Volume XXI. ISSUE 3

Web: www.kau.in Email: pro@kau.in

July 2015

Package of Practices WorkshopMinister bats for Farmer friendly, Need based Research

Agricultural Minister K. P. Mohanan hascalled for a farmer friendly, need basedresearch approach and close co-ordina-tion between farm scientists, extensionworkers and farmers.

Speaking after inaugurating the twoday state workshop organised by KAU forthe revision of Package of Practice recomme-ndations (PoP), the minister appreciatedthe steps to formulate a separate packagefor organic farming. ‘KAU’s researchcontributions have been significant andlaudable. Since we are striving to makethe state fully organic in 2016, spreadingawareness on Scientific organic farmingpractices is imperative and the intendedpackage on it would be of great help'. Theminister said.

K. P. Mohanan also dedicated the newcrop varieties developed by KAU to farmingcommunity by handing over them to farmers’representatives.

Dr. P. Rajendran, KAU Vice-Chancellor in his presidential address said that thePoP workshop on environment day is a

bef itting coincidence as nature andagriculture are inseparable.

The inaugural function was attendedby Executive Committee memberAji Francis, Director of Agriculture R. AjithKumar and KAU Officers.

The two day workshop highlighted pest and disease management using bio-agents and ecofriendly crop productiontechnologies aimed at food safety.

For food crops such as rice andvegetables, workshop recommended low

dosage of green label chemicals likeChlorantranilprole, Fipronil etc., biocontrol agents like Bacillus thuringiensis,Beauveria basisana and herbicides likeFenoxaprop, Azimsulfuron, Penoxsulamand Ethoxysulfuron for integrated pestand disease management displacing allhazardous chemical agents.

In addition to KAU, scientists fromCPCRI, CTCRI, IISR and CWRDM alsopresented technologies while officersfrom department of agriculture andcommodity boards participated in thedeliberations.

The plenary session chaired byDr. P. V. Balachandran, Director of Extensionwas inaugurated by Dr. T. R. Gopalakrishnan,Director of Research. Dr. Jose Mathew,Associate Director of Extension andDr. S. Estelitta, General Convener spoke.

Recommendations

Technologies approved in the work-shop include use of Trichoderma viridae

Cont’d on page 2

Minister K. P. Mohanan inaugurates PoP Workshop

 Minister for Agriculture with KAU team at thepresentation of organic farming study report

Report of the study conducted by KAUon sustaining Organic farming in Kerala:Farmers’ appreciations and apprehensions,current status and way forward waspresented at the Assembly Media centreon July 29.

The report recommends a literacymission on organic farming through LSGDinstitutions, model organic farms and marketintelligence networks in all Panchayaths,Participatory Guarantee System to ensurequality of produces, A three tier mission

mode system, production bonus fororganic farmers and involvement of NGOsand SHGs.

The report based on the feedback fromfarmers, farmer groups, agri scientistsand policy makers also suggested thatlow cost rain shelters, preservation andintegration of indigenous knowledge,technology accompaniment to farmers,adequate storage facilities and moreresidue analysis labs are essential. Thestudy conducted in different locations ofthe state during May -July was supportedby SHM.

Minister for Agriculture K. P. Mohanancongratulated Dr. Ranjan S Karippai andDr. Jalaja S. Menon for the timely studyand detailed report. Vice-ChancellorDr. P. Rajendran, Director of AgricultureR. Ajith Kumar, SHM MD Dr. K. Prathapanand officers of KAU as well as Departmentof Agriculture were present.

INSIDE THIS ISSUE :Page 2 PoP recommendations, KAU-KSCDC

MoU, Cashew Apple processing, ISHSSymposium, Strawberry farming andLibrary seminar

Page 3 Cashew seminar, Pesticide lab atPadannakkad, Kalpadhenu Online,Bird Atlas & Central Zone ZREAC

Page 4 Message from VC, Admission portaland NPK Sushama awards

Page 5 GC Meet, Power starters for Tiller,Micro propagation unit at CPBMB

Page 6 Academic Council, KVK award,Website Launch, Reading week

Page 7 Kole land centre, Orientation for schoolstudents, Retirements and newOfficers

Page 8 KNS Memmorial lecture,Felicitation toGovt.Chief Whip and Brain stormingsession

Study Report on Organic farming Presented

KAU NEWSPAGE - 2 JulyJulyJulyJulyJuly 2015

Cont’d from page 1

PoP Recommendationsfor bio control of stem bleeding in coconut; Beauveria basisana for ginger shoot borer; lime, cow dung andPseudomonas for Rhizome rot and bacterial wilt of gingerand Bacillus macerans, Pseudomonas and neem cake formanagement of nematodes in cardamom. Bio controlmeasures for the management of diseases of commonvegetables like Bhindi, Brinjal, Cowpea, Cucurbits etc., usingTrichoderma, Pseudomonas and Paeciliomyces and practiceslike Pheromone traps were approved by the workshop.

Guidelines for organic cultivation in homesteads andpractices for cultivation of cool season vegetables likeCabbage, Cauliflower, Big onion etc., in the plains, technologyfor induction of flowering in Mango, control of Loranthusand cultivation practices of Pineapple variety Kew were alsoapproved. New machines for post harvest technologiespertaining to banana, tubers, Jack and coconut were alsopresented.

KAU and Kerala StateCoconut Development Co-rporation (KSCDC) signed aMemorandum of Understanding for the productionand sale of Keramrutham,the KAU brand of Neera.

The memorandum signed by KAU Registrar Dr.P. V. Balachandran and KSCDC Managing Director AsokkumarThekkan on May 22 envisages large scale production of Neerabased on KAU technology and promotion of its sales throughoutlets of KSCDC as well as University. The MoU was signedin the presence of KAU Vice-Chancellor Dr. P. Rajendran, KSCDCchairman Sabah Pulpatta, KAU Executive Committee memberAji Francis, Comptroller Dr. Joy Mathew and Assoc. Directorof Research Dr. Pathummal Beevi.

International Symposiumat Ambalavayal

KAU will host International Symposium on Succulentsand Other Ornamentals in January 2016.

International Society for Horticultural Science ( ISHS), the World’s leading independent Organization of

Horticultural Scientists, has announced the conduct of thesymposium at RARS, Ambalavayalduring 24 to 27, January 2016.

It is the first International Symposiumon Floriculture to be held in India. The first notification appeared in the

ISHS website can be accessed at http://issorars.org/

French delegation at CRS, Madakkathra

KAU technology forcashew apple proce-ssing found new admi-rers from France. Thefour member delegationfrom SENS (SolidaritesEntreprise Nord - sud),a French entrepreneur-ship developmentcompany, which visited

KAU’s Cashew Research Station at Madakkathara evinced keeninterest in adopting the technologies for cashew appleprocessing in their units in Africa. ‘We have entrepreneurshipdevelopment programmes in many countries. But the Cashewapple is generally wasted and the KAU processing technologiesseems a wonderful avenue to enhance farmers’ income.’, saidAnne Meyer, Charge demission, SENS.

Michel Pernot Du Breuil , another member of the delegationsaid that the entrepreneurs could be trained at KAU.Mrs. Ghislaine, Pernot Du Breuil and Marx Abidji, othermembers of the delegation endorsed his view. Director ofExtension Dr. P. V. Balachandran, CRS Head Dr. P. B. Pushpalathaand Dr. A. Sobhana explained the various technologies to thedelegation.

A study on the perfor-mance of strawberry(Fragrance X ananassaDutch.) conducted by KAUhas indicated that the fruitcrop can be grown in thehigh ranges as well ascentral midlands of Kerala.In both locations plantinghas to be done in the lastweek of September. Open filed cultivation in polyethylenemulch favoured early fruiting, better fruit quality and higheryield. Strawberry fruits obtained High ranges possessedcomparatively better colour and appearance.

The yield of 8 t/ha obtained from High ranges was alsohigher than the 3.3 t/ha yield from Midlands. The nationalaverage is 4.5 to 10 t/ha. The experimental study wasundertaken by Anu Kurien under Dr. K. Ajith Kumar, AssociateProfessor, CoH as part of her PG programme.

KAU & KSCDC Sign MoUfor Neera Production

Cashew Apple processingKAU technology attracts French Delegation

Study on Strawberry Cultivationin Kerala

Workshop on Library ManagementWorkshop on Library ManagementWorkshop on Library ManagementWorkshop on Library ManagementWorkshop on Library ManagementThe two day National workshop on Open Source Library

Management 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.

KAU NEWS PAGE - 3JulyJulyJulyJulyJuly 2015

KalpadhenuKalpadhenuKalpadhenuKalpadhenuKalpadhenulaunched Onlinelaunched Onlinelaunched Onlinelaunched Onlinelaunched Online

KAU journal Kalpadhenu has goneonline.

The online edition of Kalpadhenuwas launched by KAU Vice-ChancellorDr. P. Rajendran in a simplefunction held at the University headquarters on June 30. Registrar Dr.P. V. Balachandran, Editorial Boardmembers of the journal and universityofficers participated.

The Vice-Chancellor hoped thatthe online version would help morequick and effective transfer oftechnology and information sharing.Access to scientif ic informationshould be considered the right offarmers and knowledge becomesmeaningful only when it is shared todeserving clientile, he said. Kalpadhenu,trimonthly published by Communi-cation Centre will be hence forthavailable on the web link http://kau.in/basic-page/kalpadhenu

Minister for agriculture K.P.Mohanan said that the organicKerala concept will turn in to a realitywith the involvement of people, policymakers and scientists. Speaking afterlaying the foundation stone for newPesticide residue laboratory andinaugurating the Mangofest 2015 atCoA, Padannakkad, he said Organicfarming techniques wil also pave wayfor effective waste management.

The function was presidedover by E. Chandrasekharan MLA.K. Kunjhiraman MLA released theCoA Magazine. KAU Vice-ChancellorDr. P. Rajendran was honoured by theminister. CoA Associate Dean Dr.M. Govindan thanked the ministerand university authorities forestablishing Pesticide residue lab atPadannakkad.

The Mangofest organised by CoAStudents’ union attracted the attentionand appreciation of all visitors as allvarieties of mangoes, rare andpopular were arranged in the show.Bio control agents and plant nutrientswere also on sale.

Minister for Co-operation, C. N.Balakrishnan has said that regainingagricultural glory will not be possibleunless Keralites shed lazy lifestyle andreturn to traditional crops and traditionalcuisine.

He was inaugurating a two day statelevel seminar on emerging trends incashew farming organised by KAU andDirectorate of Cashew and CocoaDevelopment (DCCD) at Madakkathara.

‘It is pointed out that Kerala, which enjoyed numerouno position in Cashew productionhas dropped to fourth position. Cashew factory workers are struggling. Is it becauseCashew nut has no market? Cashew is enjoyed worldwide, but we have gone back inproduction. It is not the lack of research support, but the general neglect of farmingthat has led us to this state.’, C. N. Balakrishnan said.

M. P. Vincent MLA in his presidential address exhorted farming community toadopt and practice advanced technologies. Madakkathara Panchayath PresidentSujatha Balakrishnan, Vice-president Sundaran Kunnathully, KAU Executive Committeemember Dr. Jose Joseph, Registrar Dr. P. V. Balachandran, Director of ResearchDr. T. R. Gopalakrishnan, Director of Planning Dr. Sajan Kurien, E. K. Subhash,Dr. M. L. Jyothi, K. A. Sulochana and P. Nikhil spoke. CRS Head Dr. P. B. Pushpalathawelcomed 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 atlasA 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 firstamong Indian states.

Several bird conservation related issues were discussed at the workshop attendedby experts from the Royal Society for Protection of Birds (RSPB)- UK, Bombay NaturalHistory Society (BNHS-India) and 55 Kerala birdwatchers.

The workshop proposed that the ecosystem services approach should be used toevaluate Kerala’s beautiful wetlands, and the state should also consider setting a‘conservation toll’ for highways that are going through wildlife areas.

Return to traditional crops andtraditional cuisine : Co-operation Minister

Minister for Co-operation C. N. Balakrishnaninaugurates the cashew seminar

Central Zone ZREAC held at PattambiThe 36th ZREAC of central zone held at RARS, Pattambi on 26th June was

inaugurated by Dr. P. Raajendran, Vice-Chancellor in a function presided over byDr.T.R. Gopalakrishnan, Director of Research.

Vice Chancellor in his inaugural address suggested that development ofproduction packages suitable for small holdings has become imperative. ‘Aim atSoil health management and eco-friendly approaches in agriculture for healthy plants,healthy animals, and healthy food and there by healthy people.’, he said.

ZREAC took note of the weed problems in dry sown rice caused by erratic rains.Micronutrient deficiencies in various crops, disease and pest problems in vegetables,spices and coconut were discussed. The urgent need for managementrecommendations on precision farming, post-harvest handling, use of bio fertilisers,issues of crop damages by wild animals etc. were highlighted.

Dr. Jose Mathew, ADE ; Beena, Additional Director of Agriculture, KSSDA and Dr.Shaji James, Programme Co-ordinator, KVK, Palakkad spoke.

Stone laid forPesticide residue LabAt Padannakkad

KAU NEWSPAGE - 4

Message From the Vice-Chancellor

The Green plants’ wonderfulability to trap solar energy tofeed living beings needs to bestrengthened and sustained toensure food security of theplanet.

The Indian agricultureharbours about 56% of thepopulation and its present

share in national GDP is 17% as against 30% in 1990. Theagricultural economy which grew at an annual rate of 3.7% in2007-2012, is projected to achieve an annual growth rate of4% in 2012-2017 with the growth rate of national GDP set toreach 8%. The agricultural production in 2013 was an all timehigh of 264 million tonnes but with the population set to touch165 crores in 2050, food and water requirements needs tobe up scaled by 40%. At the same time the per capita landavailability of Indians will get reduced to 0.09 ha in place of0.13 ha recorded in 2011.

In 1970-71, agriculture was the growth engine of Keralaeconomy as it contributed almost 50% of state income. Itcame down to 17% in 2005 and further declined to 9% in2014. Per capita land availability in Kerala is estimated todecline to 10 cents from the current 26 cents and with thelarge scale conversion of agricultural lands and ever increasinglabour charges, agricultural production is further endangered.The one and only obvious choice is increase in productivity,without compromising on farm biodiversity and quality ofnatural resources. Conservation agriculture, a land use practicewhich can sustain itself without degrading land andenvironment, will become more relevant in the coming years,particularly in small homesteads of Kerala.

Sufficiency and efficiency of manpower is a very importantfactor in sustainable agriculture. The paradigm shift towardseducation and service sector created a big gap betweendemand and availability of manpower in agriculture. Yet theoft decried shortage of manpower in farming sector also offersan opportunity to create an army of trained youth inducedwith interest, involvement and scientific knowhow in agriculturaloperations. Superficial skills of migrant workers being sketchyand insufficient in the context of our agronomic practices and

emerging scenario, technology oriented training to our youthand women should be a priority to boost productivity.

Having conceived Food safety as an integral part of foodsecurity in the wake of various developments and awarenesscampaigns, backyard farming and kitchen gardening has nowbecome a fad in the society. Economically viable and environ-mentally sound farming practices will help to empower thesociety towards food and nutritional security. Harnessingadvancements in IT and launching more MOOCs to provide moreopportunities is another sure step to ensure such empowerment.

Minimising post-harvest losses is another area which deservesour attention. Improved efforts in value addition, productdiversification and branding of farm produces, especially thatof traditional fruits like Jack, Mango and Banana and re-introduction of ethnic vegetables offer a variety of choices forthe urban and rural population. New health foods for juvenilesand diabetic patients can also emerge from such an approach.

The research and educational activities also have to bereformed to adapt to the challenges confronting agriculture.Shedding complacency and evolving out of the Box ideas is amust to achieve improved efficiency, performance and servicedelivery. The efficacy and quality of practical training givento students needs to be revisited. Internship and industrialattachment programmes needs to be reorganised withrenewed purpose and direction. Inbreeding has to beeradicated by prompting students to acquire different degreesfrom different universities. We have to explore thepossibilities of using nanotechnology, IT, BT, GM technologyetc., to enhance productivity and sustainability of crops. Sucha paradigm shift should be reflected in curriculum as well.

As Kerala agriculture is gearing up to become Organic by2016, weather based crop modeling and soil based farmingtechnology has to be top priorities. Varieties suitable forclimate resilient agriculture, realistic measures for conser-vation of soil and water resources and solar powered farmimplements are some important steps towards this objective.A holistic approach is also imperative for sustainable agriculture,which would not materialise without the integration of differentcomponents such as plants, animals, poultry and fish. The futureof agriculture rests on such an indispensable integration.

New Admission PortalKAU has launched a Vice-Chancellor Dr. P.

Rajendran launched the new admission portal at afunction held at University headquarters on July 6 inconnection with Digital India campaign week.

Since sharing knowledge and access to servicesis the primary objective of Digital India programme,an institution like KAU has a key role to play and I amhappy that it is being realised. ‘, he said.

The portal (www.admissions.kau.in) was designedand developed by KAU’s Center for e-Governance inassociation with National Informatics.

Dr. P. V. Balachandran, Registrar presided. DistrictInformatics officer Suresh Menon , Vinod Xavier, SystemsManager i/c and Dr. Joy Mathew, Comptroller also spoke.

Dr. N. P. K. Sushama memorial awards PresentedDr. N. P. Kumari Sushama memorial awards and Agrifiesta endowment

Gold medals were presented by former Director of ExtensionDr. A. G. G. Menon in a function held at CoA, Vellayani on 14th July.

Kumari Reshma (Best student), Dr. K. Umamaheswaran (Best teacher),Dr. M. Meerabhai (Head of Best Department) and Silpa and Mathew T.(Best Extension students) received the Dr. N. P. Kumari Sushamamemorial awards.

While Aravind T. received the Agrifiesta endowment Gold medal,Hima Parvathy and Devi Balakrishnan received the awards forbest Entomology students instituted by Prof. Rajan Assari. JayalakshmiV. R., Jayakrishnan J. T., Renya P. R. and Madhu K. Venu received the awardsfor best presentations in M.Sc (Integrated Bio Technology) Seminars.

Dr. C. Gokulapalan offered welcome and Dr. Biju Joseph proposedvote of thanks in the function presided over by Dr. L. Rajamony, Dean i/c.

Agriculture for the Future

JulyJulyJulyJulyJuly 2015

KAU NEWS PAGE - 5July July July July July 2015

EC members P. A. Salam, M. P. Vincent MLA, Vice-Chancellor Dr. P. Rajendranand Registrar i/c T. B. Latha at GC meeting

KAU General Council meeting held on 25th

July resolved to seek a comprehensivecompensation 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.

accounts of the University for 2014-15. A resolutionappreciating head and staff of Ambalavayal station forsuccessful conduct of Pooppoli and Agrifiesta 2015 was alsopassed by the council.

The meeting chaired by Vice-Chancellor was attended byExecutive Committee members P. A. Salam, Aji francis,Dr. Jose Joseph and E. K. Prakash as well as GC membersDr. T. N. Jagdeeshkumar, Dr. S. Devanesan, Vishnu Narayanan,Soumya krishnan, Varghese Ollukkaran, Rajiv Nellikkunneeland Anil Pulikkal. Registrar i/c T. B. Latha, Comptroller Dr. JoyMathew, Directors of Research, Academic, Extension, PhysicalPlant and Planning and Deans of faculties were also present.

Vice-Chancellor inaugurates Micro propagation unitat CPBMB

The commercialmicro propagationunit atta-ched to KAUCentre for Plant Bio-technology and Mole-cular Biology (CPBMB)was inaugurated onMay 4.

The unit inauguratedby V ice-ChancellorDr. P. Rajendran is expe-cted to ensure largescale availability of

Power starter to make PowerTillers Gender friendly

A gender friendly self-starter mechanism forpower tillers has been developed at ARS,Mannuthy so as to avoid the cumbersome crankingprocedure traditionally used to start tillers.

The new starting system enables smooth keyin starting of tillers just like a car. Working on a 12V, 70 AH battery and charging system, it isconnected to the control panel which also includesignition switch, indicator switch, headlight switchand ammeter.

‘Hither to operation of tillers remained elusive towomenfolk because of the difficulty in oper- ationof cranking system.‘Said Dr. P. Rajendran, KAUVice-Chancellor after launching the new system onJuly 1. ‘This is an important landmark in our effortsin pursuit of gender friendly farm machinery. Nextin line is a remote operated tiller. These machinesare bound to revive farming. We also intend totransfer the technology to major tillermanufacturers like KAMCO so that it can becomea standard part of their products.’ Vice-chancellorexplained.

ARS Head Dr. U. Jaikumaran said that the newstarting assembly is developed at a moderatecost of Rs. 20,000/-, but the cost can be furtherbrought down if multiple units are developed ona commercial basis.

Transfer of land to Power GridGeneral Council seeks Compensation Package

Commercial micro propagation unitat CPBMB instated

The council mooted a sub committee with FrancisKombara as chairman and Adv. Sony sebastian and the labourrepresentatives C. H. Muthu and M. A. Yohannan as membersto oversee the welfare of farm labourers. An accidentinsurance scheme for labourers was also proposed.

Vice-Chancellor Dr. P. Rajendran assured Dr. A. Premathat recruitment and Career Advancement Promotion ofacademic staff will be expedited. He also informed the housethat revival of Manjeswaram station of KAU is being activelypursued. V ice-Chancellor agreed to approach theGovernment for rectification of anomalies in pay revision. Thecouncil approved the award of degree to students whosuccessfully completed courses, Annual report and annual

quality TC planting material as per National Certification System for TissueCulture Plants (NCS-TCP) and capacity building of entrepreneurs incommercial micro propagation. The inaugural function was presidedover by Dr.T.R.Gopalakrishnan, Director of Research.

CPBMB is the ‘Lead Centre’ validating and perfecting the protocols forcommercial exploitation shared among the participating centres. Thecentre is providing training to entrepreneurs and giving technical adviceto the participating centres and is co-ordinating the production schedule.The net work project is also giving technical support to BMFC,Kazhakoottam under Department of Agriculture for validation of protocolsand trouble shooting.

KAU NEWSPAGE - 6 July July July July July 2015

Academic Council meeting held on July 10 decided torecast syllabus of various courses offered under the threefaculties.

The 125th meeting of the council held at KAU headquar-ters also cleared the Government proposal to reserveone seat for B.Sc (Hons) Agriculture to students with provenability in agriculture in order to promote awareness ofagricultural education and encourage youngsters take upthis stream of science.

’The seat, reserved for students who won state awardand should have cleared the entrance examination, will be overand above the sanctioned strength. The applications for thisseat will be scrutinized by a high level committee.’, saidDr. P. Rajendran, Vice-Chancellor.

The council decided to establish a department of seed technologyand finalized the staff pattern for the same. It also approvedthe proposals to start a PhD programme in Microbiology inVellayani and Vellanikkara campuses, reduce the fee forsupplementary examinations and permit integrated MScBiotechnology students to undertake research work in streamsother than plant biotechnology.

The meeting chaired by Vice-Chancellor was attended byRegistrar Dr. P. V. Balachandran, Academic DirectorDr. T. E.George, Directors of Research, Extension and Planning,Deans of faculties, Associate Deans, heads of institutions, electedrepresentatives of teachers and students as well as nominatedmembers.

Vice– Chancellor address the Academic council

Palakkad KVK bags ICAR AwardPalakkad KVK under KAU has been adjudged as the best KVK in

southern India. The ICAR recognition comes in the wake of differentactivities undertaken by the Kendra during 2009-2014. The awardconsisting of Rs. Four lakhs and citation was received by Dr.M. C. Narayanan Kutty, Head, KVK and Dr. P. V. Balachandran, DE i/cduring the national meet of KVKs held at Patna on July 25.

The initiatives of KVK in farm mechanisation, ecofriendly farmingpractices, energy conservation, progressive measures in tribal areas,Popularisation of bio control agents etc. were the factors appreciatedby judging committee. Vice-Chancellor Dr. P. Rajendran congratulatedthe KVK scientists for their achievement.

New Website Launched

Thomas Unniyadan MLA launchesThe new KAU Website

Government Chief Whip Thomas UnniyadanMLA launched the new KAU Website in afunction presided over by Vice-chancellorDr. P. Rajendran on June 2. M. P. Vincent MLAwas the chief guest.

The new unif ied website systemdesigned by KAU Centre for InformationTechnology and Instrumentation brings thewebsites of University and its constituentinstitutions under the common addresswww.kau.in

The new web system uses RWD technologiesharnessing the powerful features of thepopular free and open source and contentmanagement system Drupal-7. It provideseasy reading and navigation experienceacross a wide range of devices. It alsofacilitates easy sharing of links to Social Mediaplatforms, translation of contents to 60languages as well as accessibility to differentlyabled persons.

Writer Madampu Kunjukuttan hassaid that language is the greatestever human invention without whichneither the need nor the effect ofother discoveries would not have beencommunicated.

Inaugurating the valedictory fun-ction of reading week celebrationsorganised at CoH by KAU, Madampupointed out that sincere efforts tosave Malayalam language is theneed of the hour.

‘If the mother tongue of morethan three crores people with hundredpercent literacy is at crossroads, itis definitely not because of lack ofcelebrations. Celebrations likereading day or reading week will notsave the language. Real reading is adaily activity and cannot be confinedto occasions. Knowledge and languageare mutually complimentary andhence inseparable. Those who seekknowledge should read and reading

will enrich writing there by strengthe-ning the language.’ He said.

Dr. Jose Joseph, member, KAUExecutive Committee presided. Dr. JimThomas, Associate Director deliveredkey note address. University librarianDr. A. T. Francis, CoH Associate deanDr. Koshy Abraham, AdministrativeOfficer V. N. Narayanan, AcademicLibrary Association representativeK. D. Anto, CoH students’ Unionsecretary P. Arunjith, Readers’ forumconvener Anagha S Nambeesan andV. S. Swapna spoke.

Academic Council nod for Syllabus recast, New Department

Madampu Kunjukuttan

Language the greatest invention: Writer

KAU NEWS PAGE - 7JulyJulyJulyJulyJuly 2015

Kole land productivity Centre inauguratedMinister for Agriculture K. P. Mohanan has said that diversi-

fication of farming activities is imperative to sustain agriculture.

Speaking after inaugurating the KAU Kole land productivityresearch centre at Muriyad, the minister said that multi croppingpatterns should be encouraged so that holistic self-sufficiency isachieved in all localities.

‘The Kole lands productivity research centre will be a forum for farmer Participatory research. I am happy that the Panchayath, MLA and farmers in Muriyad have come together to facilitate theestablishment of such a research centre. The expertise of KAU scientists will be definitely helpful in propping up the Kole landfarming here.’, he said.

Minister also said that the organic farming model projected byKerala is being appreciated and keenly followed by Governmentof India as well as neighbouring states.

Government Chief Whip Thomas Unniyadan MLA presided overthe function. Thrissur MP C. N. Jayadevan, KAU Vice-ChancellorDr. P. Rajendran, Executive Committee member Aji Francis, RegistrarDr. P. V. Balachandran, Comptroller Dr. Joy Mathew, Director ofPhysical plant Dr. V. R. Ramachandran, Principal Agricultural OfficerC. Sreeletha, and members of Panchayath council participated.Director of Research Dr. I. Johnkuty welcomed the gathering and Muriyad Panchayath President Raghavan master proposed voteof thanks.

M. P. Vincent MLA hassaid that KAU has chartedout a programme tosupport farming opera-tions in schools.

Speaking after inaugura-ting the Agricultural orient-ation programme for Secondary students imple-mented by KAU at a function held at ARS, Mannuthy,he said that fifty schools will be involved in the pilotphase implemented in Thrissur District . ‘One thousandstudents and one hundred teachers will be covered inthe pilot phase. The programme is envisaged to instillaffinity towards agriculture and drive home theimportance of food safety and nutritional security. Theproject is intended to be pread throughout the state.’He said.

KAU Registrar Dr. P. V. Balachandran, presided. ARSHead Dr. U. Jaikumaran, Dr. K. P. Prameela andDr. A. Latha spoke.

Change of GuardChange of GuardChange of GuardChange of GuardChange of Guardin faculties andin faculties andin faculties andin faculties andin faculties and

DirectoratesDirectoratesDirectoratesDirectoratesDirectoratesDr. I. Johnkutty, ADR, has taken over

as Director of Research with effect fromJune 15 following the retirement ofDr. T. R. Gopalakrishnan.

Dr. L. Rajamony has been placed incharge of Dean, faculty of Agricultureand Dr. M. S. Hajilal as the Dean, Facultyof Agricultural Engineering.

This follows the completion of termof appointment of Agriculture facultyDean Dr. Sverup John and AgriculturalEngineering faculty Dean Dr. M.Sivaswamy on July 3.

Dr. Sverup John has taken over thepost of Project Director and Head,ORARS, Kayamkulam. Dr. M . Sivaswamycontinues as professor & Head,Department of Farm power machineryat KCAE & T, Tavanur.

Dr. P. V. Balachandran, whose termof appointment as Director ofExtension was also over on July 3 wasplaced in full additional charge of KAURegistrar.

Later Dr. P. V. Balachandran has beenentrusted with the charge of theDirector of Extension from July 17.

KAU Director of Research Dr. T. R. Gopalakrishnan retiredfrom service on superannuation on 14 June 2015.

Recipient of many awards including the first young scientistaward instituted by State Government in 1989, Krishi VigyanAward for the best agricultural scientist in Kerala (1996), Dr.Harbhajan Singh Award (1993) and best Research paperaward (2001 and 2014 and 2015) at National level, Dr.Gopalakrishnan has more than 35 years of experience in the

field of vegetable research and research administration. He has developed morethan 25 improved varieties of tropical vegetables, which are popular amongfarmers.

Serving KAU since December 1977, Dr. Gopalakrishnan has guided 47 PGstudents and published more than 50 research papers, 60 research articles , and6 books. Before becoming the Director of Research in 2010 Dr. Gopalakrishnanserved as Chief Executive officer of VFPCK, ADR (Vegetable Mission), OSD (Seeds),Head, KHDP and Head of the Department of Olericulture in KAU.

Dr. Jose MathewDr. Jose Mathew, ADE & Director of Extension i/c retired

from KAU service on superannuation on 17 July 2015. Heheld the charge of DE from July 3 to his date of retirement.

Dr. Jose Mathew was involved in the implementation of114 research projects including 40 farmer participatoryresearch programmes. He has published 186 researchpapers, 23 books, 21 book chapters, 27 technical bulletinsand 116 extension articles and attended 94 seminarsincluding 4 international programmes held at Philippines,Australia, Tanzania and Uganda.

Agricultural orientation forSecondary students

Dr. T. R. Gopalakrishnan Retires

Printed and Published by Dr. P. V. Balachandran, Director of Extension, Kerala Agricultural University.Editor: B. Ajitkumar, Public Relations Officer, KAU. Printed at KAU Press, Mannuthy 85/400/06/2015

KAU NEWSPAGE - 8 July July July July July 2015

Change the approach to farming : T. Madhava Menon

Former KAU Vice-Chancellor andscholar T. Madhava Menon IAS (retd.),stressed the need to recast andharmonise agriculture as practiced,agriculture as administered andagriculture as taught.

Delivering a lecture on whitherAgriculture in Kerala at Vellayani, aspart of Dr. Shyamasundaran Nairmemorial lecture series organised byKAU, the indomitable veteranadministrator called for a change inperception, planning and implemen-tation of agricultural programmes sothat food security and food sufficie-ncy is achieved in each homestead, inturn leading to state level food security.

‘What ails our agriculture is overdependence on markets. The objectiveof farming in Kerala should not beincome, but generation of food,adequate in quality and quantity, freshand wholesome, for food security ofthe families. Survival, sufficiency and

surplus should be the order of preference.Farming need not be the main occupation,but each family member should contributeby way of non-paid labour in homesteadconcurrently attending to his primaryoccupation for income.’, he said.

Stressing that no space is nonagricultural, he further suggested thatadministering agriculture should departfrom age old practice of promoting mono

culture, purveying services andkeeping files. Agricultural financingalso should change and encompassfamily farming., he said.

Remembering Dr. ShyamasundaranNair as a highly trained agriculturalscientist, an able administrator and awarm personality who liked everyoneand liked by everyone, MadhavaMenon said that agro climaticzonation of Kerala and proposal forreconstitution of Villages based onmicro watersheds proposed by thelate expert would have had a greateffect in agricultural and economicrevolution.

The function held on July 24 waspresided over by Dr. L. Rajamony, Deani/c. Dr. S. Devanesan, Assoc. Directorof Research, Dr. R. Prakash, Assoc.Director of Extension, Dr. P.S.Geethakutty, Prof & Head, KAU Centrefor Gender Studies and Dr. V. B.Padmanabhan spoke.

Government Chief Whip ThomasUnniyadan MLA has said that he will extendall possible help to bail out KeralaAgricultural University from financial crisisand improve its profile.

Responding to the felicitation by KAUcommunity on his elevation as GovernmentChief Whip, he said that he believes in co-ordination, co-operation and selfless publicservice. ‘KAU too can be propelled tohigher orbits if we all work together.’, hesaid.

Thomas Unniyadan MLAFelicitated

The function held on June 2to honour Government ChiefWhip was inaugurated by M. P.V incent MLA. KAU V ice –Chancellor Dr. P. Rajendran, whopresided over the function,presented a memento anddraped a shawl to honourThomas Unniyadan on behalf ofthe University.

Executive Committee members I. C. Balakrishnan MLA,K. A. Sheena, P. A. Salam, Dr.M. Anandaraj, E. K. Prakash, AjiFrancis and Dr. Jose Joseph;General Council membersVarghese Ollukkaran and M. A.Yohannan; organisation leadersK. Gireendrababu, KunjunnyMenon and C. V. Poulosespoke. Registrar Dr. P. V.Balachandran welcomed thegathering and Comptroller Dr.Joy Mathew proposed vote ofthanks.

Vice-Chancellor honouringThomas Unniyadan MLA

The brainstorming session of KAU scientistsin southern region held at Thiruvananthapuramon June 9 was inaugurated by Vice-ChancellorDr. P. Rajendran.

The Vice-chancellor, in his inaugural addressstressed the need of appropriate technologiesfor emerging trends in homestead farming.

The session was chaired by Dr. T. R. Gopalkrishnan,Director of Research. Director of AgricultureR.Ajithkumar, Dean i/c Dr. C. S. Jayachandran Nair,Dr. V. L. Geethakumary, Dr. Annamma George,Dr. Hajilala, Dr. R. Suresh, Dr. B. R. Raghunath,Dr. Sam T Kurumthottikkal and Dr. Jacob Johnspoke. Associate Director Dr. S. Devanesanoffered welcome and Dr. P. Sukumari proposedvote of thanks.

Southern zoneBrain storming session

Vice-Chancellor inaugurates southern zonebrainstorming session at Thiruvananthapuram

T. Madhava Menon delivering the Xth

Dr. Shyamasundaran Nair Memorial Lecture