Volume XX. ISSUE 2 KAUKAU NEWSNEWS June 2014 Web: www.kau.edu Email: [email protected] G C Reconstituted Pre Monsoon Interface propose The General Council has been recon- District level Multi Disciplinary Teams stituted following the election and nomination action plan to ensure replenishment of soil processes in accordance with the Act. fertility based on soil analysis. It also proposed Dr. Jiju P Alex, Dr. Jose Joseph, Dr. T.N. a substantial reduction in Phosphorus input Jagdeesh Kumar and Dr. A. Prema (Teachers’ in view of the rich content of it in soil and representatives); V.S. Sathyaseelan and use the savings therefrom to ensure periodic Varghese J Ollukkaran (Representatives of Non-teaching Staff); C.H. Muthu and M.A. application of lime to ensure neutralization Yohannaan (representatives of labourers) of excess acidity in soil. and Soumya Krishnan and Vishnu Narayanan KAU Vice-chancellor Dr. P. Rajendran in (Students’ representatives) were elected to his inaugural address highlighted the need the General Council in the election held on June 11. to formulate a special package of practices for monsoon season so that the crops of Kerala The members nominated by Chancellor are protected against seasonal infestations. are : Dr. S. Devanesan, Dr. P.V. Balachandran, Vice-Chancellor Dr. P. Rajendran addressing Dr. R. Krishnakumar and Dr. Mary Regina. F the Pre Monsoon Interface R. Ajith Kumar, Director of Agriculture (Scientists); Adv. Sony Sebastian, K.A. Sheeba, in his Keynote address said that the interface Rajeev Nellikunnel and Aji Francis ( Farmers); The pre monsoon research extension is pertinent not only in the light of monsoon P.A. Salam and Anil Pulickal (Panchayat interface organized by KAU at Directorate Presidents) and Francis Kombara (Planter). related issues but in a long term perspective of Extension, Mannuthy decided to form as well. Director of Research Dr. T.R. Gopala- The other positions in the council are district level multi-disciplinary teams to krishnan said that a revamp of crop calendar occupied by Ollur MLA M.P. Vincent, four combat pest and disease infestations during is imperative in the light of new issues like MLA s to be elected by the state Legislative monsoon season. Assembly (election pending), Dr. Anandaraj climate change. Dr. P.V. Balachandran, representing ICAR, Secretaries to Government The workshop formulated crop wise Director of Extension presided over the and heads of departments, commodity management packages. Taking note of the inaugural function. About 150 delegates boards and corpo-rations in agricultural calcium-magnesium imbalance and potassium including senior officers of the department and allied sectors. induced magnesium deficiency as well as of Agriculture and scientists from different The first meeting of newly constituted deficiency of Boron and other micro nutrients agricultural research institutions in the state GC is scheduled on July 19. in the state’s soil, workshop recommended partook in the programme. KVK Network to Implement Family Farming Project Inside A 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. Page 2 : Research Buzz. Pre-package workshop, The project focused on enhancing production and productivity of safe to Lab accreditation extended eat vegetables and fruits in homestead farming systems and strengthening family chains was finalized at a meeting of all KVKs in the state held at Thrissur Page 3 : Call to save the planet, Afforestation KVK on June 20. The draft project was formulated on the basis of discussions initiative, promoting native flowers, th in the three day workshop held at Sulthan Bathery during 26-28 May. RKVY workshop & Recognition to The participatory project, to be implemented in all the 14 districts in collaboration with scientists NGOs, Community based organization, Department of Agriculture, three tier Panchayats and other relevant stake holders, will be executed through identified small holder groups Page 4 : E Sreedharan’s talk, Minister with involved in organic inputs production, market linkages, value additions and capacity building. school students, New CoF website, The action plan aims at strengthening of integrated homestead models and value addition Nutmeg farmers’ workshop with selected 120 farming families in each district. Director of Extension Dr. P.V. Balachandran and NABARD Assistant General Manager S. Manikumar led the discussions. Cluster based organic input production and supply and market outlets should Page 5 : Research vessel at Kumarakom, CoH be formed to support enhanced production of safe to eat vegetables and fruits, said retains Arts fest crown, FSA batches, Dr. P.V. Balachandran. Manikumar proposed inclusion of commercial orientation so as to IMPCC meet, RAWE Programmes ensure sustainability of the project. KVK Thrissur will play the lead role in designing and execution of the state level Page 6 : Spices development programme, project conceived as a part of International Year of Family Farming. Intensive trainings to the KAU-UBC tie up, Reading week, Gender district level promoters, participant households and definite monitoring and evaluation Consortium, Book release mechanisms are major components of the project. Page 2 KAU NEWS June 2014 Research Buzz – news from labs and fields GI Tag for Kaipad rice has intensified the processing and value addition including intercrops of cashew garden apart from cashew apple and implementation of Kaipad rice of North Kerala has been accorded Geographical cashew frontline technology demonstration programme 20 ha in Indication (GI) status. Malabar Kaipad Farmer’s Society of Kannur Thrissur district. A project on Production forecast of cashew in India and College of Agriculture, Padannakkad and Centre for IP Protection for the year 2014 has also been started. of KAU were the key players in this venture. Cropping Systems Research Centre, Karamana has published Vice-Chancellor background reports for Agro ecological Zone Based Agricultural Dr. P. Rajendran Development for all the 14 districts of Kerala. The report contains congratulated the valuable information pertaining to diverse cropping systems prevalent scientists at Centre for throughout Kerala disease and pest incidence in various crops and IP Protection and CoA, researchable issues on an agro ecological zone perspective. A package Padannakkad under of practices for terrace cultivation of major vegetables has been the University for the standardized and a modified PoP recommendation of organic manure persistent efforts in application in amaranthus is formulated. obtaining GI tag for native varieties. This Experiments at BRS, Kannara has proved that Popoulu (AAB) national recognition will enhance the fame, authenticity and and Kluai Namwa Khom (ABB), two unique introductions available marketability of Kaipad rice which will directly benefit the producers, in the gene bank are suitable for commercial cultivation in Kerala. he said. Centre for Plant Biotechnology and Molecular Biology, Saline prone naturally organic rice tract of Kaipad falls under Vellanikkara has developed DNA fingerprinting of Four Brinjal Ezhome Panchayath of Kannur district and the river banks in Kozhikode varieties released by KAU (three superior accessions Surya, Swetha, and Kasargod Districts. Kaipad is an organically rich integrated organic Haritha, Neelima, SM 116, SM 397) and two wild relatives Solanum farming system similar to the famous Pokkali tracts in which Single- torvum and Solanum macrocarpum. The Centre has also released the crop of rice cultivation is followed by aqua-culture in the coastal high yielding, intervarietal hybrid P6 x P5 had been released as variety brackish water marshes. P8, which is tolerant to Phytophthora foot rot and drought. KAU was instrumental in obtaining GI tag for some other NARP(SR), Vellayani has developed Protocol for tissue culture of agricultural products of Kerala such as Njavara rice, Pokkali rice, Wayanad rice varieties of Jeerakasala and Gandhakasala, Palakkadan three papaya cultivars from mature explants.The centre has also Matta rice, Central Travancore Jaggery and Vazhakulam pineapple. developed a high yielding leaf curl virus resistant chilli culture, Aranmula metal mirror, Payyanoor pavithra ring, screw pine craft, which has been recommended for release. Technology for rapid Kuthampully sarees, Kasargod sarees etc. are also in the list of treatment chemical conversion of waste to manure and indigenous registered GI products of Kerala. technology for biochar production from tender coconut waste using pyrolysis process are also standardised. The red grained Kaipad rice has excellent cooking qualities. The other uniqueness includes the richness of iron content than the Two high yielding strains of Pleurotus florida, Pleurotus eous, Pleurotus medicinal rice variety ‘Njavara’. Calcium content is also on par with ulmarius, Calocybe indica and Calocybe gambosa were developed at the that of medicinal rice ‘Njavara’, and fat content is less than the popularly Instructional Farm, CoA, Vellayani. Instructional Farm also consumed ‘Jyothi’ variety. developed two strains of medicinal mushroom, Ganoderma lucidum Cashew Research Station, Madakkathra has launched two more for pharmacological studies and standardized low cost milky products from Cashew Apple Syrup – Halwa and Cookies. The centre mushroom production technology. NABL Extends Accreditation Of Pesticide Residue Lab, Vellayani Pre Package Workshop enlists new technologies KAU has begun preparations to revise Sixty eight proposals on new The Pesticide Residue Research and the Package of Practices recommendations, technologies to be included in the Analytical Laboratory, under AINP on Pesticide the most authentic and scientific document Residue at Vellayani has secured continued forthcoming edition of PoP were critically governing the agricultural production examined by the expert group headed by accreditation by NABL under ISO 17025 : 2005 technology in the state. up to Feb-2016. The extension of accreditation Dr. Jim Thomas, Associate Director of is based on its satisfactory performance, The Pre-Package workshop held at KAU Research. analytical capabilities and facilities. HQ on 23 April was inaugurated by Vice- Chancellor Dr. P. Rajendran in a function The forum endorsed the replacement With the revised scope, the laboratory presided over by the Director of Research, of older plant protection chemical molecules can issue certificate on analysis of pesticide Dr. T. R. Gopalakrishnan. with safer alternatives. Improvement of rice residues of water, fruits, vegetables, cereals, based cropping systems and homesteads, The Vice-Chancellor stressed the need pulses, and pepper, cardamom and milk samples vegetables and fruit production technology, for periodic update in PoP as the farming with NABL logo. Laboratory accreditation seed technology, eco-friendly and organic provides formal recognition of the competent sector is facing new challenges and new approaches to crop production and labs, thus providing a ready means for customers trends are evolving. Popularising scientific to find reliable testing and calibration services farming practices alone can ensure sustainable inventories in farm mechanization were the in tune with their requirements. agriculture, he said. main topics discussed in detail. June 2014 KAU NEWS Page 3 Care for the planet, not the rituals : Salim Kumar Intensive afforestation Film star Salim Kumar has said that every Programmes initiated one interested in saving future generations should realise the urgency to save the planet. The national award winner was inaugurating Environment day celebrations organized by Centre for Environmental Economics of KAU at College of Horticulture. ‘Raise your voice, not the sea level, is the theme of this year’s World environment day. If the sea level rises some of our habitats, including mine, may disappear. But instead of thinking of our future, we are running after money and pleasures. Average Malayali is averse to hard work and adamant on procuring Cini star Salimkumar shares his thoughts with deadly diseases in the form of poison filled Students at CoH, Vellanikkara Replanting in KAU Botanical garden being inaugurated vegetables and food grains from other states, become a dense forest by now. Instead our Director of Research Dr. T.R. Gopalakrishnan he said. tree population has only decreased. All inaugurated the University level afforestation An attractive and informative documentary should realize that planting a tree is an easy ritual while sustaining it is a difficult respon- programmes by starting replanting operations on Pokkali farming, produced by the actor, at Botanical Garden, Vellanikkara on June 5. was screened at the ocassion. sibility which no one volunteers to shoulder’, Salim kumar said. Director of Extension Dr. P.V. Balachandran Salim kumar also took a dig at ritualistic highlighted the relevance of the Environment planting programmes on Environment day. Dr. C. T. Abraham presided over the function. CEEE head Dr. P. Indira Devi offered day theme ‘Raise your voice, not the sea level.’ ‘Even if half of the trees planted in last welcome and Economics Department head ten years survived, Kerala would have Dr. Jessy K. Thomas proposed vote of thanks. Afforestation programme was taken up in all Campuses as directed by the Vice-Chancellor. Popularising native flowers ; KVK model The programme envisages planting of 25,000 economically important trees in various The indigenous flower varieties such as Clerodendron, Marygold, Gomphrena, and campuses of the University . Balsum are returning to adorn traditional flower decorations thanks to an innovative training programme, Ponnonaththinoru Pookkooda, initiated by Thrissur KVK. The programme Dr. V. K. Raju, Assoc. Director of Research; has prompted many housewives and students to take up cultivation of native flowers; Dr. K. Vidyasagar, Dean i/c, CoF; Dr. C.T. thereby reducing the dependence of flowers brought from neighbouring states. Abraham, Associate Dean i/c, CoH and The attempt by Thrissur KVK is worth emulating in all parts of the state, said Dr. A. Sukumaran, Associate Dean, CCBM Dr. P. V. Balachandran, Director of Extension. ‘I am amazed by the tremendous response spoke. Students and staff of CoF, CCBM and to this idea as well. Reinventing the beauty of native flowers in the homesteads also creates an CoH actively participated in the programme. inclination to homestead farming, which in turn contributes to a healthy lifestyle’, he said. Uphold Accountability of Research: VC Recognition for ensures excellent platform for implementing KAU Scientists projects with well defined objectives and well Dr. Sajan Kurien, Director (Planning) thought out methodology. KAU has been awarded a certificate of excellence in reviewing science literature Director of Research Dr. T. R. Gopala krishnan highlighted the successful implementation of by Oxford based Elsevier Limited, renowned many RKVY projects in KAU and urged the publishers of Science and Technical journals. Director of Research ,Vice-Chancellor and Director scientists to ensure that research findings help The yearly recognition, given to handpicked of Extension at the workshop to sustain food security endeavors. reviewers, has been presented to Dr. Sajan Vice-Chancellor Dr. P. Rajendran has Kurien for his excellent contributions in peer Dr. P. V. Balachandran, Director of Extension, called upon the agricultural scientists to review, according to the publishing house. uphold accountability of research and address KAU and Director, State PPM cell said that real issues confronting the states’ agricultural proper understanding of the guidelines will help Dr. P. Indiradevi, Director, Centre of sector. to extract more funding and engage in more Excellence in Environmental Economics of research work, which will ultimately benefit KAU has been nominated by ICAR as Dr.Rajendran was inaugurating a the whole society and all stakeholders. workshop organized by Directorate of Research Advisory Committee member of Extension and state PPM cell to sensitise Officials of PPM Cell presented the the Council owned Research Complex in the scientists on preparation and implementation various guidelines, restrictions and modes of Goa. She has also been elected to the of research projects under RKVY. funding under RKVY. Scientists from different executive committee of Indian Society of Vice-Chancellor also said that the RKVY KAU stations and Officials of department of Ecological Economics. guidelines, though apparently very strict, Agriculture participated. Page 4 KAU NEWS June 2014 Uphold Values of Life : Revive Organic E. Sreedharan Agriculture : Minister Sreedharan underscored punctu-ality, Integrity, competence and accountability as the four pillars of a successful career. ‘Punctuality shows that you care for value of time. A system cannot be punctual unless the people in it are punctual. Integrity, an integral part of successful public life, is both a character and perception built thereon. Competence is the third pillar of professional success the will to acquire knowledge always propels one to the next orbit of professional Minister K. P. Mohanan interacting with Achievements in life will have no value life. Accountability is the social responsibility school students at CoA, Vellayani unless they are built upon the strong edifice to justify the money you spend, the time you spare the expectations you carry’, he said. Agricultural Minister K. P. Mohanan of honesty and integrity, said Dr. E. Sreedharan, called upon the younger generation to eminent engineering professional and principal ‘Delay in execution of projects invariably help the revival of organic agriculture in adviser, DMRC. lead to cost escalation and that drains public Kerala so that Food Safety is attained money. Unfortunately Kerala is yet to learn Delivering the fourth episode of Leadership along with Food security. Interacting with from repeated incidences of delayed projects wisdom talk series organized by College of the 125 school students who visited CoA, and consequent wastage of money and man- Cooperation, Banking and Management at Vellayani as part of their vacation camp power. I wish young professionals will realize organized by Vailoppilly Samskrithi KAU Head Quarters, Dr. Sreedharan said that the importance of time and launch a new Bhavan, he told them to regain soil health he imbibed values of life from a strong social chapter of development’ Sreedharan said. by nurturing it with organic inputs. structure which prevailed in his childhood. KAU Registrar Dr. E.K. Mathew presided The Minister distributed mango grafts ‘My generation was fortunate to have a over the session. Associate Dean Dr. A. to the students. Dr. Sverup John, Dean domestic atmosphere inculcating ethical and Sukumaran welcomed the gathering and Staff (Agriculture),; Dr. S. Devanesan, ADR; behavioral values and a schooling system Secretary Dr. P. Shaheena proposed vote of Dr. R.Prakash, Head, Department of which strengthened such characteristics. If thanks. Philip Sabu, MBA course Director; Extension; Dr. Arthur Jacob; Dr. V.B. anything we can do to better the present M.R.Gopalakrishnan, Thrissur Manangement Padmanabhan; Babu Kiriyath; Rasheed system, it is to re invent resources to instill Association President and ZIta Bosco, CCBM and Sadasivan Poovathoor participated. values of life in future generations’, he said. Students’ Union President spoke. New Website, Solar Nutmeg Farmers decide to form System for CoF Producer Company for sustenance The new website and the Solar power system of College of Forestry were launched A workshop of Nutmeg farmers, Processors and exporters on May 27. While the website was launched by organised by Thrissur KVK has set up an adhoc committee to Dr. K.R. Dhiman, Chairman, ICAR committee workout the modalities of forming a farmer producer company. on Minimum Standards of Higher Agricultural Such a company only will ensure sustenance of nutmeg cultivation Education, Solar power systekm was in the state through a transparent pricing system and systematic commissioned by Dr. K.L. Khurana, Principal quality assurance, the workshop resolved. scientist, ICAR. The adhoc committee headed by K.Krishnankutty Ex. MLA will have farmer The new site (forestry.kau.in) is the one and representatives from Ernakulam, Thrissur and Palakkad district as members. only Mobile-First institution website in the Speakers endorsed the view that exploiting the export opportunities to European country and was fully indigenuously developed. countries is the best available option for profitable farming. Since guaranteeing highest It runs on an open source CMS platform. An e- quality alone can ensure enhanced export, systematic post-harvest handling of the learning platform is also being integrated with produce is imperative. It was also proposed that extending knowhow to operate micro the website. enterprises in processing and product diversification of nutmeg would benefit the rural The two day meeting of ICAR committee farmers at large. assessed the facilities in terms of infrastructure, Earlier K. Krishnankutty, lead farmer and Chairman of Committee to formulate State laboratory/field facilities, faculty, manpower agricultural policy pointed out that Government should reorient its focus on profitability and other support to the Forestry colleges and viability than productivity to save the agricultural sector. Establishment of Krishi across the country so as to streamline Business Kendras (KBKs), akin to KVKs should be seriously considered to support educational norms, academic discipline and farmers with price prediction, processing technologies and marketing avenues, he said. quality output of forestry graduates. Director of Extension Dr. P. V. Balachandran presided over the inaugural session. The other members of the Committee are Technical sessions were handled by Dr. K.B.Sheela, KAU; Dr. E. Jayasree, IISR; Dr. Dr. Ravinder Raina, Dr.S.K.Bharadwaj, Dr. S.K. C.K. George, Ex. Executive Director, Spices Board; O V R Somasundaram; Krishnachandra Chauhan, Dr. B. Mohankumar, Dr. K.L. Chathurvedi, Kuriakose Vinay Thomas and Jose. B.K., Neena, M., PAO, Ernakulam, Dr. Khurana and Dr. V. Arunachalam. Ranjan S Karippai, Professor & Head, KVK and Workshop Coordinator Jalaja S. Menon spoke. June 2014 KAU NEWS Page 5 Kumarakom RARS gets Research vessel KAU Arts fest: For water pollution studies, environmental surveillance CoH Retains Crown The ever increasing pollution level has raised multidimensional problems posing severe threat to the biodiversity and fishery resources of Vembanad lake. The diverse fish species, including state fish - Pearl spot, is facing severe threats. The 11.5 meter long, boat fibre built by Dubai CoH Students celebrate their victory based Nautical Lines company RARS Kumarakom has acquired a with two hulls has facilities such as two CoH, Vellanikkara retained their hold on research vessel, first of its kind in the state. scientist rooms, laboratory and a power championship in the KAU arts festival which generator. Inbuilt laboratory with Echo concluded at KAU Central auditorium on The vessel named Gaveshiny has been sounder and various equipment ensure on June 3. designed for environmental surveillance and the spot analysis of water samples enabling monitoring pollution levels of the Vembanad evaluation of pollution by pesticides and The toppers scored 167 points while lake and its estuaries such as Pampa, heavy metals. College of Agriculturr, Vellayani earned 127 Achankovil, Meenachil and Manimala points to grab Runner Up trophy and Forestry emptying into the lake. The boat costing 40 KAU Vice-Chancellor Dr. P. Rajendran College, Vellanikkara with 88 points finished lakhs sanctioned under tenth finance appreciated the efforts of RARS scientists third . commission was procured as part of the including former Associate Director Kuttanad package project - Environmental Dr. S. Padmakumar in realizing this research Anjali .K.U of KCAE & T, Tavanur was monitoring centre of Kuttanad. dream. adjudged Kalathilakam and Athul Krishna of ACCER, Vellanikkara retained Kalprathibha title. Three more FSA batches pass out Percussion maestro Peruvanam Kuttan Three batches of FSA (Food Security Dr. U. Jaikumaran, FSA Chief were also Marar inaugurated the event on May Army) cadets drawn from Kudumbasree present. 31.Music Director Vidyadharan Master was the chief guest in the valedictory function. units passed out after successful completion Sixty nine women, drawn in to three of training on June 12. With this the number of batches, underwent hands on training in KAU Director of Research Dr. T.R. Gopala FSA batches trained at ARS has become 169. operation, service and maintenance of krishnan, Associate Patron Dr. A. Sukumaran, agricultural machinery at Kodakara, Staff advisor Dr. A. Prema, General Convenor Thrissur District Panchayat President Thalikulam and Thekkumkara block Dr. Jiju P. Alex, Programme convenor Achyuth C.C. Sreekumar was the chief guest in the panachayaths. The programme was initiated J Sankar, Students’ Union president P.V. parade held at ARS Mannuthy. Dr. P.V. on a tie up between KAU and Kudumbasree Ashish and General Secretary Prasanth Balachandran, Director of Extension and Thrissur district mission. Aravind kumar spoke. CoA, Vellayani Hosts Colourful Culmination to RAWE Programmes Gramika ’14, the Village Stay Programme IMPCC Meeting jointly organized by RAWE students of Inter Media Publicity Co-ordination CoH, Vellanikkara and Nenmanikkara Committee (IMPCC) meeting held on May 2 at Grama Panchayat concluded with environ- College of Agriculture, Vellayani was inaugurated ment day celebrations organized in the by Dr. Sverup John, Dean (Faculty of Agriculture). panchayat. Doordarshan Kendra Director T. Chamiyar Valedictory function held on June 5 was presided over the function. Dr. S. Mothilal Nehru, inaugurated by KAU GC member Prof. Associate Director of Extension released the I. C. Balakrishnan MLA inaugurates CoA RAWE C. Raveendranath MLA. Vice-Chancellor video CD on College of Agriculture, Vellayani programme at Odappalm Govt. High School Dr. P. Rajendran was the chief guest . Grama prepared by students of Experiential Learning Polika ’14, the Village Stay Programme panchayat president T.S. Baiju, Block course in Agricultural Extension which was jointly organized by RAWE students of panchayat President M.K. Sivaraman and CoH received by Dr. S. Devanesan, ADR, NARP (SR), CoA, Vellayani and Sulthan Bathery Grama Asoc. Dean Dr. P. K. Valsalakumari spoke. Vellayani. Dr. V. B. Padmanabhan, Professor and Panchayat was inaugurated by KAU Executive Module Leader welcomed the gathering and Dr. committee member I. C. Balakrishnan MLA on G.S. Sreedaya, Assistant Coordinator, RAWE P 19 May. The programme included agriclinics, proposed vote of thanks. training programmes, agri-seminars, agri- exhibition and preparation of a Development The meeting was organized as part of the Plan for host panchayat. The valedictory module ‘Media Attachment’ of RAWE Programme session on 28th May was inaugurated by so as to facilitate students’ interaction with District Panchayat President N. K. Rasheed. IMPCC which co-ordinates the publicity requirements of the various central and state Vice-Chancellor Dr. P. Rajendran and government development departments and Dr. P. Rajasekharan, Chief (Agri), State Prof. C.Raveendranath MLA inaugurates valedictory function of CoH RAWE programme undertakings in Kerala and Lakshadweep. Planning Board also addressed the students. at Nenmanikkara panchayat Page 6 KAU NEWS June 2014 UBC to Tie up Eleven Crore package for Spices Development Special project for Cheruthazham panchayath in Kannur With KAU The two day annual meeting to review nationwide NHM sponsored research programmes held at CoH sanctioned 146 lakh worth research aid to KAU for variety improvement programmes and production of quality planting materials of spices. The aid is part of national spices develop- ment programme with an outlay of eleven crores,which envisages University of British Columbia (UBC), production, popula- risation and Vancouver, Canada plans to have long term distribution of high quality planting collaborative programmes with KAU’s College of materials of Pepper, Ginger, Turmeric and Tree spices .The programme will be Vice-Chancellor Dr.P.Rajendran inaugurating NHM Forestry, said Dr. Suzie Lavallee, Professor, UBC. implemented under the new banner of review meeting held at CoH on June 24 & 25 Dr. Suzie, along with her students visited Mission for Integrated Development of Union Ministry of Agricultural Cooperation was the college on 10 June and discussed various Horticulture (MIDH) . inaugu-rated by KAU Vice-Chancellor Dr. P. aspects of the research and other academic KAU has also been sanctioned a Rajendran on June 24. Dr. Tamilselvan, Additional matters at the two universities. She said that special project for rejuvenation of black Commissioner, DAC presided. Dr. T.R. Gopala she had a detailed interaction with the faculty pepper plantations in Cheruthazham krishnan, Director of Research; Dr. Homy Cherian, and students of CoF and is very much impressed panchayath of Kannur district which will Director, CASD; Dr. P.K. Valsalakumary, Assoc. be implemented by Kannur KVK. with the ambience and academic atmosphere. Dean, CoH; Dr. E.V. Nybe, HoD, Dept of Plantation Dr. K Sudhakara, Dean, Faculty of Forestry, The meeting organised by KAU in Crops and Dr. K. Nirmal Babu, Principal Scientist, IISR addressed the scientists. said that a package for bilateral ties including collaboration with DASD, Kozhikode and student and faculty exchange programme Reading week celebrations between KAU and UBC has been proposed. Role of Books in Character formation highlighted Gender consortium built upon healthy reading habits inculcated by library movement. ‘Books boost your Guidelines proposed imagination, where as visual media including cinema limits your imagination within its K.B. Valsalakumary, Executive Director, frames’, he said while releasing the book, State Kudumbasree mission said that the Library and Web Tools for E-Learning and Consortium of Gender resources is envisaged Teaching written by Dr. A.T. Francis and as a common platform of R & D institutions Dr. Susan Mathew. in the relevant sectors. It should be an interdi- sciplinary set up to promote collaborative KAU Vice-Chancellor Dr. P. Rajendran in efforts for capacity development, stature his presidential address said that books enhancement and holistic empowerment of inculcate culture along with imparting women in agriculture and allied sectors, she knowledge. Decline in reading habits has said. C. N. Jayadevan M P. inaugurates Reading induced unhealthy trends in the society, he said. Presiding over a meeting held at KAU HQ week celebrations at CoH Writer Rosy Thampy led a Seminar on Reading to formulate guidelines for the proposed The reading week celebrations and and Use of Library for Personal and Professional consortium, she said that the three participant Library seminar jointly organized by KAU, Excellence for library users, librarians, Universities linked to primary sector, should Academic Library Association (ALA) and farmers and public. KLA Regional Secretary Kerala Library Association (KLA)at CoH K. Rajendran, ALA State President Dr. A.T. launch training schedules including online on June 19 was inaugurated by C. N. modules for the women farmers. Francis, University Librarian K.P. Sathian and ALA Jayadevan M P. State General Secretary, P.A. Pradeep spoke. An interactive Web portal and refresher Filim Director Kamal in his Keynote Associate Dean Dr. P.K. Valsalakumari offered course modules for master trainers was address said that many artistic careers are welcome and V. S. Swapna proposed vote of thanks. suggested as part of the consortium. Dr. P.S. Geethakutty, Head, KAU Centre for Gender Book on Indian Mammals Launched in the state Studies presented real issues constraining The book ‘Indian Mammals - A Field Guide’, authored by Vivek the women farmers and possible remedial Menon, Executive Director of Wildlife Trust of India ( WTI) and Regional measures. Director - South Asia of the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) was launched in Kerala at the College of Forestry on June 16. Dr. V. K. Raju, KAU Assoc. Director of The book was launched by renowned wildlife veterinarian Research; Dr. S. Ramkumar, Director Dr. Jacob V. Cheeran and eminent ornithologist Dr. V.S. Vijayan, former (Entrepreneurship development), KVASU; Chairman of Kerala State Biodiversity Board. Dr.Daisy Kaappan, Professor, KUFOS; Covering the rich diversity of mammal species in India, from tigers, elephants, rhinos C.R.Sathyavathi, Joint Director, Fisheries and whales to primates, rodents and bats, the book is a comprehensive illustrated guide. Department; Krishnankutty, GM, Kerala Vivek Menon; Forestry Dean Dr. K. Sudhakara,; Dr. P.O. Nameer; Pramod G. Krishnan Gramin Bank and Dr. Suma Nair took part and Phanendrakumar Rao, Conservators of Forests; Forestry scientist Dr. S. Sankar; in the deliberations. Dr. K.C. Panicker and Jose Louise, Regional head, WTI spoke. 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