Kerala Agricultural University Genesis, Development and Research activities

3 Kerala Agricultural University Genesis, Development and Research activities 3.1 Introduction Agricultural education is different from that of general education. In its broadest sense, agricultural education covers all human endeavours of acquisition, transmission and absorption of knowledge and understanding of the process which lead to scientific farming 1. Agricultural science is by no means a sharply defined discipline. Agricultural education and research in India of the past has a long history. 3.2 Agricultural Universities in India The beginning of the 20 th century was marked by awakening of interest in scientific study of agriculture throughout the world which had its repercussions in India as well2. At the time of independence,

58 there were 17 colleges of agriculture in the country for post graduate education and research. In the post Independence period significant changes and developments have taken place in agricultural education and an important land mark has been the establishment of agricultural universities. While the Royal Commission, set up in 1926 emphasized the importance of strong research base for agricultural development in India, the second National Education Commission (1964-66) headed by the then University Grants Chairman Dr. D.5.Kothari recommended the establishment of at least one Agricultural University in each of the Indian State and that all research activities in agriculture should be the concern of agricultural universities. 3 This led to integration of teaching, research and extension activities in agricultural universities. As many as eight agricultural universities were established during 1960-68. During 1966-69 only one agricultural university had come up. The progress continued with the establishment of ten agricultural universities during the Fourth Five Year Plan, two each in the Fifth and Sixth plans and three in Seventh Five Year Plan. At present there are agricultural universities in the entire country. The establishment of agricultural universities in India from 1960 onwards has been a revolutionary step in revamping agricultural education. Today, the country has 41 State Agricultural Universities (SAU), 1 Central Agricultural University, 5 Deemed Universities (of which 4 ICAR institutes) and 4 Central Universities providing agricultural education. 4 Apart from this, there are colleges outside the defined agricultural university pattern which are affiliated to SAUs or general universities. Established in 1929, the Indian Council of Agricultural

59 Research (lcar) is the apex body for co-ordinating, guiding and managing research and education in agriculture. Present status of agricultural education is co-ordinated through 49 ICAR institutes 6 National Bureaus 11 Project Directorates 32 National Research Centres 138 Substations of ICAR institutes 77 All India Co-ordinated Research/Network Projects 561 Krishi Vigyan Kendras 41 State Agricultural Universities 1 Central Agricultural University 4 Central University having faculty of agriculture 50 Private colleges offering agricultural courses The agricultural colleges in India are part of universities and function as school or faculty whereas some are independent agricultural colleges affiliated to various agricultural universities across India. Agricultural Colleges in India impart scientific education and help in advancement of farm practices through research and development. 3.2.1 Human Resources for Research With respect to human resources for research, a study by Dayanatha Jha and Sant Kumar, 2006 indicates the strength of the scientific man power available across various institutes carrying out agricultural research s. The total scientists in the country are about 22000 in 2001-02 of which nearly 96 per cent are in public sector. The ICAR SAU system accounts for only 22 per cent of institutions, but employs 83 per cent of scientists, the SAUs alone account for more than 63 per cent. There are a large number of small institutions belonging to other public

60 and private categories which include private agricultural colleges, Krishi Vigyan Kendras, research oriented organizations and agricultural research institutions supported by other ministries. In the private sector, the number of institutions is large but their share in human resources is only 4.3 per cent and the average number of scientists is only eight. There is a disciplinary mix of scientists in the agricultural research system 6. 3.3 State Agricultural Universities (SAU) 3.3.1 History and growth of SAUs It was towards the end of 19 th century and beginning of 20 th century, the foundation for Agricultural Education was laid in India with the establishment of six Agricultural Colleges at Lahore, Kanpur (1893), Nagpur (1906), Pune and Coimbatore (1907) and Sabore (1908) and three veterinary colleges one each at Bombay (1886), Madras (1903) and Culcutta. At the time of Independence there were 17 agricultural colleges and 9 colleges of veterinary science. All these were administered by the State governments and had affiliation to General Universities in their respective states. In 1948, the first Educational Commission headed by Dr. S. Radhakrishnan recommended establishment of Rural Universities. In 1955 the first joint Indian American team on Agricultural Education headed by Dr. K. R. Damala endorsed the establishment of Rural Universities and recommended starting post-graduate schools at IARI and IVRI. The second joint Indo-American Team on Agricultural Education (1959-61) headed by Dr. M. S. Randhawa recommended establishment of Agricultural Universities on Land Grant pattern of

61 U.S.A. Agricultural Universities Committee appointed by Government of India in 1960 headed by Dr. Ralph W. Cummings from U.S.A prepared blue print on guidelines for establishing Agricultural Universities in different states. The first Agricultural University was established in 1960 at Pantnagar followed by a series of such universities in different states year and year. Several states are now having two or more SAUs owing to the pressure of regional requirements. 3.3.2 Features of SAUs State-wise responsibility of teaching, research and extension Integration of teaching, research and extension functions Uniform administration, research and extension Colleges as constituent units of university Education based on credit system with continuous education Emphasis on programmes related to problems of rural people Special training programmes for rural youth, adult men and women Quick communication of new knowledge to students, extension workers and farmers Board of management with adequate powers under the University Act Organisational and operational autonomy 3.4 Kerala Agricultural University 3.4.1 Background The history of agricultural education in Kerala can be traced back to the year 1896 when a scheme was evolved in the erstwhile Travancore state

62 to train a few young men in scientific agriculture at the Demonstration Farm, Karamana, Thiruvananthapuram. Agriculture was introduced as an optional subject in the Middle School classes in the State in 1922, when an Agricultural Middle School was started at Aluva, Ernakulam District. The popularity and usefulness of this School led to the starting of similar institutions at Kottarakkara and Konni in 1928 and 1931 respectively. When the University of Travancore was formed, a scheme was proposed for organizing a Diploma course (1939). Agriculture was later introduced as an optional subject for Intermediate course in 1953. No significant head way made until 1955 7. In 1955, the erst while Government of Travancore - Cochin started an Agricultural College at Vellayani, which was later, brought under the Government Department of Agriculture. The Randhawa Commission constituted by the ICAR, recommended the establishment of Agricultural Universities. The need for establishing at least one Agricultural University in each state was stressed by the second National Education Commission (1964-66) headed by Dr. D. S. Kothari. As a result, the Kerala Agricultural University (KAU) was established and started functioning from 1-2-1972. Among the Agricultural Universities, KAU is the only one of its kind in Kerala. With its establishment the agricultural education and research in the state entered a new phase. 3.4.2 Location, Mission and Goals The Kerala Agricultural University (KAU) came into existence on 24 th February 1971, under the Kerala Agricultural University Act 1971 (Act 33 of 1971). The KAU was 15 th in the series of the State Agricultural Universities in India. KAU is a member of the Association of Indian

63 Universities and the Indian Agricultural Universities Association. The main campus of the University at Vellanikkara is 13 km east of Thrissur Palakkad Highway (NH-47). The University under the KAU Act is 1 bestowed with responsibility and vested with jurisdiction extending to the entire geographic territory of the State in fulfilling its designated mandates. 3.4.3 Mandate and Mission The mandate of KAU is sustainable development of agriculture encompassing crop production, agricultural engineering, animal husbandry, fishery, forestry through conducting, interfacing and integrating education, research and extension. Providing human resources, skills and technology required for the sustainable development of Kerala's agriculture by integrating education and research with supporting extension activities is the mission of the university. 3.4.4 Objectives 1. Making provision for imparting education in different branches of study, particularly agriculture, horticulture, animal husbandry including veterinary and dairy science, co-operation, fisheries, forestry, agricultural engineering, home science and other allied branches of learning and scholarship. 2. Furthering the advancements of learning and prosecution of research, particularly in agriculture and allied sciences. 3. Understanding an extension education programme; and such other purposes as the University may from time to time determine.

64 3.4.5 Functions The Kerala Agricultural University has trinity of responsibilities: Education, Research and Extension. 3.4.6 Organization and Governance The administrative hierarchy of the university begins with the Governor of Kerala. The Governor of Kerala is the Chancellor and the Minister for Agriculture, the Pro-Chancellor of the University. The supreme authority of the University is the General Council and the chief executive body is the Executive Committee. The Academic Council, the Board of Studies, the Finance Committee are other statutory authorities. The Vice-Chancellor is the Principal Executive and Academic Officer of the University who is assisted by the Registrar, the Comptroller, Deans of Faculties, the Directors of Research, Extension, Physical Plant, Student's Welfare and the Librarian holding tenurial positions and recognized as Officers of the University. In addition, the Director of Academic and Post Graduate Studies assists the Vice-Chancellor in academic affairs. 3.4.7 Lateral facilities Lateral facilities include students' hostels, staff quarters, canteen, post office, bank, conveyance facility, stadium, KAU estate, Central Auditorium. 3.4.8 Institutional Network In accordance with the provisions of the KAU Act of 1971/ the Agricultural College and Research Institute at Vellayani, which was affiliated to Kerala University and Veterinary College and Research Institute affiliated to Calicut University were brought under the KAU. In addition, twenty one agricultural and animal husbandry research

65 stations were also transferred to the University for taking up research and extension programmes on various crops, animals etc. Thus at the time of inception of the University, there were two colleges and 21 research stations. The University fulfills its obligations and commitments through a network of big and small campuses spread through the length and breadth of the State (Fig. 3.1). In addition to the Colleges that were transferred to the University, later eight more teaching institutions were started. The University has started four research stations of its own in addition to the research stations that were transferred to the University. At present the University is having ten constituent colleges, six Regional Agricultural Research Stations, 26 Research Stations, three centres of Advanced Studies, the Central Training Institute, the Centre of Excellence in Training for Plantation Crops, the Communication Centre, the Agricultural Technology Information Centre (ATIC), the KAU Press, Central Library and Krishi Vigyan Kendras. 3.4.9 Academic programmes Among the four faculties - Agriculture, Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Fisheries and Agricultural Engineering, the University has ten constituent colleges with 57 departments. Details about constituent colleges are provided in Table 3.1. The University offers graduate and postgraduate programmes at Master's as well as Doctoral levels in almost all the disciplines. offered include - The seven undergraduate programmes Agriculture Forestry Co-operation and Banking

66 Veterinary and Animal Sciences Dairy Science and Technology Fisheries and Agricultural Engineering and Technology In 43 disciplines, the University offers rune postgraduate programmes leading to Master's Degree in Agriculture, Horticulture, Forestry, Agricultural Statistics, Co-operation and Banking, Home Science (FS&N), Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Fisheries and Agricultural Engineering and Technology. Doctoral programmes are offered in 26 disciplines. The University has built up the capacity and facilities to train annually a little over 745 students for graduates, masters and for doctorates. On the average the University has around 2000 students on rolls. 3.5 Faculty of Agriculture The faculty of agriculture is the largest among the four faculties of the University. Under the control of this faculty there are five colleges:- 1. College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Thiruvananthapuram 2. College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, Thrissur 3. College of Agriculture, Padannakkad, Kasargod 4. College of Fisheries, Vellanikkara, Thrissur 5. College of Co-operation, Banking and Management, Vellanikkara, Thrissur

67 Table 3.1 KAU: constituent colleges 51. No Name of College Year of Establishment Courses Offered College of Agriculture, BSc. (Ag.), M.Sc.(Ag.) 1 Vellayani, 1955 MSc.(Hort) & Ph. D Thiruvananthapuram MSc. (Home Science) College of Veterinary & 2 Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 1955 Thrissur 3 Kelappaji College of Agricultural Engineering & Technology, Thavanur, Malappuram 1975" College of Horticulture, 4 1972 Vellanikkara, Thrissur B.V.Sc & A.H., M.VSc & Ph.D B.Tech & M.Tech (Agrl. Engineering) B.Sc. (Ag.), MSc. (Ag.) MSc. (Hort) & Ph.D MSc. (Home Science) M.Sc. (Ag. Stat) 5 College of Fisheries, Panangad, Ernakulam 1979 B.FSc. and M.FSc. College of Co-operation, 6 Banking and Management, 1981 Vellanikkara, Thrissur B.Sc. (C&B), MSc. (C&B), MBA 7 College of Forestry, Vellanikkara, Thrissur 1986 BSc. (Forestry) & M.Sc. (Forestry) College of Diary Science and 8 Technology, Vellan~kkara, 1993 B.Tech (DSc. & Tech) Thrissur 9 College of Agriculture, Padannakkad, Kasargod 1994 B.Sc.(Ag) College of Veterinary and 10 Animal Sciences, Pookkod, 1999 B.VSc. & A.H. Wayanad * Formerly Rural Institute started in 1963

N KAR ATAKA z ~ o z TAMIL ADU C ẕ Figure 3.1 Campuses, Ll1stitutions and Re earch Stations of Kerala Agrkuitaral Uni ersily

68 3.5.1 College of Agriculture (COA), Vellayani The College of Agriculture, Vellayani is the premier institution for agricultural teaching, research and extension in Kerala which imparts the necessary skills and training to the undergraduate and postgraduate students based on the employment potential. The college is located in the Kalliyoor Village of Thiruvananthapuram District. It is about 12 km south of the capital city. The College campus has a total area of 222 hectare including 144 ha. of kayalland. The idea of establishing an agricultural college was originated and approved by the Government of the erstwhile Travancore-Cochin State early in 1955. The Agricultural College and Research Institute thus carne in to existence in August, 1955 by acquiring the Senior Maharani's Palace building at Vellayani. The campus was laid out in one of the hillocks surrounded by the beautiful freshwater lake "Vellayani". For the first few years, the College was directly administered by the Government, but later it was attached to the Department of Agriculture. The academic programmes were implemented by affiliating the college to the University of Kerala. With the enachnent of Kerala Agricultural University Act by the State Legislature, this institution was declared as a constituent college of the University with effect from 1-2 1972 and was renamed as the College of Agriculture. The affiliation of the College to the Kerala Agricultural University led to the integration of teaching, research and extension activities. The duration of B.sc (Ag.) programme is four years. The trimester system of education was discontinued in the year 1986 and the semester system was introduced.

69 The college had initially seven departments. Redefining and reconstituting new areas of interests resulted in the growth and development of new departments in the colleges over the years. There are at present 20 departments functioning in the college (Table 3.2). Table 3.2 College of Agriculture: growth and development Year Number of department 1955 7 1962 8 1966 11 1968 12 1979 13 1983 14 1993 15 1998 17 1999 19 2006 20 The college at the time of inception offered only the Bachelor's degree programme. Post graduate programme leading to M.5c. (Ag.) were started in 1961 in five disciplines. Doctoral programmes were started in two disciplines viz. Agronomy and Agriculture Chemistry in 1965 and later in Agricultural Entomology and Plant Pathology. Post graduate programmes in Horticulture and Extension were started in 1976-77 and in Plant Breeding in 1979-80. Only 50 students were admitted to the B.5c. (Ag.) course in 1955 and from 1956 onwards, the student strength was raised to 80. This was further reduced to 67 in the year 1999-2000. On an average, about six students are being admitted to M.Sc. (Ag.) programme in each discipline.

70 While admission to B.5c (Ag.) course IS based on Common Entrance Test conducted by the Commissioner for Entrance Examination, Government of Kerala, admission to M.5c. courses is made by Entrance Examination, separate for each discipline conducted by the University. Identical to the Junior Research Fellowship examination of the ICAR, selection of candidates for Ph.D programmes is based on overall assessment of merits of the candidates by selection committee constituted for the purpose. The college offers undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral programmes. The course curriculum for B.5c (Ag) was revised in 2007 to B.5c. Hons. (Agriculture). At present M.Sc (Ag) programme is offered in 13 disciplines and Doctor of Philosophy is offered in 12 disciplines. Research is one of the major mandatory functions of the college. The research programmes include the postgraduate projects, plan projects as well as research projects taken up by the faculty. The broad areas of research are crop production, protection and processing with particular emphasis on location specific and field oriented problems. The college undertakes extension programmes such as - Training programmes, Village adoption programme, Agroclinics, Soil testing programmes, Community interaction programmes, mass media programmes. In the general administration of the college, the Dean is the head of the institution who is assisted by the Administrative Officer. Each teaching department of the college is governed by a Head. A department, besides the faculty, also has supporting staff depending on the requirement.

71 3.5.1.1 The Faculty The institution has at its helm a group of professionally trained faculty of which many are recipients of advanced level training in their respective areas at premier institutions in India and abroad. Many of the faculty members have long standing experience in teaching, research and extension. At present the faculty consists of Professors, Associate Professors and Assistant Professors in the various disciplines. Of these, more than 90 per cent teachers are Doctoral Degree holders and few are having post doctoral degrees also. In addition to the departments of the College, the National Agricultural Research Project (Southern Region) has been functioning at Vellayani since 1981. It was established for implementing the various research activities of the University in the southern region of Kerala. It also co-ordinates the research projects funded by the University as well as those funded by external agencies. Besides, the teachers of this unit also participate in the academic programmes of the college. The Instructional Farm established in 1955 has an arable garden land area of 70.9 ha. and wetland area of 10.5 ha. used for crop cultivation. A variety of crops are grown here, the most important being coconut. 3.5.1.2 Mission and Goals The College of Agriculture at Vellayani is the first of its kind to be established in the State. At the time of establishment of this College, it had only limited objectives and role to play. The original mission was confined to the production of trained agricultural graduates required for the implementation of the rural development programmes of the State as well as to have a centre for higher education in agriculture. Over the years, the agricultural human resource development has assumed

72 greater significance in view of the greater thrust given to the overall agricultural production in the State. Diversification of agricultural enterprise and the growing importance of plantation crops and spices, the research emphasis also shifted from the general to specialized areas. The mission and goals of the college stands committed to - The production and development of agricultural human resource to meet the requirement of academic, research and extension programmes of the State. Ensure and sustain quality in agricultural education and research. Provide leadership in both basic and applied research for evolving need based and eco friendly technologies for sustainable agriculture. Serve as a lead centre for collection and maintenance of agricultural databases for the effective transfer of knowledge through IT to the students, researchers and farmers. Act as a centre for field demonstration of the agricultural production technologies and for imparting training to the extension functionaries and farmers. 3.5.2 College of Horticulture (COH) The College of Horticulture is a premier institution for higher agricultural education in the central part of Kerala established as a constituent academic institution of Kerala Agricultural University. The college is situated in the main campus of Kerala Agricultural University at Vellanikkara in the Madakkathara Panchayat of Thrissur district. It is about 13 km from the Thrissur Railway Station.

73 Though Kerala continued as the leading producer of horticultural crops, in the field of agricultural research and education, little importance was given to the horticultural crops in the syllabus for undergraduate course in agriculture. Considering the importance and potential of horticulture in the State, the need for starting undergraduate programmes in horticulture and producing graduates with a sound knowledge was strongly felt. This led the establishment of College of Horticulture on 28 th October 1972 in the Mannuthy campus of KAU. The college was shifted to the new academic buildings of the main campus of the University at Vellanikkara during March 1978. B.sc (Hort.) degree programme was started with an intake of 20 students during 1972. The B.Sc (Ag) programme was also introduced in the college from 1977 with an intake of 50 students. Later instead of two separate undergraduate programmes in Horticulture and Agriculture, one programme with unified syllabus giving due importance to horticulture was introduced. In 1980-81, the B.Sc (Hort) degree programme was discontinued and B.Sc (Ag) degree programme started. Post graduate programmes were started in six disciplines in 1976. From 1979 onwards, Ph.D programmes also commenced. Though the undergraduate programme in Horticulture was discontinued, postgraduate programmes were strengthened with the formation of four departments - Olericulture, Pomology and Floriculture, Plantation Crops and Spices and Processing Technology. 3.5.2.1 Academic and Research programme The college now produces graduates in Agriculture, postgraduates in Agriculture, Horticulture, Agricultural Statistics and

74 Food Science and Nutrition and doctorates. The college has got sixteen departments and four other units viz. Centre for Biotechnology and Molecular Biology, Radio-tracer Laboratory, Instrumentation Centre and Instructional Farm. The faculty consists of Professors, Associate Professors and Assistant Professors. Research is a major activity of the College. There are several externally aided research projects and university funded research projects. Several technologies, skills and knowledge pertaining to crop improvement, crop management, processing and plant protection of important tropical crops were generated. The College has released several varieties of vegetables, cocoa, turmeric and long pepper. The College undertakes large scale multiplication and distribution of quality vegetable seeds, elite planting materials of fruit plants, ornamentals, spices and medicinal plants and oyster mushroom spawn to the farmers as a routine activity. The Associate Dean is the head of the College. At the time of establishment the faculty position was only seven which gradually rose to the present position. 3.5.2.2 Mission and Goals College of Horticulture was established with the mission of providing human resources, skills and technology, required for sustainable development of agriculture and horticulture in the State of Kerala through conducting, interfacing and integrating education, research and extension. Keeping this mission in view, specific goals are set for the College which include:

75 providing high quality professional education in agriculture, horticulture and related areas Building up adequate human, physical and financial resources for education, research and technology transfer. Creating adequate facilities for the curricular and co-curricular activities of the students. Conducting advanced research in different disciplines of agriculture and horticulture. Generating technologies to improve the production and productivity of tropical crops. Implementing effective extension programmes. From the humble beginning with an initial intake capacity of mere 20 undergraduate students, the College of Horticulture has undergone spectacular growth over the years and attained the status of a premier institution of advanced learning in Central Kerala offering undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral degree programme in all major branches of agriculture. 3.5.3 College of Agriculture, Padannakkad, Kasargod The college, situated in Kasargod district is the youngest and the third agricultural college started by KAU. It was established in 1994 aiming at the agricultural development of northern Kerala. The college is located by the side of NH-17, two kms north of Nileswar town. This College fulfills the aspirations and the long cherished wish of the people of Northern Malabar to have an Agricultural College in the region. The main factors which influenced this decision are the backwardness of the area and its peculiar agro climatic conditions, the

76 existence of vast stretches of marginal lands and peculiarities of cropping systems followed in the zone. The College has.been functioning in the Regional Agricultural Research Station, Pilicode, from its inception till August 1998. The college was shifted to Padannakkad campus on August 1998. Only 15 batches of UG students have been admitted so far. Teaching, research and extension are the mandate of the College and the, lead function is to make provision for imparting education in different branches of study. Furthering the advancement of learning, promotion of research and undertaking a need based and location specific front line extension education programme are the other lead function. 3.5.4 College of Forestry (CoF) College of Forestry, established in the year 1986 is located in the main campus of Kerala Agricultural University. Academic programlnes include both four year undergraduate two year M.sc Forestry courses. Primary emphasis of these programmes is to impart theoretical and practical knowledge on various aspects of management and maintenance of Forest and Wildlife. In addition to regular classes, these programmes include frequent visits to forest areas, sanctuaries, national parks and forest research institutes. To carry out research in basic and applied aspects of forestry, to take up extension activities in forestry and to cater to the needs of the end users and give technical professional support to social forestry, agro forestry and wildlife management are additional functions. In addition to regular teaching work the faculty members are engaged in research and extension activities related to Forestry. Research projects funded by

77 various external agencies are at different stages of implementation in the college. The mandate of the College of Forestry is to carry out teaching and research in Forestry and make Forestry professional rather than protective forestry. 3.5.5 College of Co-operation, Banking and Management (CCBM) The B.5c Co-operation and Banking programme was started in 1981 with an intake capacity of 50 students at the Radio Isotope laboratory in the main campus under the control of Associate Dean, College of Horticulture. The venue was shifted to Directorate of Extension in 1982. The programme was delineated from the College of Horticulture and started to function as a separate college under the name College of Co - operation and Banking from 1985 onwards. The intake capacity was reduced to 25 from 1989 batch onwards. Now the College is offering one undergraduate, BSc (C&B) and postgraduate programme with specialization in Rural Marketing Management, Rural Banking and Finance and Co - operative Management, one Ph.D programme and MBA. 3.5.6 Mandate of the institution to assist in meeting the rapidly growing needs of managerial manpower for formal and informal co - operatives, financial institutions, agri-business enterprises and other rural development organizations to undertake research to foster the entrepreneural ability and to extend management and organizational skills to the rural commodity

78 to offer training for policy makers and administrators in the development departments, enterprises, organizations and institutions. Besides the teaching work, the faculty of the College has been serving as resource persons for various training programmes. 3.6 Faculty of Veterinary Animal Science Constituent Colleges under this facility are: 3.6.1 College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy This college was established in 1955 with a view of training sufficient veterinary personnel. The college became a constituent unit of KAU in 1972. The postgraduate programmes leading to M.V.5c. and Ph.D degree were started in 1962 and 1965 respectively. Mandate of the institution is teaching, research and extension. 3.6.2 College of Dairy Science and Technology Dairy Science was started initially as a degree programme of College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences in 1993. Later separate college was formed under the faculty of Veterinary and Animal Science. Presently the college is functioning at Mannuthy. Offering degree programmes leading to B.Tech. (D.5c. and Tech) and M.Tech (D.5c. and Tech) and research and development on low cost feed for milch animals etc. are objectives of the college. 3.6.3 College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Pookkod, Wayanad The college established in 1999, now functions at Wayanad from 2004. The mandate of the college is to impart veterinary education and to provide qualified veterinary personnel.

79 3.7 Faculty of Fisheries 3.7.1 College of Fisheries, Panangad, Emakulam This college is the only institution In the State offering professional degree programme in fisheries. It was established in 1979 under the KAU. It is the third fisheries college in the country. The mandate of the college is the development of fisheries sector of the State and country. 3.8 Faculty of Agricultural Engineering 3.8.1 Kelappaji College of Agricultural Engineering and Technology, Tavanoor, Malappuram district. The college campus is located at Thavanur in Malappuram The campus was the seat of rural institute which was established in 1963. Later it was taken over by the KAU in 1975 and was upgraded and renamed as Kelappaji College of Agricultural Engineering and Technology. To impart education at UG and PG level in the faculty of Agricultural Engineering and to conduct research and to provide extension support to department are the mandates of the institution. 3.9 Research Programmes of the University Agriculture is fast changing and so also the challenges before the research system. The years immediately after independence, the main forcing paradigm for agricultural development was the need and urgency of achieving self sufficiency in the production of food grains. Over the years the research focus expanded to include an array of field and horticultural crops, livestock species and fisheries. The key challenge before the agricultural scientist is to conceive and promote

80 strategies to enhance productivity and resource conservation for sustainable agriculture. Kerala Agricultural University is the nodal and primary institute in Kerala for undertaking basic and fundamental as well as applied research in agriculture and allied sciences with special reference to crops and animals of the state. The university as a nucleus institute in agricultural research has developed sufficient production technologies in a variety of traditional and popular crops. The University carries on research throughout the State primarily to the problems of agriculture and all allied science for the purpose of aiding the development of agriculture and for the benefit of the agricultural population of the State. The research programme of the University have been drawn out with emphasis in solving location specific, field oriented problem faced by the farmers of the State and are planned based on the needs of the State. Two hundred and fifty seven high yielding varieties of crops have been released by the University. Research on the above lines is carried out in the research stations under the University and in the various departments of the Colleges. The Director of Research directs and co-ordinates the various research programmes. Research activities are organized and channelised through Regional Agricultural Research Stations on the basis of felt needs of the farming community with particular reference to changing situations and priorities. 3.9.1 Research and Extension Centres of the University The research stations coming under the KAU are provided in Table 3.3. They have been grouped faculty-wise into four. At present the University is having:

81 Six Regional Research Stations Twenty six Research Stations Three Centres of Advanced Studies One Centre for Agricultural Biotechnology and Molecular Biology and Ten Instructional Farms and Laboratories of Colleges to organize and conduct research. Table 3.3: Research/Extension Centres of KAU S1. No. Name of Research Station Year of inception A 1 2 3 4 5 6 B Regional Agricultural Research Stations (RARSs) Regional Research Station (Northern Zone), Pilicode, Kasargod Regional Research Station (Central Zone), Pattambi, Palakkad Regional Research Station (Special Zone), Kumarakom, Kottayam Regional Research Station (Northern Zone), Ambalavayal, Wayanad Regional Research Station (Southern Zone), Vellayani, Thiruvananthapuram Onattukara Regional Research Station, Kayamkulam, Alappuzha Research Stations 1916 1927 1937 1946 1955 2000 1 Rice Research Station, Moncompu, Alappuzha 1940 2 University Livestock Farm, Mannuthy, Trissur 1940 3 Poultry and Duck Farm, Mannuthy, Trissur 1943 4 Coconut Research Station, Balaramapuram, Thiruvananthapuram 1948

82 5 Pepper Research Station, Panniyur, Kannur 1949 6 7 Aromatic and Medicinal Plants Research Station. Odakkali, Ernakulam Cropping Systems Research Center, Karamana, Trivandrum 1954 1955 8 Cardamom Research Station, Pampadumpara, Idukki 1956 9 Cattle Breeding Farm, Thumburmuzhi, Trissur 1957 10 Agricultural Research Station, Mannuthy, Trissur 1957 11 Rice Research Station, Vyttila, Ernakulam 1958 12 Agronomic Research Station, Chalakkudi, Thrissur 1962 13 Banana Research Station, Kannara, Thrissur 1963 14 Cashew Research Station, Anakkayam, Malappuram 1963 15 16 Centre for Pig Production and Research, Mannuthy, Thrissur Livestock Research Station, Thiruvazhamkunnu, Palakkad 1965 1972 17 Goat and Sheep Farm, Mannuthy, Thrissur 1973 18 Cashew Research Station, Madakkathara, Thrissur 1973 19 Sugarcane Research Station, Thiruvalla,Pathanamthitta 1979.20 Fisheries Station, Puthuvaipu, Ernakulam 1979 21 Cattle Infertility scheme, Vellimadukkunnu, Kozhikode 1980 22 AICRP on Agricultural Drainage, Karumadi, Alappuzha 1981 23 Farming Systems Research Station, Sadanandapuram, Kollam 1986 24 Pineapple Research Station, Vazhakulam, Idukki 1995

83 25 Soil Conservation Research Centre, Konni, Pathanamthitta 1999 26 Cropping System Research Subcentre, Vadakkumcherry 1999 C Extension Centres 1 KVK, Pattambi, Palakkad 1979 2 KVK, Manjeswaram, Kasargod 1984 3 KVK, Ambalavayal, Wayanad 1984 4 KVK, Sadanandapuram, Kollam 1994 5 KVK, Kummarakom, Kottayam 2000 6 KVK, Panniyur, Kannur 2003 7 KVK, Tavanur, Malappuram 2003 8 KVK, Mannuthy, Thrissur 2004 9 Communication Centre, Mannuthy 10 Central Training Institute, Mannuthy 11 Agricultural Technology Information Centre (ATIC), Mannuthy 12 Training Service Scheme, Vellayani Besides undertaking its own research projects, the University is participating in a number of ICAR Adhoc and ICAR coordinated research projects. Other externally aided proj~cts of Department of Science and Technology, Department of Biotechnology, Department of Atomic Energy, NAlP, STEC/STED (Government of Kerala), National Horticultural Board, Coir Board, Spices Board are also undertaken.

84 3.10 Extension activities of the University Extension education is an integral part of the University. The basic extension education role is to make available useful information based on findings of research, to the farmers and the general public through mass media. Transfer of Technology is realized through testing and evaluation of the technologies and innovations under farmer's field conditions, assessing their potentials, training of extension personnel and bringing about institutional and organizational innovations. The programmes of the university in the area of extension are operationalised through net work of institutions. The Directorate of Extension is responsible for the extension education activities of the University. The Communication Centre and Central Training Institute which forms the main constituents of the Directorate of Extension spear head the front line extension activities. The Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVK), one in each of major agro ecological zone participates in the Transfer of Technology. Training Service Scheme facilitates in-service training on new innovation and technologies. The KAU IS credited with having conceptualized and operationalised single window approach for technology transfer by providing access to information through information cum sales counter. Through Agricultural Technology Information Centre (ATIC), information about production inputs and diagnostic services are made available at a single window. In addition, educational institutions and research stations of the University are also implementing extension education programme.

85 3.11 Publications of the University The KAU press caters to the printing needs of the University. The publication unit brings out a number of publications on various topics in agriculture and allied subjects. This includes periodicals, annual administration reports, budget estimates, budget speech, research reports. Free publications as well as priced ones, both in Malayalam and English categorized under text books, booklets, technical bulletins, pamphlets and leaflets are published by the University. The semi technical farm magazine Kalpadhenu, a tri- monthly in Malayalam and two scientific journals namely Journal of Tropical agriculture and Kerala Journal of Veterinary Science published every six months are the major periodicals brought out. Journal of Tropical Agriculture is an international journal that publishes scientific articles concerned with all branches of agricultural SCIence. This journal has been published since 1961, initially as the Agricultural Research Journal of Kerala and renamed in 1993 as it is at present to reflect the changing needs and relevance of the contents. The abstract/ content lists are published in CABI Abstracts, TripHort.com, EMBiology, Scopus, DOAJ, Coogle scholar, animal Science Database, Ag Biotech Net and, Indian Science abstracts. The journal is maintained as on -line education and available at http:/www.jtropg.in. Among books published, mention may be given to Package of Practices Recommendations-Crops. It is a publication that has stood the test of time and now occupies a position known for its credible, reliable, research and tested recommendations. It is a valuable repository of

86 recommendations not only for the farming community but also to all the organizations involved in advising the farming community. First published in 1973, now it is in its 13 th edition. 3.12 Other units Centre of Excellence in Training Plantation Crops, High School, Library, Press, KAU Estate, are other units of the University. 3.13 Conclusion As against traditional universities, Agricultural Universities are established for specialized studies in a few disciplines. The National Agricultural Research and Education System in the country is a two tiered system comprising ICAR and its institutions at national level and State Agricultural Universities (SAU) and their associated zonal research stations at state level. The State Agricultural Universities associated with ICAR's academic institutions have played a significant role in generating trained human resource in agriculture which contributed immensely in overall transformation of agricultural sector. In Kerala, with the establishment of the Kerala Agricultural University in 1972, agricultural education and research entered a new phase.

87 References 1. Kannaiyan, C.S., et al. 2001. Accountability in agricultural education. Productivity 42 (2): 307-17 2. Randhawa, M.S. 1963. Agricultural research In India: Institutes and organizations. New Delhi, ICAR. 3. India, Education Commission 1966. Report of the Education Commission (1964-66) Delhi, Ministry of Education, 598. 4. http://www.icar.org.in/sau.htm accessed in 10-9-2009 5. Dayanatha Jha and Sant Kumar, 2006. Research resource allocation in Indian agriculture. NCAP Policy paper No. 23, National Centre for Agricultural Economics and Policy Research, New Delhi. 6. Adhiguru, P. et al. 2008. Agricultural research and technology transfer to farmers. University News 46(05): 65-74. 7. Kerala Agricultural University. 2001. Self study report for accreditation. Thrissur, Kerala Agricultural University, 1.