of Research Dr. I. Johnkuty welcomed the gathering andMuriyad Panchayath President Raghavan master proposed voteof thanks.Dr. T. R. Gopalakrishnan Retires Change of Guard in faculties and KAU Director of Research Dr. T. R. Gopalakrishnan retired from service on superannuation on 14 June 2015. Directorates Recipient of many awards including the first young scientist Dr. I. Johnkutty, ADR, has taken over award instituted by State Government in 1989, Krishi Vigyan as Director of Research with effect from Award for the best agricultural scientist in Kerala (1996), Dr. June 15 following the retirement of Harbhajan Singh Award (1993) and best Research paper Dr. T. R. Gopalakrishnan. award (2001 and 2014 and 2015) at National level, Dr. Gopalakrishnan has more than 35 years of experience in the Dr. L. Rajamony has been placed in charge of Dean, faculty of Agriculturefield of vegetable research and research administration. He has developed more and Dr. M. S. Hajilal as the Dean, Facultythan 25 improved varieties of tropical vegetables, which are popular among of Agricultural Engineering.farmers. This follows the completion of term Serving KAU since December 1977, Dr. Gopalakrishnan has guided 47 PG of appointment of Agriculture facultystudents and published more than 50 research papers, 60 research articles , and Dean Dr. Sverup John and Agricultural6 books. Before becoming the Director of Research in 2010 Dr. Gopalakrishnan Engineering faculty Dean Dr. M.served as Chief Executive officer of VFPCK, ADR (Vegetable Mission), OSD (Seeds), Sivaswamy on July 3.Head, KHDP and Head of the Department of Olericulture in KAU. Dr. Sverup John has taken over theDr. Jose Mathew post of Project Director and Head, ORARS, Kayamkulam. Dr. M . Sivaswamy Dr. Jose Mathew, ADE & Director of Extension i/c retired continues as professor & Head,from KAU service on superannuation on 17 July 2015. He Department of Farm power machineryheld the charge of DE from July 3 to his date of retirement. at KCAE & T, Tavanur. Dr. Jose Mathew was involved in the implementation of Dr. P. V. Balachandran, whose term114 research projects including 40 farmer participatory of appointment as Director ofresearch programmes. He has published 186 research Extension was also over on July 3 waspapers, 23 books, 21 book chapters, 27 technical bulletins placed in full additional charge of KAUand 116 extension articles and attended 94 seminars Registrar.including 4 international programmes held at Philippines,Australia, Tanzania and Uganda. Later Dr. P. V. Balachandran has been entrusted with the charge of the Director of Extension from July 17.

PAGE - 8 KAU NEWS July 2015Change the approach to farming : T. Madhava Menon Former KAU Vice-Chancellor and T. Madhava Menon delivering the Xth culture, purveying services andscholar T. Madhava Menon IAS (retd.), Dr. Shyamasundaran Nair Memorial Lecture keeping files. Agricultural financingstressed the need to recast and also should change and encompassharmonise agriculture as practiced, surplus should be the order of preference. family farming., he said.agriculture as administered and Farming need not be the main occupation,agriculture as taught. but each family member should contribute Remembering Dr. Shyamasundaran by way of non-paid labour in homestead Nair as a highly trained agricultural Delivering a lecture on whither concurrently attending to his primary scientist, an able administrator and aAgriculture in Kerala at Vellayani, as occupation for income.’, he said. warm personality who liked everyonepart of Dr. Shyamasundaran Nair and liked by everyone, Madhavamemorial lecture series organised by Stressing that no space is non Menon said that agro climaticKAU, the indomitable veteran agricultural, he further suggested that zonation of Kerala and proposal foradministrator called for a change in administering agriculture should depart reconstitution of Villages based onperception, planning and implemen- from age old practice of promoting mono micro watersheds proposed by thetation of agricultural programmes so late expert would have had a greatthat food security and food sufficie- effect in agricultural and economicncy is achieved in each homestead, in revolution.turn leading to state level food security. The function held on July 24 was ‘What ails our agriculture is over presided over by Dr. L. Rajamony, Deandependence on markets. The objective i/c. Dr. S. Devanesan, Assoc. Directorof farming in Kerala should not be of Research, Dr. R. Prakash, Assoc.income, but generation of food, Director of Extension, Dr. P.S.adequate in quality and quantity, fresh Geethakutty, Prof & Head, KAU Centreand wholesome, for food security of for Gender Studies and Dr. V. B.the families. Survival, sufficiency and Padmanabhan spoke.Thomas Unniyadan MLA Southern zoneFelicitated Brain storming session Vice-Chancellor honouring The function held on June 2 Vice-Chancellor inaugurates southern zone Thomas Unniyadan MLA to honour Government Chief brainstorming session at Thiruvananthapuram Whip was inaugurated by M. P. Government Chief Whip Thomas Vincent MLA. KAU Vice – The brainstorming session of KAU scientistsUnniyadan MLA has said that he will extend Chancellor Dr. P. Rajendran, who in southern region held at Thiruvananthapuramall possible help to bail out Kerala presided over the function, on June 9 was inaugurated by Vice-ChancellorAgricultural University from financial crisis presented a memento and Dr. P. Rajendran.and improve its profile. draped a shawl to honour Thomas Unniyadan on behalf of The Vice-chancellor, in his inaugural address Responding to the felicitation by KAU the University. stressed the need of appropriate technologiescommunity on his elevation as Government for emerging trends in homestead farming.Chief Whip, he said that he believes in co- Executive Committee memordination, co-operation and selfless public bers I. C. Balakrishnan MLA, The session was chaired by Dr. T. R. Gopalkrishnan,service. ‘KAU too can be propelled to K. A. Sheena, P. A. Salam, Dr. Director of Research. Director of Agriculturehigher orbits if we all work together.’, he M. Anandaraj, E. K. Prakash, Aji R.Ajithkumar, Dean i/c Dr. C. S. Jayachandran Nair,said. Francis and Dr. Jose Joseph; Dr. V. L. Geethakumary, Dr. Annamma George, General Council members Dr. Hajilala, Dr. R. Suresh, Dr. B. R. Raghunath, Varghese Ollukkaran and M. A. Dr. Sam T Kurumthottikkal and Dr. Jacob John Yohannan; organisation leaders spoke. Associate Director Dr. S. Devanesan K. Gireendrababu, Kunjunny offered welcome and Dr. P. Sukumari proposed Menon and C. V. Poulose vote of thanks. spoke. Registrar Dr. P. V. Balachandran welcomed the gathering and Comptroller Dr. Joy Mathew proposed vote of thanks. Printed and Published by Dr. P. V. Balachandran, Director of Extension, Kerala Agricultural University. 85/400/06/2015 Editor: B. Ajitkumar, Public Relations Officer, KAU. Printed at KAU Press, Mannuthy