Volume XX. Issue 3

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

September 2014

Chief Minister Oommen Chandy appreciated KAU’s researchachievements in general and the initiative to produce Neera basedhealth drink in particular.

Inaugurating the Neera plant established at College ofAgriculture (CoA), Padannakkad the Chief Minister said that Neeraproduction is bound to enhance the profitability of coconut farmersin the state and KAU’s contribution in this regard will always beremembered as a milestone in the long list of farmer friendlytechnologies developed by the University. He congratulated the Vice-Chancellor and scientists of KAU for their untiring efforts.

The Chief Minister also inaugurated the new farm office, PGBlock and Ladies Hostel annex attached to CoA. The new facilitiesenhance infrastructural support for agricultural education andresearch in North Malabar.

Minister for Agriculture K. P. Mohanan, presided over the function.In his presidential address, the Minister said that a centre ofexcellence in Organic agriculture will be established at Nileswaram.The centre will develop and popularize organic farming strategiesand lead the activities to make Kasargod the first fully organic districtin the state, he said.

KAU Vice Chancellor Dr. P. Rajendran said that the new plant,first of its kind in the state, can produce 100 litres of Neera perhour. He highlighted the fact that KAU is the first institution todevelop a foolproof technology for Neera production and producethe first ever Neera drink in the state which was released by theChief Minister in November 2013. Consequent to this manyinstitutions pursued the path of Neera development. We are proudof this path breaking initiative’, he said.

CM Lauds KACM Lauds KACM Lauds KACM Lauds KACM Lauds KAU’U’U’U’U’s Rs Rs Rs Rs Researesearesearesearesearccccch Contribh Contribh Contribh Contribh ContributionsutionsutionsutionsutionsInauguration of Neera Plant, PG Block, Hostel & Farm office at Padannakkad

The function held at CoA was attended by MLAs P. B. AbdulRazak, E. Chandrasekharan and K. Kunjiraman; District CollectorMuhammad Sageer; Kanjangad Municipal Chair person K. Divya;KAU General Council member Dr. Jose Joseph, Director of ResearchDr. T. R. Gopalakrishnan; Director of Extension Dr. P. V. Balachandran;CoA Associate Dean Dr. M. Govindan; Associate DirectorsDr. Jayaprakash Naik and Abdul Kareem as well as peoples’representatives of the district.

Chief Minister, accompanied by Agricultural Minister,Vice-Chancellor and Officers of KAU viewing the

new Neera Plant at Padannakkad.

InsidePage 3 : Jack Fest, Pineapple Seminar,

KVK-AIR Tie up, Camp for TribalFarmers.

Page 4 : Message from Vice-Chancellor,IP protection centre, workshopon Biosecurity bill.

Page 5 : GC meet, Library Seminar,Wealth from Waste, IPR work-shop.

Page 6 : Rice breeding centre, e Granth,P.K.R.Nair Prize & FinishingSchool.

Page 7 : DDK-KAU Farmer interface,Awards for CeL, Vegetablefarming programme, Waterstudy.

Page 8 : Dr. K N S Nair endowment lec-ture, MLAs in KAU GC, StateAward, Recognition for KAU.

Minister for Agriculture K. P. Mohananhas said that his priority as KAU Pro-Chancellor is to safeguard the interests ofstudents and farmers.

Addressing the audience afterinaugurating the Farmers' Hostel in KAUmain campus, the minister said that theimportance and relevance of implementingICAR model act has been seized of, but awell thought out frame work suitable toKerala scenario has to be evolved. A meetingof all stake holders will soon be convenedto discuss the issue, he said.

‘Universities in general should be studentfriendly and Agricultural University shouldalso be farmer friendly. I am happy toinaugurate such a hostel with excellentfacilities for farmers’, Minister said.

Vice-Chancellor Dr. P. Rajendranpresided over the function and M. P. Vincent

Minister bats for Student friendly CampusesOpening Farmers' Hostel at Vellanikkara

MLA was the chief guest. General Councilmembers and officers of the Universityparticipated. The farmers' Hostelconstructed at a cost of 1.8 crores is fundedby ICAR. It can provide accommodation for100 farmers in addition to facilities for inhouse trainings, farmers’ workshops andseminars.

Agricultural Minister inaugurates the newfarmers’ hostel at Vellanikkara

Research Buzz – news from labs & fieldsnews from labs & fieldsnews from labs & fieldsnews from labs & fieldsnews from labs & fields..........................................................................

ARS, Mannuthy hascome out with productionand supply of ready to plantplantlets of Ginger andTurmeric and rooted singlenode cuttings of Tapioca(Cassava). This remediesthe non-availability ofquality planting materials ofthese crops, especially forthe newly developedvarieties. The micro tech-

nique mass multiplication method helps to derive more plantletsfrom rhizomes, considerably reduce the quantity of rhizomes requiredfor planting unit area and also lead to uniform maturing of the crop.In the mass multiplication method, 400-600 plants are obtained fromone Kg of seed material. In case of Tapioca, 50-60 rooted cuttingscan be prepared from a 3m long cassava stem which is 5-6 timesmore than the output of traditional method. In this method singlenode pieces of rhizomes are soaked in a mixture of insecticide andfungicide (2g mancozeb + 2 ml quinalphos per one litre water)solution for 10-15 minutes and planted in portrays filled with goodquality coir pith compost. Mass multiplication of Cassava is achievedby using stem cuttings having single buds and planting these cuttingsin portrays with 5cm cavity size. The trays are kept in propagatingstructures cladded with UV stabilized polythene sheet. Irrigation isrequired only when the media is dry. Germination is visible withintwo weeks and good mass of roots are observed within a period ofthree weeks. The plantlets get ready for planting within a month.Mass multiplied plantlets can be kept in portrays for a maximum of6-8 weeks with sufficient fertigation. Farmers can pre book singlenode plantlets from ARS.

Tuber plantlets through Micro technique KAU Veggie Wash for Relief FromPesticide Residue

Pesticide ResidueAnalytical and Researchlaboratory (PRRAL),Vellayani has developed aformula for a householdproduct (Veggie Wash)for removing pesticideresidues from fruits andvegetables. It has beenproved that Pesticideresidues can be effectivelyremoved by dippingvegetables and fruits in Veggie Wash for 15 minutes followed byrigorous washing in water. The long felt need for a low cost, easy touse, household product capable of cleansing the fruits and vegetablesfrom pesticide residues has been thus solved. The compound,developed under the State Plan Scheme titled ‘Production andMarketing of ‘Safe to Eat’ vegetables for sale through Govt. outlets’,is a great relief for Keralites reeling under the threat of hazardouspesticide residues in many commonly used vegetables. Manufacturersof household products can buy the formula of Veggie Wash, a mixtureof natural/plant based products in a specific proportion, along withthe detailed business plan. This product can be manufactured withminimum investment and marketed in biodegradable plastic bottlesor in 20 g sachets for household use. KAU propose to make spraybottles (500 ml or 1L) with which consumers can just spray thesolution directly to vegetables and wash rigorously, to make thempesticide free.

Research Project in PPP Mode InitiatedVice-Chancellor

Dr. P. Rajendranlaunched the firstever KAU initiativeto industrialise rese-arch findings. He saidthat the projecttitled Metabolome

analysis in ginger and product development using gingerol implementedin collaboration with private sector Arjuna Natural Extracts Ltd is apath breaking initiative to commercialise research findings throughinstitute - industry linkage. Dr. T. R. Gopalakrishnan, Director ofResearch said that the BIRAC funded project aimed at industriallevel product formulation from high yielding ginger somaclonesdeveloped by KAU under PPP mode has a total outlay is 148.10lakhs. Dr. Benny Antony, Director, Arjuna Natural Extracts Ltd, saidthat world market is untapped because of the low gingerol contentin traditional cultivars and poor gingerol stability issues. The newproject will redress these issues, he said.

Dr. M. R. Shylaja, Principal Investigator who foresaw the industrialfeasibility of high gingerol content in new ginger varieties developedby her said that this project in turn would be a boon to the gingerfarmers as a buy back guarantee at fair price would be ensured. Dr.E. K. Mathew, Registrar; Dr. Joy Mathew, Comptroller; Dr. E. V. Nybe,Academic Director; Dr. P. K.Valsalakumari, Associate Dean andCPBMB Head Dr. P. A. Valsala spoke.

PAGE - 2 September 2014

KAU has established aTechnology hub to offerprofessional guidance andsupport for potentialinvestors in agri businesssector. The technology hubis expected to ensure afeasible industry - institutionlinkage for fostering of agri-business and providing selfemployment through proper use of the hither to unexploredpotential of agricultural technology. The hub will facilitate incubation,consolidation and dissemination of KAU technologies as well asconsultancy services and hand holding for agri entrepreneurs.

The presence of KAU Technology incubation cell at variousexhibitions and industrial meets held in different parts of the stateincluding Young Entrepreneurs’ Meet (YES) held in September hadattracted several entrepreneurs. The Technology hub will providea permanent set up for showcasing KAU technologies. TheTechnology hub at CTI, Mannuthy under Directorate of Extensionwill work in close coordination with Kerala State IndustrialDevelopment Corporation (KSIDC). As a beginning it will showcase sixty technologies supported with ready to use business plans.

KAU Technology HubKAU Technology HubKAU Technology HubKAU Technology HubKAU Technology Hub

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Chief Minister Oommen Chandyinaugurated the first State Jack fest organizedat RARS, Ambalavayal on August 19. MinisterP. K. Jayalakshmi inaugurated the newlyintroduced weekly market and new biocontrol lab. KAU General Council memberI. C. Balakrishnan presided over the function.KAU Vice-Chancellor Dr. P. Rajendrandelivered Key note address and honouredCeL Director Dr. P. Ahmed, Karshaka Jyothiawardee Palliyara Raman and KarshakaPrathibha awardee Sooraj. Jack fest wasorganized to showcase, experience andexplore processing opportunities andconsequent employment prospects offeredby Jackfruit, an unadulterated natural foodwhich is abundantly produced but the mostlywasted. A feast of Jackfruit delicacies addedflavour to the function. Cine artistMammukkoya cut a Jack fruit shaped cakeand spoke on the important role the fruitplayed in food security of the rural societiesin Kerala. District Collector KesavendraKumar IAS; Associate Director of ResearchDr. V. S. Devadas; Associate Director ofExtension Dr. Jose Mathew; LSGI represen-

KVK–AIR Tie up forTechnology Transfer

KVK, Kannur and Kannur All India Radiohas joined hands to update the extensionfunctionaries, farmers and agriculturallabourers on new technologies,opportunities and facilities from differentsources. A series of technological sessions,trainings, exposure visits, workshops,participatory mode technology transfer,diagnostic visits, Seminars, etc., werearranged for farming community in theFarmer’s Month programme jointlyorganised in August. KAU Vice Chancellor,Dr. P. Rajendran, Dr. P.V. Balachandran,Director of Extension and Dr. C.V. Sairam,Principal Scientist, ICAR Zonal ProjectDirectorate, Bangalore visited andappreciated the unique programme fortechnology transfer through AIR. Expertsfrom ICAR, KAU, Department ofAgriculture, Animal Husbandry, Fisheriesattended various technical sessions. About1400 farmers attended the programme. Theconcluding seminar and Kissan MobileAdvisory Services (KMAS) was inauguratedby Balachandran, Assistant Director, AIR,Kannur. KVK Head Dr. Jayaraj and AssistantProfessors Dr. Giggin,T. and Dr. Sharon, C. L.were present. The technical sessions willbe aired through KISSAN VANI fromOctober 1-31 to benefit entire farmingcommunity of the district.

Field Camp forTribal Farmers

A capacity building programme for tribalfarmers was organised by AICRP on STCRcentre of KAU at Perumatty Grama Panchayathhall on September 10. The field day and capacitybuilding programme was inaugurated bySuresh Babu, President, Perumatty GramaPanchayath in a function presided over byDr. Pradip Dey, Project Coordinator, AICRPon STCR. Dr. I. Johnkutty, Assoc. Directorof Research delivered the key note address.Perumatty Grama Panchayath Vice PresidentSheeba Radhakrishnan released the trainingmanual. Dr. Betty Bastin welcomed thegathering and Dr. V. I. Beena proposed voteof thanks. Lead farmers and people’srepresentatives participated. The programmeorganised under Tribal sub project of AICRPwas intended to create awareness amongthe tribal farmers about the STCR metho-dology of fertilizer application andimportance of fertilizer application based oncrop requirement and soil availability.

Chief Minister inaugurates the Jack festorganized at RARS Ambalavayal

Ambalavayal Hosts State Jack festBio Control Lab, Weekly market opened

Save Pineapple Farming: MinisterNational workshop at Vellanikkara

Minister for Agriculture K.P. Mohanancalled for a sustained and conscientious effortto dispel the unfounded fears caused byunreasonable propaganda on chemicalresidues in pineapple. The Minister wasinaugurating a national seminar on Pineapplefarming jointly organised by KAU, PineappleMission and Department of Agriculture atVellanikkara on August 25. ‘It has beenscientifically proved that Pineapple doesn’tcontain any harmful residues and the growthpromoting reagents are not toxic. The falsepropaganda to the contrary should bedesisted and defeated. State Government iscommitted to increase pineapple cultivatedarea to 15000 ha and all possible help willbe extended to pineapple growers', Minister

Minister for Agriculture K.P. Mohananinaugurates the National workshop on

Pineapple farming

tatives; NGO leaders and farmersparticipated. RARS Head Dr. Rajendranwelcomed the gathering and KVK Head Dr.Radhammma Pillai proposed vote of thanks.

The weekly market is introduced tohelp the farmers to sell their producesunder watchful eyes of RARS avoidingcartels. RARS produces will also be soldalong with that of Farmers. The arrangementensures permanent marketing facility forquality farm produces on one hand andassured price for farmers on the other.

said. M.P. Vincent MLA in his presidentialaddress stressed the need to supportpineapple cultivation. Joseph VazhakkanMLA called for a strong intervention byscientists to save the lone fruit exportedby Kerala. He also proposed a floor pricefor pineapple and low interest loans forpineapple farming. KAU Vice-Chancellor Dr.P. Rajendran was vehement in his supportfor moves to save and promote pineapplecultivation. 'Please leave the pineapple alone.Not only that it contains no toxic residues,but it is a better and safer source ofantioxidants and vitamins than many highprofile fruits brought from other states andbought at exorbitant prices’, he said. KAUGeneral Council members Aji Francis,Varghese Ollukkaran, Dr. Mary Regina,C. H. Muthu and Yohannan; Director ofExtension Dr. P. V. Balachandran; Director ofResearch Dr. T. R. Gopalakrishnan; Directorof Agriculture R. Ajithkumar; SHM DirectorDr. K. Prathapan and Pineapple MissionSpecial Officer Sunil kumar participated. Theinaugural function was followed by technicalsessions on different aspects of pineapplefarming. 300 farmers from different partsof the state attended the seminar. Anexhibition of Pineapple products was alsoarranged. Recommendations of theworkshop will be discussed in detail at ahigh level meeting later.

PAGE - 3September 2014

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Food insecurity and starvation are no longer a threat to Indian population, thanks to themulti-sectorial strategies and multi-pronged programmes implemented by the Governmentsince the Sixties. Successive Governments had made successful interventions in ensuring self-sufficiency in food grain production. The role agricultural science played in making this areality is vital though not adequately appreciated. Yet we are made to realise that self-sufficiencyin Food grain production alone does not guarantee nutritional security to our citizens.

Food safety and nutritional security are the present challenges before agricultural scientistsin general and India in particular. In the light of post green revolution fatigue andnon-improving productivity level, a paradigm shift from Self-sufficiency in food grains to satisfyingnutritional needs, from stress on production strategies to reducing post-harvest losses throughvalue addition protocols and from state level food security to individual nutrition has becomeimperative.

Message from the Vice-ChancellorLet’s Strive for House hold Nutritional Security

Though several schemes to ensure improvement in nutritional security and health status of the population are in vogue, spreadingawareness about them and extension of such schemes to rural population with the involvement of people is a must for realizing theirobjectives. The inadequate intake of vegetables and fruits in a country which tops the world in their production is a clear indication oflack of awareness and lack of availability of resources. The rich plant biodiversity of India, particularly that of Kerala, offers a low costbuffet of seasonal fruits and vegetables which could be consumed by all at all times. Ensuring awareness and availability of fruits andvegetables throughout the year to all cross sections of people at affordable prices is the only remedy to such issues. But that cannotand will not happen unless the priorities are redefined and reoriented.

In Kerala Perspective the imbalance between population growth and dwindling area of cultivation is a major hurdle for sustainablefarming. Over dependence on vegetables and fruits produced elsewhere without adhering to health protocols is another danger.Though the labour shortage and escalation in labour wages further constrain domestic farming, it would not be impossible to attain anappreciable level of food security and nutritional security if sincere efforts are made to enhance productivity through preservation ofsoil fertility, usage of modern technology, active involvement of people, especially the rural youth and support of strong public distributionsystem.

Nutritional security at house hold level is a more pragmatic and easily attainable target and the basic ingredients are awareness andwill to work. The International Year of Family Farming is an ideal opportunity to ensure a certain level of self-reliance in vegetable andfruit production which would certainly keep away many dangers. Let us rededicate our efforts to build a healthy and happy society; Letthe next generation not regret our inability to provide a healthy background for their welfare.

Jose Cyriac, Chairman, KeralaState Innovation Council openedthe Centre for IP Protection ofKAU on July 9. In the functionheld at CoH, Vellanikkara, he alsoinaugurated a two day workshopon IP protection through patentsorganised by the centre. In hisaddress the former ChiefSecretary said that correlation

Centre for IP ProtectionInaugurated

between innovation and patent registration should be strengthenedto protect the rights of all stake holders. ‘Advanced countries havegained an advantage over India and other developing countries inprotection of Intellectual property rights. The development oftechnologies and registration of IP rights together reflect the growthin science and technology sector. At the same time registration ofa parent should not curtail the use of that technology and hencepopularization of technology is equally relevant’, he said. Dr. T. R.Gopalakrishnan, Director of Research in his presidential addresssaid that hither to Indian scientists have been focusing on developingnew technology and the time has come to focus on registration ofIP rights as well. Dr. Jose Mathew, Associate Director of Extensionreleased a book on Protection and Management of IPR inAgriculture authored by KAU scientists and experts in IPRregulations. Dr. P. K. Valsalakumary, Associate Dean, CoH welcomedthe gathering and Dr. C. R. Elsy, Coordinator, Centre for IPprotection proposed vote of thanks. Officials from Patent registry,Chennai and legal professionals guided the delegates from differentorganisations in the state.

Jose Cyriac speaking at theinauguration of Centre for

IP Protection in KAU

A workshop on the proposedNational Agricultural Bio SecurityBill held at CoH on September 1observed that modifications inthe draft are imperative to realiseits objectives. Speakers at theworkshop jointly organized byCentre for Excellence in Environ-mental Economics (CEEE) ofKAU and Centre for Law in Agri-culture of National University ofLegal Studies were unanimous inproposing involvement ofacademics in formulation of suchimportant legislations. While Dr.K.G. Padmakumar spoke onimpacts of the bill on Fisheriessector, Dr. T. P. Sethumadhavancovered Livestock sector, Dr. T. S.Sajeev spoke about forestrysector and Dr. George Thomaspresented the views on Agri-cultural sector. It was pointed outthat the draft legislation doesn’tcover the quarantine protocolsof already introduced invasivespecies like Genetically ModifiedThilapia nor does it stress theneed for Pre-introductive data.Special provisions to ensureeffective control of zoonotic,

Workshop on Bio security BillChanges imperative : Experts

parasitic, milk born and meetborn diseases should be incor-porated and ensuring awarenessamong all stakeholders should bea priority. The workshop chairedby Dr. P. K. Valsalakumary,Associate Dean, CoH noted thatthe bill does not address existingissues like involuntarily introducedmenaces like Giant African Snailor wrongly introduced specieslike Acacia mearnsi. Draft bill alsodoes not address major issueslike Import of ornamental plantsand Products made from GMcrops are issues, speakerspointed out. Dr. Jacob Joseph,Director, Centre for Law inAgriculture introduced the bill.The prime objective of the bill isto prevent introduction ofquarantine pests in India byregulating import and export ofplants, animals and productsthereof in accordance withinternational agreements, he said.Dr. Jessy Thomas, Head, Dept ofAgricultural Economics welcomedthe gathering and CEEE DirectorDr. P. Indiradevi summarised theproceedings.

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KAU General Council meeting held onJuly 19 decided to strengthen research onclimate change adaptation so as to developstrategies for enhancing water use efficiencyand drought resistance of crops. An actionplan to educate the farmers about thetechnologies developed in this arena will alsobe launched. A motion without notice tothis effect moved by Dr. Jose Joseph wasunanimously adopted by the Council.

A resolution moved by Dr. R. Krishna-kumar proposing increase in seats forAgricultural courses in tune with theincreasing demand was referred to AcademicCouncil. Replying to a call attention motionby Dr. P. V. Balachandran on the compulsionsto fill vacancies of scientists in KVKs, Vice-Chancellor assured that steps in this regardwill be initiated as expeditiously as possible.Members expressed concern about thefinancial situation of the University and

G C decides to StrengthenClimate change Research

requested the state Government toreconsider the stand on pay revisionanomalies.

Reacting to the complaints on conductof examination and evaluation, the Vice-Chancellor said that KAU up holds a veryhigh tradition of academic excellence andacademic dilution will not be allowed. V. S.Sathyaseelan, Dr. Jiju P. Alex, Dr. T. N.Jagdeeshkumar, Dr. A. Prema, C. H. Muthu,Soumya Krishnan, Varghese J. Ollukkaran,Aji Francis, Adv. Sony Sebastian, K. A. Sheeba,Rajeev Nellikunnel and Vishnu Narayananparticipated in the discussions. The meetingchaired by Dr. P. Rajendran, Vice-Chancellorwas attended by Ollur MLA M.P. Vincent, E.K. Prakash (Special Secretary, Finance),Registrar Dr. E. K. Mathew, ComptrollerDr. Joy Mathew and other officers of theUniversity.

E. K. Prakash, M.P. Vincent MLA, Vice-Chancellor and Registrar atGC Meet held on July 19

Dr. V.N. Rajasekharan Pillaiaddressing National Library

Seminar on August 29

Dr. V. N. Rajasekharan Pillai, Executive Vice President,KSCSTE called for special efforts to preserve andretrieve traditional knowledge using modern librarymanagement techniques and restructure library sciencecurriculum in tune with emerging international scenario.Inaugurating a two day National seminar on technologymanagement of Libraries and a technology exhibitionorganised at CoH, Dr. Rajasekharan Pillai said that byvillage libraries played a key role in the development ofhis generation. ‘Library movement in Kerala led torefinement of society and restructuring societal fabric.Even while using modern tools of library information

science to revamp library information system care should also be taken to safeguard thesecurity of sensitive data and build user friendly atmosphere in libraries’, he said. Dr. T. R.Gopalakrishnan, presided over the inaugural function. Dr. P. K. Valsalakumari, AssociateDean,CoH, State Librarian P. K. Sobhana, University Librarian K.P. Sathyan, Dr. C.T. Abraham,Organising Secretary Dr. A.T. Francis, K. Rajendran, Pradeep and Swapna spoke. 150 delegatesfrom different states participated in the workshop sponsored by KSCSTE and supportedby Kerala Library Association and Academic Library Association. A Technology exhibitionwas also held simultaneously.

ARS initiativeARS initiativeARS initiativeARS initiativeARS initiativeto turn Wasteto turn Wasteto turn Wasteto turn Wasteto turn Waste

in to Wealthin to Wealthin to Wealthin to Wealthin to Wealth

ARS Mannuthy, wellknown as the hub offarm mechanizationactivities and theunique Food SecurityArmy (FSA) cocept,has come up withanother novel concept.The leisure timeactivities to FSAmembers called‘wealth from waste has created a model inmeaningful utilization of intervals duringtraining sessions. The trainees and trainersengage in activities to create wealth fromwaste materials that are usually abandoned.The first task taken up is to create wood artwork and sculptures from the root stumpsof trees which were cut and removed earlier.In the first round FSA has turned nearly 30such root stumps in to sculptures. The stumpsof trees like Jack, Teak and Rose wood - whichwere cut and removed either for constructionpurposes or on account of being overmatured - are excavated, washed, peeled andworked upon to form different sculptureswhich can fetch a good price in theinternational market. Shredding of bio wastelike coconut leaves, twigs, logs, etc andconverting them into bio-compost and bio-fuel materials are other peace time activitiestaken up by the FSA. Replicable model foradoption at District level Model Agro ServiceCenters is being worked out.

PAGE - 5September 2014

Modernisation ofKAU Press

Modernisation of KAU Press using State PlanFund commenced with the installation ofProgrammable Cutting machine. The switchon ceremony of new machine was performedby Dr. P. V. Balachandran, Director ofExtension. Associate Director of ExtensionDr. Jose Mathew, Director of Physical PlantDr. V. R. Ramachandran and staff of Pressparticipated.

CoH hosts National Seminar on Library Management

..........................................................................Agri Minister inauguratesRice breeding Project

Minister of Agriculture, K.P. Mohanan inaugurated the Advancedrice breeding cum seed production centre of College of Agriculture,Padannakkad on July 19 by inaugurating the first activity underproject - hands on training programme on organic rice farming infarmers’ field.

K. Kunhiraman, MLA presided over the function held at MangadPadasekharam. The programme was jointly organised by CoA,Padannakkad; Agriculture department, Kasaragode and UdmaGramma Panchayath.

CoA Associate Dean Dr. M. Govindan delivered key note addressand Principal Investigator Dr. Vanaja T. presented a report on theplanning board sponsored project.

Minister K. P. Mohanan at Mangad Padasekharam during thelaunch of advanced rice breeding centre

Dr. K. K. Ramachandran,Member Secretary, KSCSTEhas said that lack ofagricultural science contentin school curriculum of thestate is a lacuna which hasto be addressed as early aspossible. He was speakingafter presenting the Dr.P. K.R. Nair Prize for bestPost graduate research workin Agricultural sciences in a

Call to IncCall to IncCall to IncCall to IncCall to Include alude alude alude alude agggggriculturriculturriculturriculturriculture ine ine ine ine inScScScScSchool Curhool Curhool Curhool Curhool Curriculumriculumriculumriculumriculum

The e-Granth platform ofKAU library and InformationSystem was dedicated to theliterary world on August 22. Dr.E.V. Nybe, Director ( Academic& PG Studies) dedicated thesystem and inaugurated aworkshop on Library Manage-ment softwares in a functionpresided over by Dr. K. Sudhakara,Dean, Faculty of Forestry. Thee-Granth module provides a

KAU e-Granth PlatformBecomes Operational

user-friendly platform for students, researchers and other knowledgeseekers. Online Public Access Catalogue module coordinated byCentral Library provides instant access to all books and journalsavailable in KAU Library System. The function was attended byGeneral Council member Dr. Mary Regina F, CCBM Associate DeanDr. A. Sukumaran, University Librarian K.P. Sathyan, Dr. C. T. Abraham,Dr. P. O. Nameer, Dr. A.T. Francis and Nisha.

Dr. E.V. Nybe speaking afterinaugurating KAU e-Granth

platform

The valedictory function of project on Finishing school for VHSE(Agri) certificate holders 2013-14 held at CoA, Vellayani wasinaugurated by Dr. Sverup John, Dean, Faculty of Agriculture. In hisaddress Dr. Sverup John said that the project enhances theprofessional competency and skill capability of the VHSE (Agri)certificate holders in selected enterprises and it would help themto emerge as young entrepreneurs. R. Ajith Kumar, Director,department of Agriculture in his keynote address pointed the needfor VHSE (Agri) certificate holders in the fast developing agriculturalscenario of Kerala. The agro service centers to be established inevery block require the services of these students, he said. Dr. V. B.Padmanabhan, Professor and Head i/c, Department of Extensionpresided over the function. KAU General council members Dr. S.Devanesan, Dr. R. Krishna Kumar and Academic Council membersDr. Jacob john and Dr. Thomas George offered felicitations. Dr. G. S.Sreedaya welcomed the gathering and Dr. Allan Thomas proposedvote of thanks. Main objective of the project was to enhance theemployability of VHSE (Agri) certificate holders. 255 certificateholders were trained in 14 batches at different centers of KAU.Forty eight candidates had successfully completed theapprenticeship programme linked to the project and nearly ninetystudents are currently undergoing apprenticeship.

Finishing School for VHSEStudents concludes

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function held at College of Forestry of KAU on July 5.Dr. Ramachandran said that India is indebted to agricultural

research for the self-sufficiency in food grain production. ‘Foodsecurity concept itself was created by the sustained efforts ofresearchers in agriculture but often they draw more flak for whatthey have not achieved than accolades for what they have achieved.Closer interaction and coordination with other branches of sciencewould further the prospects of agricultural research. ‘ he said.

The prize for best PhD research was won by CoF studentSamritika, hailing from Himachal Pradesh. She undertook researchon Belowground Architecture and Carbon Stocks of Silver Oak(Grevillea robusta A. Cunn.) Trees under the guidance of Dr. T. K.Kunhamu.

Vijayasree. V of CoA, Vellayani won the prize for best MSc thesisfor the study on Efficacy and biosafety of new generation insecticidesfor the management of fruit borers of cowpea, brinjal and okracarried out under the guidance of Dr. Hebsy Bai. The awardeesreceived a plaque, certificate of merit and cash award.

Dr.P.K.Ramachandran Nair, an alumni of CoA, Vellayani andcurrently a professor at University of Florida, USA instituted theseawards to support and recognize the academic accomplishments ofoutstanding PG students of CoA, Vellayani and CoF, Vellanikkara.

The function was presided over by Dr. Sverup John, Dean (Facultyof Agriculture). Dr. P. V. Balachandran, Director of Extension; Dr.T. R. Gopalakrishnan, Director of Research; Dr. K.Sudhakara, Dean(Faculty of Forestry); Dr. K. Vidyasagar and the award winners spoke.

Vijayasree & Samritika

..........................................................................KAU Vice-Chancellor Dr. P.

Rajendran inaugurated afarmers’ interface ‘AgriculturalExcellence through Technologicaladvancement’ organised byDoordarsan in collaborationwith KAU at Vellanikkara onAugust 5. In his inauguraladdress the Vice-Chancellorcalled for a new farming cultureaimed at self sufficiency in safeto eat food production and

New Farming Culture Needed: VCDDK-KAU Farmer Interface at Vellanikkara

exhorted farmers to avail the benefits of advanced technology andexpertise to enhance productivity and ensure production of safeto eat food. Dr. Rajendran said that agricultural research is focusedon enhancing productivity of crops, eliminating drudgery of farmingand enabling nature friendly agriculture. Prasar Bharthi DeputyDirector General T.Chamiyar in his presidential address said thatDoordarsan, since its inception, has been playing a key role inpromoting agriculture and a new national channel exclusively forAgriculture is in the pipeline.

Dr. P. V. Balachandran, Director of Extension; Dr. T. R.Gopalakrishnan, Director of Research; Dr. C. K. Thomas, Director,Thrissur Doordarsan Kendra and K.Chandran, Joint Director, StateHorticulture Mission spoke. The technical session on Hi Tech andprecision farming was handled by scientists Dr. Jim Thomas, Dr. C.Narayanankutty, Dr. P. Suseela, Dr. Saly K. Mathew, Dr. Abdul Hakimand Thrissur Athma project Director Mercy Thomas. The secondsession on mechanized agriculture was handled by Dr. U. Jaikumaran,Dr. P. R. Jayan, Dr. A. Latha and Dr. Shaila Joseph. State AgriculturalEngineer V. Babu and Peringandoor co-operative bank presidentAnoop Kishore shared experiences in mechanization of agriculture,while Dr. Ranjan S. Karippai and Dr. Mary Regina acted as moderators.200 farmers participated in the interface which concluded with acolourful show of folk arts.

Centre for E-Learning (CeL) of KAU won the prestigious WorldEducation Summit Award-2014 as well as South West India DigitalEmpowerment Foundation (DEF) Award.

While the World Education Summit Award-2014 for the besteducational ICT initiative in public sector was presented in a colourfulfunction held at New Delhi on 8th August, DEF award was presentedin grand ceremony held at Raj Bhavan, Pune on 7th August.

CeL was selected for the World Education Summit Award fromamong more than 300 nominations. The award was announced byWorld Education Summit, Premier Platform on Education at globallevel and the biggest networking event for leaders in education fromaround the World, co-sponsored by the UNESCO, NationalCommission for Minority Educational Institutes (Govt. of India) andthe Elets Technomedia.

CeL won the South West India Digital Empowerment Foundation(DEF) Award for the KAU e-Agritech Portal for Farmer Outreach(www.celkau.in) developed by it. The DEF Award was co-sponsoredby the United Nation’s World Summit and Digital Internet Security.

CeL Wins International Laurels

Dr. P. Ahamed and Dr. A. Sakeer Husain receiving the WorldEducation Summit Award-2014 at New Delhi

Thrissur District PanchayathPresident C. C. Sreekumar inaugu-rated the vegetable farming trainingprogramme launched by ThrissurKVK as part of the OnathinorukuttaPachakkari programme.

Sreekumar said that theDistrict Panchayath will collaboratewith KAU for the promotion ofFamily farming programme. Farmingactivities at public places will beencouraged since they are alsopart of the family in a largerperspective, he said.

Former Deputy Mayor M. Vijayanreceives the first training kit fromDistrict Panchayath President

Fabulous Response toVegetable Farming Programme

Twenty thousand seedlings and seeds of vegetable seeds alongwith micronutrient kits and a handbook on vegetable cultivationwere distributed in the first batch training on July 19. KVK Head Dr.Ranjan S Karippai said that innovative Onaththinorukutta Pachakkariprogramme was initiated to encourage homestead farming duringOnam season. The programme received tremendous response andnearly three lakh seedlings were booked.

A study on water use andresources by Centre ofExcellence in EnvironmentalEconomics of KAU predicts ahigh degree of water scarcity inthe state by 2021. Depicting thedemand and supply position ofwater in Kerala as unsatisfactory,it has projected a gap of 1268Mm3 (1268 billion litres) betweensupply and demand in 2021 onthe basis of current level ofrainfall, storage and availableground water. Current signals ofclimate change, land-use changesand demographic pressures pointsto a still wider supply-demand gap,warns the study.

The report was released byDr. T.R.Gopalakrishnan, Directorof Research, KAU in thevaledictory function of trainingfor LSGI representatives onagriculture and environmentorganized by CEEE.

Rakhi Kaleshkumar, President,Vazhappally Panchayath receivedthe first copy.

According to the studyprojected demand by the year2021 is 48,600 Mm3 whereas theavailable resources can onlyprovide 47332 Mm3 of water.The ground water status of thestate is alarming with Kerala inthe third position among Indianstates where well water levelsfell by 71.48% during the lastdecade, says the study.

Based on the relative vulne-rability index, Thrissur, Ernakulam,Malappuram, Thiruvananthapuram,Kollam, Kozhikode, Alappuzhaand Kannur were grouped ashighly vulnerable. Idukki andWayanad districts were in therelatively safer group and Kottayam,Palakkad, Pathanamthitta andKasargod are in the mediumvulnerability status.

Water Situation in Kerala Grave: Study

PAGE - 7September 2014

Vice-Chancellor addressingaudience at the Farmer

Interface

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

..........................................................................K. Jayakumar, Vice-Chancellor, Thunchath

Ezhuthachan Malayalam University called fora need based and farmer centric planningprocess.

Delivering the ninth Dr. K. N. Shyama-sundaran Nair memorial lecture organisedby Centre for Gender Studies in Agriculture& Farm Entrepreneurship Development atCoH, Vellanikkara, the former ChiefSecretary pointed out that administrativeresponse to public issues in general andfarmer distress in particular is weighed downby shortcomings in realistic needassessment, need based planning and timebound implementation.

Jayakumar said that persisting with failedschemes and lack of need based revisionis the bane of all of plan projects. ‘Theadministration is often satisfied withachieving financial target rather than realizingreal objectives. Accountability is not insistedand neither efficiency review nor selfintrospection ever attempted. Adequateresponse coupled with sincere planning andprompt implemen- tation can solvemany persisting issues’, he said.

Make Planning Farmer Centric : K.JayakumarDr. K.N.S Nair Endowment lecture

Jayakumar remembered Dr. K. N. Shyama-sundaran Nair as an efficient administratorwith a friendly face, intimate behavior andstrong desire to achieve difficult targets.

CoH Associate Dean Dr. P. K. Valsala-kumary welcomed the gathering. ExtensionDirector Dr. P. V. Balachandran paid a tributeto Dr. K. N. Shyamasundaran Nair andDr. P. S. Geethakutty, Head, CGSAFEDproposed vote of thanks. Research DirectorDr. T. R. Gopalakrishnan presided. ForestryDean Dr. K. Sudhakara and Comptroller Dr.Joy Mathew also spoke. Academics, studentsand family members of Dr. K. N. Shyama-sundaran Nair were present.

K. Jayakumar delivering the9th Dr. K.N.S. Nair memorial lecture

Four Members of the state LegislativeAssembly, P. A. Madhavan, Babu M.Palissery, Thomas Unniyadan and I. C.Balakrishnan, have been inducted toGeneral Council of the University. Themembers elected by the Legislatureunder Section 10 – Elected Members (1)of KAU Act will hold office up to 17 June2017 when the three year term ofpresent General Council reconstitutedwith effect from 18 June 2014 expires.

While P. A. Madhavan (representingManalur constituency), Thomas Unniyadan(Irinjalakkuda constituency) and I.C.Balakrishnan (Sulthan Batheryconstituency) served in the previous GCand the latter two were members ofExecutive Committee also, Babu MPalissery (Kunnamkulam constituency)makes his debut to the supreme body ofthe University.

Four members ofFour members ofFour members ofFour members ofFour members ofState LegislatureState LegislatureState LegislatureState LegislatureState LegislatureElected to KAU GCElected to KAU GCElected to KAU GCElected to KAU GCElected to KAU GC

The Asian Vegetable Research and Development Centre (AVRDC), Taiwan, hasapproached KAU to extend the grafting technology to produce wilt resistant vegetableseedlings to their project areas. The Taiwan centre approached KAU Director of ResearchDr.T.R.Gopalakrishnan through its South Asia regional Office at Hyderabad, seekingassistance in this regard.

The World Vegetable Centre has also expressed interested in a joint collaborationwith KAU in other areas of vegetable research and avail the expertise of KU scientistsin vegetable cultivation. AVRDC wanted to make use of the technology developed byDr. C. Narayanankutty in its project areas, starting with the centres like Chickmangalore,Raichur, etc. They also sought supply of grafted seedlings to these sites since the seasonhas already begun. Services of Dr. C. Narayanankutty has also been requested to imparttraining to scientist and lead farmers in their project sites.

The grafting technology standardised at ARS, Mannuthy of Kerala AgriculturalUniversity has proved successful in thwarting bacterial wilt and grafted seedlings oftomato, brinjal and chilly hybrids produced at ARS has caught the attention of many andis in high demand. ARS has distributed eight lakh vegetable seedlings this season. TheAVRDC move conveying appreciation and seeking collaboration has made us proud,said Dr. U. Jaikumaran, Professor & Head, ARS.

AVRDC Seeks KAU Technology to fight Bacterial WiltDr. C. Narayanankutty,

Professor, ARS, Mannuthywas bestowed with thestate award for bestagricultural scientist.

Dr. C. Narayanankuttyis the Principal breeder ofthe snake gourd varietyManusree and the bacterial

wilt resistant tomato variety Manulakshmi. Heis associated with the development of sixother released vegetable varieties. Dr.Narayanan kutty was the first to identify andpopularise cauliflower and cabbage varietiessuitable for cultivation in the plains of Kerala.He was awarded the Israel GovernmentScholarship for advanced training in high techvegetable production in 2006. Since then Dr.Narayanankutty has been actively involved inprecision farming initiatives in the variousparts of the state. The grafting technologydeveloped by him to overcome soil bornediseases in vegetables has attractedinternational attention. Dr. Narayanankutty isa technical advisor to VFPCK and haspublished more than 50 research papers injournals besides a large number of populararticles, bulletins and other extensionpublications. He is the recipient of the BestScientist Award of the Kerala AgriculturalUniversity in 2012 as well as several otherrecognitions for his research contributions.

Dr. C. NarayanankuttyGets State Award

September 2014PAGE - 8

FSRS, Kottarakkara organised an awareness programme for farmers and extensionworkers on Intellectual Property Rights in agriculture. The one day held on September 20was inaugurated by Kollam District Panchayat President S. Jayamohan in a function chairedby KAU Vice-Chancellor Dr.P. Rajendran. In his inaugural address S. Jayamohan called forclose coordination between agricultural scientists and farming community and properappreciation for committed researchers in agricultural sector. Associate Director ofResearch Dr.S.Devanesan offered welcome and FSRS Head Dr.S.Regina proposed vote ofthanks. Dr. T. C. James, former head of central Intellectual Property division, Dr. C. R. Elsy,Head, KAU centre for IP and Dr. S. Regina handled the sessions on Intellectual propertyrights and plant protection.

IPR awareness Programme at FSRSIPR awareness Programme at FSRSIPR awareness Programme at FSRSIPR awareness Programme at FSRSIPR awareness Programme at FSRS

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