KAU NEWSKAU NEWSKAU NEWSKAU NEWSKAU NEWS Volume XX. ISSUE 2

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

June 2014

G C RG C RG C RG C RG C ReconstitutedeconstitutedeconstitutedeconstitutedeconstitutedThe General Council has been recon-

stituted following the election and nominationprocesses in accordance with the Act.

Dr. Jiju P Alex, Dr. Jose Joseph, Dr. T.N.Jagdeesh Kumar and Dr. A. Prema (Teachers’representatives); V.S. Sathyaseelan andVarghese J Ollukkaran (Representatives ofNon-teaching Staff); C.H. Muthu and M.A.Yohannaan (representatives of labourers)and Soumya Krishnan and Vishnu Narayanan(Students’ representatives) were elected tothe General Council in the election heldon June 11.

The members nominated by Chancellorare : Dr. S. Devanesan, Dr. P.V. Balachandran,Dr. R. Krishnakumar and Dr. Mary Regina. F(Scientists); Adv. Sony Sebastian, K.A. Sheeba,Rajeev Nellikunnel and Aji Francis ( Farmers);P.A. Salam and Anil Pulickal (PanchayatPresidents) and Francis Kombara (Planter).

The other positions in the council areoccupied by Ollur MLA M.P. Vincent, fourMLA s to be elected by the state LegislativeAssembly (election pending), Dr. Anandarajrepresenting ICAR, Secretaries to Governmentand heads of departments, commodityboards and corpo-rations in agriculturaland allied sectors.

The first meeting of newly constitutedGC is scheduled on July 19.

Vice-Chancellor Dr. P. Rajendran addressingthe Pre Monsoon Interface

The pre monsoon research extensioninterface organized by KAU at Directorateof Extension, Mannuthy decided to formdistrict level multi-disciplinary teams tocombat pest and disease infestations duringmonsoon season.

The workshop formulated crop wisemanagement packages. Taking note of thecalcium-magnesium imbalance and potassiuminduced magnesium deficiency as well asdeficiency of Boron and other micro nutrientsin the state’s soil, workshop recommended

Pre Monsoon Interface proposeDistrict level Multi Disciplinary Teams

action plan to ensure replenishment of soilfertility based on soil analysis. It also proposeda substantial reduction in Phosphorus inputin view of the rich content of it in soil anduse the savings therefrom to ensure periodicapplication of lime to ensure neutralizationof excess acidity in soil.

KAU Vice-chancellor Dr. P. Rajendran inhis inaugural address highlighted the needto formulate a special package of practicesfor monsoon season so that the crops of Keralaare protected against seasonal infestations.

R. Ajith Kumar, Director of Agriculturein his Keynote address said that the interfaceis pertinent not only in the light of monsoonrelated issues but in a long term perspectiveas well. Director of Research Dr. T.R. Gopala-krishnan said that a revamp of crop calendaris imperative in the light of new issues likeclimate change. Dr. P.V. Balachandran,Director of Extension presided over theinaugural function. About 150 delegatesincluding senior officers of the departmentof Agriculture and scientists from differentagricultural research institutions in the statepartook in the programme.

KVK Network to Implement Family Farming Project

The participatory project, to be implemented in all the 14 districts in collaboration withNGOs, Community based organization, Department of Agriculture, three tier Panchayatsand other relevant stake holders, will be executed through identified small holder groupsinvolved in organic inputs production, market linkages, value additions and capacity building.

The action plan aims at strengthening of integrated homestead models and value additionwith selected 120 farming families in each district. Director of ExtensionDr. P.V. Balachandran and NABARD Assistant General Manager S. Manikumar led thediscussions. Cluster based organic input production and supply and market outlets shouldbe formed to support enhanced production of safe to eat vegetables and fruits, saidDr. P.V. Balachandran. Manikumar proposed inclusion of commercial orientation so as toensure sustainability of the project.

KVK Thrissur will play the lead role in designing and execution of the state levelproject conceived as a part of International Year of Family Farming. Intensive trainings to thedistrict level promoters, participant households and definite monitoring and evaluationmechanisms are major components of the project.

InsideA network of KVKs in the State has been formed to implement a comprehensive

project on Family Farming to achieve food safety and nutritional security in the state.The project focused on enhancing production and productivity of safe to

eat vegetables and fruits in homestead farming systems and strengtheningfamily chains was finalized at a meeting of all KVKs in the state held at ThrissurKVK on June 20. The draft project was formulated on the basis of discussionsin the three day workshop held at Sulthan Bathery during 26-28th May.

Page 2 : Research Buzz. Pre-package workshop,Lab accreditation extended

Page 3 : Call to save the planet, Afforestationinitiative, promoting native flowers,RKVY workshop & Recognition toscientists

Page 4 : E Sreedharan’s talk, Minister withschool students, New CoF website,Nutmeg farmers’ workshop

Page 5 : Research vessel at Kumarakom, CoHretains Arts fest crown, FSA batches,IMPCC meet, RAWE Programmes

Page 6 : Spices development programme,KAU-UBC tie up, Reading week, GenderConsortium, Book release

Page 2 KAU NEWS KAU NEWS KAU NEWS KAU NEWS KAU NEWS June 2014

Research Buzz – news from labs and fieldsnews from labs and fieldsnews from labs and fieldsnews from labs and fieldsnews from labs and fieldsGI Tag for Kaipad rice

Kaipad rice of North Kerala has been accorded GeographicalIndication (GI) status. Malabar Kaipad Farmer’s Society of Kannurand College of Agriculture, Padannakkad and Centre for IP Protectionof KAU were the key players in this venture.

Vice-ChancellorDr. P. Rajendrancongratulated thescientists at Centre forIP Protection and CoA,Padannakkad underthe University for thepersistent efforts inobtaining GI tag fornative varieties. This

national recognition will enhance the fame, authenticity andmarketability of Kaipad rice which will directly benefit the producers,he said.

Saline prone naturally organic rice tract of Kaipad falls underEzhome Panchayath of Kannur district and the river banks in Kozhikodeand Kasargod Districts. Kaipad is an organically rich integrated organicfarming system similar to the famous Pokkali tracts in which Single-crop of rice cultivation is followed by aqua-culture in the coastalbrackish water marshes.

KAU was instrumental in obtaining GI tag for some otheragricultural products of Kerala such as Njavara rice, Pokkali rice,Wayanad rice varieties of Jeerakasala and Gandhakasala, PalakkadanMatta rice, Central Travancore Jaggery and Vazhakulam pineapple.Aranmula metal mirror, Payyanoor pavithra ring, screw pine craft,Kuthampully sarees, Kasargod sarees etc. are also in the list ofregistered GI products of Kerala.

The red grained Kaipad rice has excellent cooking qualities. Theother uniqueness includes the richness of iron content than themedicinal rice variety ‘Njavara’. Calcium content is also on par withthat of medicinal rice ‘Njavara’, and fat content is less than the popularlyconsumed ‘Jyothi’ variety.

Cashew Research Station, Madakkathra has launched two moreproducts from Cashew Apple Syrup – Halwa and Cookies. The centre

has intensified the processing and value addition including intercropsof cashew garden apart from cashew apple and implementation ofcashew frontline technology demonstration programme 20 ha inThrissur district. A project on Production forecast of cashew in Indiafor the year 2014 has also been started.

Cropping Systems Research Centre, Karamana has publishedbackground reports for Agro ecological Zone Based AgriculturalDevelopment for all the 14 districts of Kerala. The report containsvaluable information pertaining to diverse cropping systems prevalentthroughout Kerala disease and pest incidence in various crops andresearchable issues on an agro ecological zone perspective. A packageof practices for terrace cultivation of major vegetables has beenstandardized and a modified PoP recommendation of organic manureapplication in amaranthus is formulated.

Experiments at BRS, Kannara has proved that Popoulu (AAB)and Kluai Namwa Khom (ABB), two unique introductions availablein the gene bank are suitable for commercial cultivation in Kerala.

Centre for Plant Biotechnology and Molecular Biology,Vellanikkara has developed DNA fingerprinting of Four Brinjalvarieties released by KAU (three superior accessions Surya, Swetha,Haritha, Neelima, SM 116, SM 397) and two wild relatives Solanumtorvum and Solanum macrocarpum. The Centre has also released thehigh yielding, intervarietal hybrid P6 x P5 had been released as varietyP8, which is tolerant to Phytophthora foot rot and drought.

NARP(SR), Vellayani has developed Protocol for tissue culture ofthree papaya cultivars from mature explants.The centre has alsodeveloped a high yielding leaf curl virus resistant chilli culture,which has been recommended for release. Technology for rapidtreatment chemical conversion of waste to manure and indigenoustechnology for biochar production from tender coconut waste usingpyrolysis process are also standardised.

Two high yielding strains of Pleurotus florida, Pleurotus eous, Pleurotusulmarius, Calocybe indica and Calocybe gambosa were developed at theInstructional Farm, CoA, Vellayani. Instructional Farm alsodeveloped two strains of medicinal mushroom, Ganoderma lucidumfor pharmacological studies and standardized low cost milkymushroom production technology.

The Pesticide Residue Research andAnalytical Laboratory, under AINP on PesticideResidue at Vellayani has secured continuedaccreditation by NABL under ISO 17025 : 2005up to Feb-2016. The extension of accreditationis based on its satisfactory performance,analytical capabilities and facilities.

With the revised scope, the laboratorycan issue certificate on analysis of pesticideresidues of water, fruits, vegetables, cereals,pulses, and pepper, cardamom and milk sampleswith NABL logo. Laboratory accreditationprovides formal recognition of the competentlabs, thus providing a ready means for customersto find reliable testing and calibration servicesin tune with their requirements.

NABL Extends Accreditation OfPesticide Residue Lab, Vellayani

KAU has begun preparations to revisethe Package of Practices recommendations,the most authentic and scientific documentgoverning the agricultural productiontechnology in the state.

The Pre-Package workshop held at KAUHQ on 23 April was inaugurated by Vice-Chancellor Dr. P. Rajendran in a functionpresided over by the Director of Research,Dr. T. R. Gopalakrishnan.

The Vice-Chancellor stressed the needfor periodic update in PoP as the farmingsector is facing new challenges and newtrends are evolving. Popularising scientificfarming practices alone can ensure sustainableagriculture, he said.

Pre Package Workshop enlists new technologiesSixty eight proposals on new

technologies to be included in theforthcoming edition of PoP were criticallyexamined by the expert group headed byDr. Jim Thomas, Associate Director ofResearch.

The forum endorsed the replacementof older plant protection chemical moleculeswith safer alternatives. Improvement of ricebased cropping systems and homesteads,vegetables and fruit production technology,seed technology, eco-friendly and organicapproaches to crop production andinventories in farm mechanization were themain topics discussed in detail.

June 2014 KAU NEWS KAU NEWS KAU NEWS KAU NEWS KAU NEWS Page 3

Film star Salim Kumar has said that everyone interested in saving future generationsshould realise the urgency to save the planet.

The national award winner was inauguratingEnvironment day celebrations organized byCentre for Environmental Economics of KAUat College of Horticulture.

‘Raise your voice, not the sea level, is thetheme of this year’s World environment day.If the sea level rises some of our habitats,including mine, may disappear. But insteadof thinking of our future, we are running aftermoney and pleasures. Average Malayali isaverse to hard work and adamant on procuringdeadly diseases in the form of poison filledvegetables and food grains from other states,he said.

An attractive and informative documentaryon Pokkali farming, produced by the actor,was screened at the ocassion.

Salim kumar also took a dig at ritualisticplanting programmes on Environment day.

‘Even if half of the trees planted in lastten years survived, Kerala would have

Care for the planet, not the rituals : Salim Kumar

Cini star Salimkumar shares his thoughts withStudents at CoH, Vellanikkara

become a dense forest by now. Instead ourtree population has only decreased. Allshould realize that planting a tree is an easyritual while sustaining it is a difficult respon-sibility which no one volunteers to shoulder’,Salim kumar said.

Dr. C. T. Abraham presided over thefunction. CEEE head Dr. P. Indira Devi offeredwelcome and Economics Department headDr. Jessy K. Thomas proposed vote of thanks.

Director of Research Dr. T.R. Gopalakrishnaninaugurated the University level afforestationprogrammes by starting replanting operationsat Botanical Garden, Vellanikkara on June 5.

Director of Extension Dr. P.V. Balachandranhighlighted the relevance of the Environmentday theme ‘Raise your voice, not the sea level.’

Afforestation programme was taken upin all Campuses as directed by the Vice-Chancellor.The programme envisages planting of 25,000economically important trees in variouscampuses of the University .

Dr. V. K. Raju, Assoc. Director of Research;Dr. K. Vidyasagar, Dean i/c, CoF; Dr. C.T.Abraham, Associate Dean i/c, CoH andDr. A. Sukumaran, Associate Dean, CCBMspoke. Students and staff of CoF, CCBM andCoH actively participated in the programme.

Intensive afforestationIntensive afforestationIntensive afforestationIntensive afforestationIntensive afforestationProgrammesProgrammesProgrammesProgrammesProgrammes initiatedinitiatedinitiatedinitiatedinitiated

Replanting in KAU Botanical gardenbeing inaugurated

Recognition forRecognition forRecognition forRecognition forRecognition forKAU ScientistsKAU ScientistsKAU ScientistsKAU ScientistsKAU Scientists

Dr. Sajan Kurien, Director (Planning)KAU has been awarded a certificate ofexcellence in reviewing science literatureby Oxford based Elsevier Limited, renownedpublishers of Science and Technical journals.The yearly recognition, given to handpickedreviewers, has been presented to Dr. SajanKurien for his excellent contributions in peerreview, according to the publishing house.

Dr. P. Indiradevi, Director, Centre ofExcellence in Environmental Economics ofKAU has been nominated by ICAR asResearch Advisory Committee member of the Council owned Research Complex inGoa. She has also been elected to theexecutive committee of Indian Society ofEcological Economics.

Popularising native flowers ; KVK modelPopularising native flowers ; KVK modelPopularising native flowers ; KVK modelPopularising native flowers ; KVK modelPopularising native flowers ; KVK modelThe indigenous flower varieties such as Clerodendron, Marygold, Gomphrena, and

Balsum are returning to adorn traditional flower decorations thanks to an innovativetraining programme, Ponnonaththinoru Pookkooda, initiated by Thrissur KVK. The programmehas prompted many housewives and students to take up cultivation of native flowers;thereby reducing the dependence of flowers brought from neighbouring states.

The attempt by Thrissur KVK is worth emulating in all parts of the state, saidDr. P. V. Balachandran, Director of Extension. ‘I am amazed by the tremendous responseto this idea as well. Reinventing the beauty of native flowers in the homesteads also creates aninclination to homestead farming, which in turn contributes to a healthy lifestyle’, he said.

Uphold Accountability of Research: VC

Vice-Chancellor Dr. P. Rajendran hascalled upon the agricultural scientists touphold accountability of research and addressreal issues confronting the states’ agriculturalsector.

Dr.Rajendran was inaugurating aworkshop organized by Directorate ofExtension and state PPM cell to sensitisethe scientists on preparation and implementationof research projects under RKVY.

Vice-Chancellor also said that the RKVYguidelines, though apparently very strict,

Director of Research ,Vice-Chancellor and Directorof Extension at the workshop

ensures excellent platform for implementingprojects with well defined objectives and wellthought out methodology.

Director of Research Dr. T. R. Gopala krishnanhighlighted the successful implementation ofmany RKVY projects in KAU and urged thescientists to ensure that research findings helpto sustain food security endeavors.

Dr. P. V. Balachandran, Director of Extension,KAU and Director, State PPM cell said thatproper understanding of the guidelines will helpto extract more funding and engage in moreresearch work, which will ultimately benefitthe whole society and all stakeholders.

Officials of PPM Cell presented thevarious guidelines, restrictions and modes offunding under RKVY. Scientists from differentKAU stations and Officials of department ofAgriculture participated.

Page 4 KAU NEWS KAU NEWS KAU NEWS KAU NEWS KAU NEWS June 2014

Achievements in life will have no valueunless they are built upon the strong edificeof honesty and integrity, said Dr. E. Sreedharan,eminent engineering professional and principaladviser, DMRC.

Delivering the fourth episode of Leadershipwisdom talk series organized by College ofCooperation, Banking and Management atKAU Head Quarters, Dr. Sreedharan said thathe imbibed values of life from a strong socialstructure which prevailed in his childhood.

‘My generation was fortunate to have adomestic atmosphere inculcating ethical andbehavioral values and a schooling systemwhich strengthened such characteristics. Ifanything we can do to better the presentsystem, it is to re invent resources to instillvalues of life in future generations’, he said.

Uphold Values of Life :Uphold Values of Life :Uphold Values of Life :Uphold Values of Life :Uphold Values of Life :E. SreedharanE. SreedharanE. SreedharanE. SreedharanE. Sreedharan

Sreedharan underscored punctu-ality,Integrity, competence and accountability asthe four pillars of a successful career.‘Punctuality shows that you care for value oftime. A system cannot be punctual unlessthe people in it are punctual. Integrity, anintegral part of successful public life, is botha character and perception built thereon.Competence is the third pillar of professionalsuccess the will to acquire knowledge alwayspropels one to the next orbit of professionallife. Accountability is the social responsibilityto justify the money you spend, the time youspare the expectations you carry’, he said.

‘Delay in execution of projects invariablylead to cost escalation and that drains publicmoney. Unfortunately Kerala is yet to learnfrom repeated incidences of delayed projectsand consequent wastage of money and man-power. I wish young professionals will realizethe importance of time and launch a newchapter of development’ Sreedharan said.

KAU Registrar Dr. E.K. Mathew presidedover the session. Associate Dean Dr. A.Sukumaran welcomed the gathering and StaffSecretary Dr. P. Shaheena proposed vote ofthanks. Philip Sabu, MBA course Director;M.R.Gopalakrishnan, Thrissur ManangementAssociation President and ZIta Bosco, CCBMStudents’ Union President spoke.

Revive OrganicRevive OrganicRevive OrganicRevive OrganicRevive OrganicAgriculture :Agriculture :Agriculture :Agriculture :Agriculture : Minister

Agricultural Minister K. P. Mohanancalled upon the younger generation tohelp the revival of organic agriculture inKerala so that Food Safety is attainedalong with Food security. Interacting withthe 125 school students who visited CoA,Vellayani as part of their vacation camporganized by Vailoppilly SamskrithiBhavan, he told them to regain soil healthby nurturing it with organic inputs.

The Minister distributed mango graftsto the students. Dr. Sverup John, Dean(Agriculture),; Dr. S. Devanesan, ADR;Dr. R.Prakash, Head, Department ofExtension; Dr. Arthur Jacob; Dr. V.B.Padmanabhan; Babu Kiriyath; Rasheedand Sadasivan Poovathoor participated.

Minister K. P. Mohanan interacting withschool students at CoA, Vellayani

New Website, SolarSystem for CoF

The new website and the Solar powersystem of College of Forestry were launchedon May 27. While the website was launched byDr. K.R. Dhiman, Chairman, ICAR committeeon Minimum Standards of Higher AgriculturalEducation, Solar power systekm wascommissioned by Dr. K.L. Khurana, Principalscientist, ICAR.

The new site (forestry.kau.in) is the one andonly Mobile-First institution website in thecountry and was fully indigenuously developed.It runs on an open source CMS platform. An e-learning platform is also being integrated withthe website.

The two day meeting of ICAR committeeassessed the facilities in terms of infrastructure,laboratory/field facilities, faculty, manpowerand other support to the Forestry collegesacross the country so as to streamlineeducational norms, academic discipline andquality output of forestry graduates.

The other members of the Committee areDr. Ravinder Raina, Dr.S.K.Bharadwaj, Dr. S.K.Chauhan, Dr. B. Mohankumar, Dr. K.L.Khurana and Dr. V. Arunachalam.

Nutmeg Farmers decide to formProducer Company for sustenance

A workshop of Nutmeg farmers, Processors and exportersorganised by Thrissur KVK has set up an adhoc committee toworkout the modalities of forming a farmer producer company.Such a company only will ensure sustenance of nutmeg cultivationin the state through a transparent pricing system and systematicquality assurance, the workshop resolved.

The adhoc committee headed by K.Krishnankutty Ex. MLA will have farmerrepresentatives from Ernakulam, Thrissur and Palakkad district as members.

Speakers endorsed the view that exploiting the export opportunities to Europeancountries is the best available option for profitable farming. Since guaranteeing highestquality alone can ensure enhanced export, systematic post-harvest handling of theproduce is imperative. It was also proposed that extending knowhow to operate microenterprises in processing and product diversification of nutmeg would benefit the ruralfarmers at large.

Earlier K. Krishnankutty, lead farmer and Chairman of Committee to formulate Stateagricultural policy pointed out that Government should reorient its focus on profitabilityand viability than productivity to save the agricultural sector. Establishment of KrishiBusiness Kendras (KBKs), akin to KVKs should be seriously considered to supportfarmers with price prediction, processing technologies and marketing avenues, he said.Director of Extension Dr. P. V. Balachandran presided over the inaugural session.

Technical sessions were handled by Dr. K.B.Sheela, KAU; Dr. E. Jayasree, IISR; Dr.C.K. George, Ex. Executive Director, Spices Board; O V R Somasundaram; KrishnachandraChathurvedi, Kuriakose Vinay Thomas and Jose. B.K., Neena, M., PAO, Ernakulam, Dr.Ranjan S Karippai, Professor & Head, KVK and Workshop Coordinator Jalaja S. Menonspoke.

June 2014 KAU NEWS KAU NEWS KAU NEWS KAU NEWS KAU NEWS Page 5

RARS Kumarakom has acquired aresearch vessel, first of its kind in the state.

The vessel named Gaveshiny has beendesigned for environmental surveillance andmonitoring pollution levels of the Vembanadlake and its estuaries such as Pampa,Achankovil, Meenachil and Manimalaemptying into the lake. The boat costing 40lakhs sanctioned under tenth financecommission was procured as part of theKuttanad package project - Environmentalmonitoring centre of Kuttanad.

Kumarakom RARS gets Research vesselFor water pollution studies, environmental surveillance

The ever increasing pollutionlevel has raised multidimensionalproblems posing severe threat tothe biodiversity and fisheryresources of Vembanad lake. Thediverse fish species, includingstate fish - Pearl spot, is facingsevere threats. The 11.5 meterlong, boat fibre built by Dubaibased Nautical Lines company

with two hulls has facilities such as twoscientist rooms, laboratory and a powergenerator. Inbuilt laboratory with Echosounder and various equipment ensure onthe spot analysis of water samples enablingevaluation of pollution by pesticides andheavy metals.

KAU Vice-Chancellor Dr. P. Rajendranappreciated the efforts of RARS scientistsincluding former Associate DirectorDr. S. Padmakumar in realizing this researchdream.

Three more FSA batches pass outThree batches of FSA (Food Security

Army) cadets drawn from Kudumbasreeunits passed out after successful completionof training on June 12. With this the number ofFSA batches trained at ARS has become 169.

Thrissur District Panchayat PresidentC.C. Sreekumar was the chief guest in theparade held at ARS Mannuthy. Dr. P.V.Balachandran, Director of Extension and

Dr. U. Jaikumaran, FSA Chief were alsopresent.

Sixty nine women, drawn in to threebatches, underwent hands on training inoperation, service and maintenance ofagricultural machinery at Kodakara,Thalikulam and Thekkumkara blockpanachayaths. The programme was initiatedon a tie up between KAU and KudumbasreeThrissur district mission.

CoH Students celebrate their victory

CoH, Vellanikkara retained their hold onchampionship in the KAU arts festival whichconcluded at KAU Central auditorium onJune 3.

The toppers scored 167 points whileCollege of Agriculturr, Vellayani earned 127points to grab Runner Up trophy and ForestryCollege, Vellanikkara with 88 points finishedthird .

Anjali .K.U of KCAE & T, Tavanur wasadjudged Kalathilakam and Athul Krishna ofACCER, Vellanikkara retained Kalprathibha title.

Percussion maestro Peruvanam KuttanMarar inaugurated the event on May31.Music Director Vidyadharan Master wasthe chief guest in the valedictory function.KAU Director of Research Dr. T.R. Gopalakrishnan, Associate Patron Dr. A. Sukumaran,Staff advisor Dr. A. Prema, General ConvenorDr. Jiju P. Alex, Programme convenor AchyuthJ Sankar, Students’ Union president P.V.Ashish and General Secretary PrasanthAravind kumar spoke.

KAU Arts fest:CoH Retains Crown

Inter Media Publicity Co-ordinationCommittee (IMPCC) meeting held on May 2 atCollege of Agriculture, Vellayani was inauguratedby Dr. Sverup John, Dean (Faculty of Agriculture).

Doordarshan Kendra Director T. Chamiyarpresided over the function. Dr. S. Mothilal Nehru,Associate Director of Extension released thevideo CD on College of Agriculture, Vellayaniprepared by students of Experiential Learningcourse in Agricultural Extension which wasreceived by Dr. S. Devanesan, ADR, NARP (SR),Vellayani. Dr. V. B. Padmanabhan, Professor andModule Leader welcomed the gathering and Dr.G.S. Sreedaya, Assistant Coordinator, RAWE Pproposed vote of thanks.

The meeting was organized as part of themodule ‘Media Attachment’ of RAWE Programmeso as to facilitate students’ interaction withIMPCC which co-ordinates the publicityrequirements of the various central and stategovernment development departments andundertakings in Kerala and Lakshadweep.

CoA, Vellayani HostsIMPCC Meeting

Colourful Culmination to RAWE Programmes

Polika ’14, the Village Stay Programmejointly organized by RAWE students ofCoA, Vellayani and Sulthan Bathery GramaPanchayat was inaugurated by KAU Executivecommittee member I. C. Balakrishnan MLA on19 May. The programme included agriclinics,training programmes, agri-seminars, agri-exhibition and preparation of a DevelopmentPlan for host panchayat. The valedictorysession on 28th May was inaugurated byDistrict Panchayat President N. K. Rasheed.

Vice-Chancellor Dr. P. Rajendran andDr. P. Rajasekharan, Chief (Agri), StatePlanning Board also addressed the students.

Gramika ’14, the Village Stay Programmejointly organized by RAWE students ofCoH, Vellanikkara and NenmanikkaraGrama Panchayat concluded with environ-ment day celebrations organized in thepanchayat.Valedictory function held on June 5 wasinaugurated by KAU GC member Prof.C. Raveendranath MLA. Vice-ChancellorDr. P. Rajendran was the chief guest . Gramapanchayat president T.S. Baiju, Blockpanchayat President M.K. Sivaraman and CoHAsoc. Dean Dr. P. K. Valsalakumari spoke.

I. C. Balakrishnan MLA inaugurates CoA RAWEprogramme at Odappalm Govt. High School

Prof. C.Raveendranath MLA inauguratesvaledictory function of CoH RAWE programme

at Nenmanikkara panchayat

Page 6 KAU NEWS KAU NEWS KAU NEWS KAU NEWS KAU NEWS June 2014

UBC to Tie upWith KAU

University of British Columbia (UBC),Vancouver, Canada plans to have long termcollaborative programmes with KAU’s College ofForestry, said Dr. Suzie Lavallee, Professor, UBC.

Dr. Suzie, along with her students visitedthe college on 10 June and discussed variousaspects of the research and other academicmatters at the two universities. She said thatshe had a detailed interaction with the facultyand students of CoF and is very much impressedwith the ambience and academic atmosphere.Dr. K Sudhakara, Dean, Faculty of Forestry,said that a package for bilateral ties includingstudent and faculty exchange programmebetween KAU and UBC has been proposed.

The two day annual meeting toreview nationwide NHM sponsoredresearch programmes held at CoHsanctioned 146 lakh worth research aidto KAU for variety improvementprogrammes and production of qualityplanting materials of spices.

The aid is part of national spicesdevelop- ment programme with an outlayof eleven crores,which envisagesproduction, popula- risation anddistribution of high quality plantingmaterials of Pepper, Ginger, Turmeric andTree spices .The programme will beimplemented under the new banner ofMission for Integrated Development ofHorticulture (MIDH) .

KAU has also been sanctioned aspecial project for rejuvenation of blackpepper plantations in Cheruthazhampanchayath of Kannur district which willbe implemented by Kannur KVK.

The meeting organised by KAU incollaboration with DASD, Kozhikode and

Eleven Crore package for Spices DevelopmentSpecial project for Cheruthazham panchayath in Kannur

Vice-Chancellor Dr.P.Rajendran inaugurating NHMreview meeting held at CoH on June 24 & 25

Union Ministry of Agricultural Cooperation wasinaugu-rated by KAU Vice-Chancellor Dr. P.Rajendran on June 24. Dr. Tamilselvan, AdditionalCommissioner, DAC presided. Dr. T.R. Gopalakrishnan, Director of Research; Dr. Homy Cherian,Director, CASD; Dr. P.K. Valsalakumary, Assoc.Dean, CoH; Dr. E.V. Nybe, HoD, Dept of PlantationCrops and Dr. K. Nirmal Babu, Principal Scientist,IISR addressed the scientists.

The reading week celebrations andLibrary seminar jointly organized by KAU,Academic Library Association (ALA) andKerala Library Association (KLA)at CoHon June 19 was inaugurated by C. N.Jayadevan M P.

Filim Director Kamal in his Keynoteaddress said that many artistic careers are

C. N. Jayadevan M P. inaugurates Readingweek celebrations at CoH

Reading week celebrationsRole of Books in Character formation highlighted

built upon healthy reading habits inculcatedby library movement. ‘Books boost yourimagination, where as visual media includingcinema limits your imagination within itsframes’, he said while releasing the book,Library and Web Tools for E-Learning andTeaching written by Dr. A.T. Francis andDr. Susan Mathew.

KAU Vice-Chancellor Dr. P. Rajendran inhis presidential address said that booksinculcate culture along with impartingknowledge. Decline in reading habits hasinduced unhealthy trends in the society, he said.

Writer Rosy Thampy led a Seminar on Readingand Use of Library for Personal and ProfessionalExcellence for library users, librarians,farmers and public. KLA Regional SecretaryK. Rajendran, ALA State President Dr. A.T.Francis, University Librarian K.P. Sathian and ALAState General Secretary, P.A. Pradeep spoke.Associate Dean Dr. P.K. Valsalakumari offeredwelcome and V. S. Swapna proposed vote of thanks.

The book ‘Indian Mammals - A Field Guide’, authored by VivekMenon, Executive Director of Wildlife Trust of India ( WTI) and RegionalDirector - South Asia of the International Fund for Animal Welfare(IFAW) was launched in Kerala at the College of Forestry on June 16.

The book was launched by renowned wildlife veterinarianDr. Jacob V. Cheeran and eminent ornithologist Dr. V.S. Vijayan, formerChairman of Kerala State Biodiversity Board.

Book on Indian Mammals Launched in the state

Covering the rich diversity of mammal species in India, from tigers, elephants, rhinosand whales to primates, rodents and bats, the book is a comprehensive illustrated guide.

Vivek Menon; Forestry Dean Dr. K. Sudhakara,; Dr. P.O. Nameer; Pramod G. Krishnanand Phanendrakumar Rao, Conservators of Forests; Forestry scientist Dr. S. Sankar;Dr. K.C. Panicker and Jose Louise, Regional head, WTI spoke.

Gender consortiumGender consortiumGender consortiumGender consortiumGender consortiumGuidelines proposedGuidelines proposedGuidelines proposedGuidelines proposedGuidelines proposed

K.B. Valsalakumary, Executive Director,State Kudumbasree mission said that theConsortium of Gender resources is envisagedas a common platform of R & D institutionsin the relevant sectors. It should be an interdi-sciplinary set up to promote collaborativeefforts for capacity development, statureenhancement and holistic empowerment ofwomen in agriculture and allied sectors, shesaid.

Presiding over a meeting held at KAU HQto formulate guidelines for the proposedconsortium, she said that the three participantUniversities linked to primary sector, shouldlaunch training schedules including onlinemodules for the women farmers.

An interactive Web portal and refreshercourse modules for master trainers wassuggested as part of the consortium. Dr. P.S.Geethakutty, Head, KAU Centre for GenderStudies presented real issues constrainingthe women farmers and possible remedialmeasures.

Dr. V. K. Raju, KAU Assoc. Director ofResearch; Dr. S. Ramkumar, Director(Entrepreneurship development), KVASU;Dr.Daisy Kaappan, Professor, KUFOS;C.R.Sathyavathi, Joint Director, FisheriesDepartment; Krishnankutty, GM, KeralaGramin Bank and Dr. Suma Nair took partin the deliberations.

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