Fitting farewell to a Popular VC Speakers hail contributions, humane approach of Dr.K.R.Viswambharan courses, created a farmer friendly face and highly innovative, he had a passion for the University, cared for the inter- to the downtrodden. His approach is nal population and stakeholders alike worth emulating. I enjoyed my stint as and collected many awards. His Executive Committee member with tenure was a landmark phase in KAU’s him’, the MLA said. history’. Padmasree Bharath Mammutty said ‘The kole land project, Food secu- that Viswambharan handled every rity army concept and proposal for responsibility entrusted with him in a Green cadet Corps in schools would unique manner. ‘He was our leader in not have materialised but for his posi- College life. He continued to play that Perhaps the most relevant tributes Minister for Agriculture, K. P. tive thinking and pragmatic approach. role in all walks of life. I am eager to see came from Mohanan, Unni and Mohanan described Dr. K. R. Viswam- I hope I can rely on his experience Viswanathan, farmer representatives what he is upto after March 28’, bharan as a model administrator who and thinking in future as well. I wish from Palakkad who came all the way to Mammutty quipped while handing over knew the pulse of common people. him all the very best in future greet a distinguished friend. They also an album of events during Dr. Inaugurating the public meeting endeavours’ K.P.Mohanan elaborated. carried special mementoes to the Vice- Viswambharan’s tenure to him. held to bid farewell to the outgoing The Minister also presented a Chancellor whom they called as ‘our VC, the Minister said that K.R. memento to Dr. Viswambharan on K.R. Jyothilal IAS, Secretary (Agricul- motivator’. Dignitaries such as Thrissur Viswambharan possessed an out- behalf of KAU Community. ture) said that he wish to take advan- Corpn. Mayor I.P.Paul, Dist.. Panchayath standing ability to convert confronta- M.P. Vincent, MLA in his presidential tage of the congenial atmosphere President K. V. Dasan, CUSAT VC Dr. tion to conciliation. ‘He handled many address said that K.R. Viswambharan K.R. Viswambharan created in KAU. Ramachandran Thekkedath, KUFOS VC volatile situations with aplomb. In KAU is the most popular VC, Kerala has ever ‘I appreciate his humane approach and Dr. B. M. Kurup, District Collector he launched several new generation seen. ‘Down to earth, very practical abilities. I wish him all the best’. (Cont’d on page 3) Academic Performance Seedless K.R. Jyothilal assumes Watermelon KAU Bags National Award Again Developed Charge as KAU VC When Kerala Agricultural Univer- future also.’ K. R. Jyothilal Scientists at De- sity Vice-Chancellor Dr. K. R. abeaming IAS, Secretary partment of Oleri- Viswambharan received the ICAR Dr.Viswam- to Govern- culture, College of academic performance award from bharan said. ment (Agricul- Horticulture, KAU Union Minister for Agriculture on Agricul- ture) has have succeeded in developing the 17 Feb’12 it came as a double delight tural Minis- taken over ad- first yellow fleshed seedless water- for him. ter Sharad ditional charge of KAU Vice- melon hybrid in India. The award cake itself was sweet Union Minister Sharad Pawar Pawar and congratulates KAU VC Chancellor with effect from 28 Feb- The accomplishment was but the icing on it is that Dr. Viswam- ICAR Direc- achieved through a KSCSTE ruary following the completion of bharan himself was Vice- Chancellor tor General Dr. S. Ayyappan lauded tenure of Dr. K.R. Viswambharan. funded research project entitled on all five occasions, which is also a the achievement of KAU. K. P. Developing Seedless watermelon unique feat . ‘I am proud of the KAU Mohanan, Minister for Agriculture, Governor and Chancellor of the suitable to Kerala through poly- community in general and students Kerala and Pro Chancellor of KAU University ordered the charge arrangement pending appointment ploidy and mutation breeding. It and teachers in particular. I wish KAU also hailed the unique feat of secur- of a regular Vice-chancellor. (Cont’d on page 3) will continue with the good work in ing the award for five years in a row. INSIDE Budget Plans New faculties, Courses and Centres Page 2 th KAU budget 2012-13 envisages gateway to 12 plan, M.P. Vincent MLA A media centre, Agri-super bazar, tech- Academic Council, Special establishment of new infrastructural highlighted the academic and nology museum, international training Central aid, KAU-Oushadhi facilities, modernisation of administra- research accomplishments of the uni- institute, Annual farmers’ science con- Tie up, Climate Academy, tion and strengthening of academic, versity during the past five years. The gress and mega agri fairs are also en- Record Yield, Workshop on Agri research and extension activities. budget envisages Affiliated Colleges, visaged. Export New PG programmes, agri polyclinics Presenting a 332.92 crore budget Students’ facilities will be upgraded, Page 3 rd in all Regional stations and efforts to in the 113 meeting of KAU General new central placement cell will come IFS First Rank, ICRISAT MoU, popularise farm mechanisation. Council held at College of Agricul- into being and convocation will be ISO Accreditation to lab, KVK ture, Vellayani Executive Committee In the Research arena, focus will be made an annual affair. Plan meet member M.P.Vincent MLA, thanked the on hi-tech agriculture, protected culti- Dr.K.R. Viswambharan, Vice-Chan- Page 4 vation and precision farming. Research Union Government for the special cellor, addressing his last GC, thanked Minister launches new grant and Sate Government for Centres for vegetables and fruits are one and all for the support extended planned under Idukki package. programmes, Recognition for enhancement of non-plan grant. to him during his tenure. He hoped KAU Scientist, PoP 2011 Extension will be strengthened and that the University will achieve fur- release, Agri web portal Terming the 2012-13 budget as the activities of K V Ks will be streamlined. ther heights in the years to come. Academic Council Moots increase in stipends; Foundation New Department & PG Course in Seed technology Stone laid for KAU Academic Council meeting to recast syllabi of all courses in tune will henceforth receive Rs. 8,000 per held on March 13 decided to with global trends’, said Dr.K.R month for the RAWE programme. Climate Academy enhance grants and stipends to stu- Viswambharan, Vice-Chancellor. They were being paid just Rs. 1,500 Minister for Agriculture K.P. Mohanan dents and establish a new Depart- The annual research contingency per month. laid the foundation Stone for Academy ment of Seed technology at College fund for M.Sc. students will be The meeting chaired by of Climate Change Education and of Horticulture (CoH), Vellanikkara, enhanced from Rs.15,000 to Rs. Vice-Chancellor was attended by Research. In a function held at KAU and a PG course in the discipline. HQ on 26 March, Minister stressed the 40,000 and that for PhD scholar from Dr. P. B. Pushpalatha, Registrar; relevance of climate change education ‘The new department will facili- Rs. 35,000 to Rs. 60,000. The Dr. P. K. Asokan, Director (Academic); and offered all help to the academy . tate more studies and research in this fellowship for PG will be raised from Deans of faculties and Directors of thrust area. KAU is looking forward Rs. 700 to Rs. 1,500 while Ph.D. fel- Extension and Research and elected Dr. K.R. Viswambharan, Vice-Chan- cellor; K.R. Jyothilal IAS, Secretary (Agri- to institute more new job oriented lowship will be raised from Rs. 800 to representatives of Teachers and culture); Dr. P. B.Pushpalatha, Registrar; and need based courses. We also wish Rs. 2,000 per month. UG students Students. Dr. T. R. Gopalakrishnan, Director of Research; Dr. P.V. Balachandran, Direc- HUNDRED CRORE SPECIAL CENTRAL AID FOR KAU tor of Extension; Dr. Sverup John, Dean (Agri); T.S. Majeed, Comptroller and In the wake of announcement of feelings. ‘We all know that KAU has other officers of the University partici- a 100 crore special grant by Union been ranked top in the country con- pated. The Academy building to house Government to KAU the Univer- secutively for the last five years. The lecture halls, labs and offices will be built sity Community accorded a grand research contributions has been rec- at KAU Campus at a cost of 3crores. reception to P. C.Chacko MP in ognized the world over. The Kannur recognition of his invaluable help. KVK was judged the best among all Record yield in the KVKs in the nation. Let me thank ‘We are grateful to the Union P.C.Chacko MP for the invaluable help’. Farm trials with Government and Agricultural Mini- Factmix ster. We acknowledge and appreci- P.C. Chacko, in his address said that P.C.Chacko MP being received by ate the help of P.C.Chacko MP, who the grant, if utilized properly, will Vice-Chancellor & MLA attract more support from the centre. The collaborative field experiment of was instrumental in realizing this University officers such as Registrar, ‘Prove your capabilities and pave way KAU Communication centre and FACT dream. Though KAU’s accomplish- Comptroller, Directors of Extension, has yielded record crop of paddy in for more funding. KAU is one among ments have been consistent, this is the two Universities sanctioned such Research, Academic, Physical Plant and Alappuzha, Thrissur and Palakkad the first time that the achievements a grant this year. I’ll be with you and Planning; Associate Deans of Colleges; districts. are acknowledged’, said Dr. we together should be able to raise Associate Directors; Leaders of Service Factmix, a crop customized fertilizer K.R.Viswambharan, Vice-Chancellor. this University to the level of an inter- Organisations and Labour Unions mixture for rice with nitrogen, Phos- M. P. Vincent MLA echoed similar national Centre of excellence’ he said. spoke. phorus and Potash introduced by FACT in 2011-12, proved its worth in scaling down fertilizer costs and inducing high KAU and Oushadhi Plan Joint Ventures yield. KAU & Pharmaceutical Corpora- to benefit the public. The two institu- A comparison of 70% of PoP tion (I.M), Kerala Ltd. (OUSHADHI) tions will soon sign a MoU for this, they recommended dose and 70% of farmer has decided to initiate and institu- said. practiced dose of Factmix was made tionalise new avenues of mutual col- R.R.Sukla IFS, MD, Oushadhi; KAU with 100% normal fertilizer application laboration in identified fields. Scientists Dr.K. Aravindakshan and Dr. during demonstration trials in selected KAU Vice-Chancellor Dr. K.R. Sajan Kurien; Oushadhi personnel padasekharams extending over120 Viswambharan and Oushadhi Chair- Raghunandan Menon, Sasidharan, acres in the three districts. man Johny Nellore said that Vinitha, Dr. K.Gopalan, Dr. P.M. Chandra- While the average yield in all the three Johny Nellore, Dr. K.R. Viswambharan, several fields of activity have been sekharan and Dr.Sheela Karalam took districts is much higher than that ob- R. R. Sukla IFS explain the joint programme identified for collaborative operation part in the deliberations . tained from normal fertilizer practices, the highest yield crossed 11 tonnes /ha. WORKSHOP ON INTERNATIONAL TRADE Students make a Fest of harvest Academic Book Fair at A three day workshop to C.T.Abraham, Associate Dean, CoH, The harvesting of paddy and CCBM educate stake holders about the K.Unnikrishnan, Regional Director, tapioca crops cultivated by the trends, features,opportunities and Federation of Indian Export An academic Book fair conducted at students of CoH, Vellanikkara was challenges perceived in international College of Cooperation, Banking & Man- Organisations, Dr. A. Sukumaran, inaugurated by Directors of agement was inaugurated by Sri. trade of crops and products was held Assoc. Dean, CCBM, Dr. N.Rajan Nair, Extension and Research, Associate K.Ramachandran, noted travelogue at College of Horticulture from 23 Dr. A. Prema, Dr. Jayasree Krishnankutty Deans and Associate Directors writer. Dr. K.R. Viswambharan, Vice- Chan- Feb. 2012. and Dr. Anil Kuruvila spoke. along with course teachers in a cellor presided. CCBM Assoc.Dean Dr. The workshop jointly organized by Officers of Government depart- festival atmosphere. A. Sukumaran, KAU Librarian K.P. Sathyan KAU, Indian Institute of Foreign Trade ments, Commodity boards, entrepre- While the teachers and senior and Dr. Philip Sabu spoke. Over one and Union Ministry of agriculture neurs, farmers, agri-traders, represen- officers ventured on to the field for lakh books from different streams were was inaugurated by Dr. T. R. harvesting students rejoiced and exhibited. tatives of NGOs involved in agri- Gopalakrishnan, Director of Research, marketing, exporters and academics sang the harvesting tunes of yesteryears. in a function presided over by Dr. attended the workshop. (Contd. from Page 1) Farewell to Dr. K.R.Viswambharan IFS First rank P.M.Francis and Press Club president Leaders of Service Organisations and For KAU student Joy Mannur spoke. Labour Unions, B.Shiras; C.V. Poulose; Keerthi R. of KAU Dr. P.B.Pushpalatha, Registrar wel- Dr. P.K. Rajeevan; Dr. T. Pradeepkumar; Forestry College, se- comed the gathering and Dr. P.V. Dr.Usha; K.V.Jose; Joseph Perumpilli cured the first rank in Balachandran, Director of Extension and E. Kunjunni Menon also hailed the Indian Forest Service proposed vote of thanks. Dr. T.R. outgoing VC’s approach and attitudes. Selection 2011. Three Gopalakrishnan, Director of Research; In his reply Dr.Viswambharan other graduates of College of Dr. P.K. Asokan, Director ( Academ- thanked one and all for the love, Forestry has also been selected to ics); Dr. Sverup John, Dean (Agri.); regards and appreciation showered on IFS in 2011. They are Mr. Sumesh Comptroller presenting a memento Dr. Sivaswamy, Dean ( Agri. Engg.) and him. ‘I am overwhelmed by the amount Soman (20th rank), Mr. Samom Khelen other officers of the University also of affection bestowed on me. I have their help, support and contribution Singh (68th rank) and Mr. Rohini praised contributions of Dr. always been a team man and will for my efforts to KAU’s development’, Ballave Saiki(73rd rank). K.R.Viswambharan. continue as such. I thank everyone for he said. FELLOWSHIPS From Page 1 R 4 D in Agriculture Seedless Watermelon TO KAU STUDENTS is the first time in Gleena Mary C.F and Jyothi Sara KAU and ICRISAT Sign MoU India that public sector research Jacob, PhD Scholars of CoH, Vellani- advanced training and related tasted success in kkara have been selected for Maulana academic activities. producing seed- Azad National fellowship implemented Dr. K.R.Viswambahran, Vice-Chan- less yellow fleshed by Central Government through cellor, KAU and Dr. William D Dar, watermelon. Dr.T. UGC. While Gleena Mary is studying Pradeepkumar, Director General, ICRISAT signed the the Efficiency of Ligno phenolic Associate Profes- MoU in a function held at Hyderabad compost in the suppression of soil sor and Principal on March 2. Senior Officers of the borne plant pathogens, Jyothi Sara Investigator of Dr.T.Pradeepkumar two institutes participated. the project said is researching on Biotic agents for Dr. K.R. Viswambharan and Dr. William with seedless yellow that major impedi- & seeded red the management of American D Dar signing the MoU The MoU envisage joint opera- ment in the devel- watermelons Serpentine leaf minor Liriomyza Kerala Agricultural University tions to explore and forewarn the opment of seed- trifolii. (KAU) and International Crops emergence of new crop pest and less watermelon in India was non Deepa James, another PhD scholar Research institute for the Semiarid diseases, develop saline/flood/heat/ availability of locally adoptable stable tetraploids. Hitherto Triploid hybrid has been awarded DST Fellowship for Tropics (ICRISAT), Hyderabad drought tolerant varieties through entered into a Memorandum of biotechnology tools, strengthen seeds were being imported and research on Enhancement of resis- marketed in India at a very high cost Understanding (MoU) for intensive research in Social Sciences and tance to bacterial wilt in tomato by private agencies. by entophytic microbial communi- co-operation and collaboration in provide access to the students and agricultural research for development, faculty at higher level of learning. Dr. Pradeepkumar and team isolated ties. a stable tetraploid and indigenously de- veloped a triploid to cross with a dip- loid cultivar having desirable horticul- International Refresher course on Crop Management tural characters to produce triploid hybrids. Seedless fruits borne Minister for Agriculture, in a function members of KAU General Council An International refresher course on these triploid plants in 90-95 days on Integrated Crop Management presided over by Jameela Prakasam, participated. are characterized by bright yellow flesh, for Tropical Horticultural Crops was MLA. Dr. K.R. Viswambharan, Vice- The course funded by Nuffic was medium size (2 kg) and high TSS (11o hosted by KAU in association Chancellor; Dr. Siert Wiersma, attended by twenty five delegates Brix). with Centre for Development Wageningen University; Dr. Sverup from Egypt, Srilanka, Philippines, KAU Vice-Chancellor Dr. K.R. Innovation (CDI), Wageningen John, Dean, Faculty of Agriculture; Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam and Viswambharan, Director of Research University, Netherlands. Dr. T.R. Gopalakrishnan, Director of Dr. T.R. Gopalakrishnan, Director of India, participated in the programme. Extension Dr. P.V. Balachandran and The course held at Thiruvanan- Research; Dr. P.V. Balachandran, Dr. M.S. Sheela, Associate Director, Associate Director of Research thapuram in October - November Director of Extension; Dr. K. Dr. Siert Wiersema, CDI and V. K. Girija (Vegetables) Dr. T.E.George congratu- was inaugurated by K. P. Mohanan, Prathapan, Director, SHM and coordinated the course. lated Dr. Pradeep and fellow scientists. Annual Review of KVK Programmes ISO Accreditation for KAU Laboratory The Annual Review cum Action expectations. Pesticide Residue Research and The accreditation empowers plan meeting of KVK’s in Kerala, Goa, The Vice-Chancellor also released Analytical Laboratory under the Vellayani lab to conduct pesticide and Lakshadweep held at KVK the revised edition of Inventory of Agri- AINP on Pesticide Residues, College residual tests and issue authentic test th th Thrissur on 9 and 10 of March cultural technologies in kerala by of Agriculture, Vellayani of Kerala results with NABL logo. The lab 2012 was inaugurated by KAU Vice- handing over the first copy to Dr. M.J. Agricultural University has been functioning under the leadership of Chancellor Dr. K.R. Viswambharan. Chandra Gowda, Principal Scientist, accorded ISO 17025 : 2005 Dr. S. Naseema Beevi is accredited for Dr. P.V. Balachandran, Director of Zonal Project Directorate . accreditation by National Accredita- analysis of diverse samples for Extension, KAU presided over the Dr. T.R. Gopalakrishnan, Director tion Board for Testing and Calibra- estimation of pesticide residues in inaugural function. of Research, KAU; and Dr. B.T. Rayudu, tion Laboratories (NABL). fruits, vegetables, cereals, pulses, Dr. S. Prabukumar, Zonal project Scientist, Zonal Project Directorate surface water and groundwater. Public Director, Zone VIII of ICAR presented participated. Dr. Koshy Abraham, Head, No other public sector lab in Kerala can make use of the services of the the Zonal Perspectives and KVK, Thrissur proposed vote of thanks. is accredited by NABLs. laboratory at nominal charges. Diploma Course, HRD centre & ERP tools inaugurated Agri Minister lauds modernization moves Minister for Agriculture K.P. attached to CTI, Mannuthy, the member of KAU EC. The first Mohanan hailed the Academic Minister stressed the need of crop of Chinese savoi cabbage, a Excellence achieved by Kerala appropriate HRD programmes and variety suited for salads cultivated Agricultural University, which has the relevance of such programmes in Kerala for the first time helped it to secure first position in enhancing efficiency of adminis- was presented to Minister by Dr. among State Agrivarsities and tration, Education and Research. U. Jaikumaran, Prof & Head, ARS, ICAR institutes in India for five ‘Agriculture is the most healthy Mannuthy. consecutive years. culture in the world. Earlier gen- KAU is the first University in He was speaking after launching erations were aware of this and India to develop a complete ERP Agricultural Minister inaugurates HRD new programmes and facilities had inherent knowledge about package using indigenous resour- Centre at CTI, Mannuthy in KAU on Friday, February 17. practice of HRD options suitable ces. The two new ERP tools, UPAST District Panchayat president; Minister inaugurated the reintro- to each individual. I am happy that (University Pension Administration Dr. P.B. Pushpalatha, Registrar; Dr. duced Diploma Course in Agricul- scientifically organized HRD tools System) and USIST (University Sales P.V. Balachandran, Director of Exten- ture at RARS, Pattambi, a new are given importance in KAU’, he Information System), launched by sion; T.S. Majeed, Comptroller; Dr. I. HRD Centre and Health club at said. the Minister denotes another sig- Johnkutty, Dr. V.K.Raju and Dr. CTI, Mannuthy, and two new ERP Minister also received a pro- nificant leap in e-governance in KAU. A. Augustine, Assoc. Directors of tools developed indigenously by posal for establishing an interna- The functions were attended Research; Dr. Joy Mathew; Dr. Jacob KAU IT Personnel. tional training institute at by M.P. Vincent MLA; C.P. Muhammed Thundiyil, Roy Varghese and M. Inaugurating the HRD Centre Mannuthy from M.P. Vincent MLA, MLA; T.N.Kandamuthan,Palakkad Viswanathan Nair.

KAU SCIENTIST BAGS PRIZE IN GLOBAL MEET KAU Launch S. Sajeena of Kerala Agricultural University (KAU) won the second prize in poster presentation in the Agri web portal Global Conference on Women in Agriculture (GCWA) held at New Delhi from March 13 - 15. A Bi lingual Agro-tech portal has She is the only Indian in the list of prize winners. The been launched by KAU. The portal, first prize was won by Philippines and third by Sri a shelf of Agricultural Knowledge Lanka. Information Systems designed by the A Soil scientist with Malappuram Krishi Vigyan Centre for e learning , was launched Kendra of KAU, Sajeena received the prize from by Dr. K. R. Viswambharan, Vice- President of India Prathiba Patil on 15th March 2012. Chancellor on 21 March. Her presentation on Empowerment of rural The Vice-Chancellor described women through rice mechanization in Malappuram new web portal as an agricultural district of Kerala was ranked in top three from information gateway to convert among 300 entries from different countries including 190 presentations from India. Minister for Agriculture knowhow to do how. K.P. Mohanan, KAU Vice-Chancellor Dr. K.R.Viswambharan, Registrar Dr. P.B.Pushpalatha and Director of Extension Dr. P.V. Balachandran congratulated Sajeena on the achievement . It includes ICT enabled services such as krishi jaalakam, an illustrated e-window for farmers, easy to use Package of Practices (crops)-2011 released expert systems on crop nutrient The Package of Practices(crops) 2011 edition management, Crop protection and was released by K.P. Mohanan, Minister for other cyber extension packages.The Agriculture in a simple function held at KAU HQ portal is available in Malayalam and on 26 March 2012. English versions. While handing over the first copy of new Dr. T. R. Gopalakrishnan, Dir. of edition to Dr.K.R.Viswambharan, Vice-Chancel- Research; Dr. P. V. Balachandran, lor, the Minister congratulated the Extension wing Director of Extension; Dr. C.T. and Compilation team for having brought out the Abraham, Assoc. Dean, CoH, Dr. B. compendium in an attractive manner. Mohankumar, Assoc. Dean, CoF; Dr. K.R.Jyothilal IAS, Secretary to Govt. (Agricul- A.Sukumaran, Assoc. Dean, CCBM; ture); Dr. P. B. Pushpalatha, Registrar; Dr. P.V. Balachandran, Director of Extension; Dr. Sajan Kurien, Director, Planning; Dr. T. R.Gopalakrishnan, Director of Research; Prof. K.M. Nair, Director, CITI; Dr. Dr. Sverup John, Dean (Agri); T.S.Majeed, Pathummal Beevi, ADR; Dr. A. Comptroller; Dr. JimThomas, Professor & Head, Agrl. Minister Releasing Package of Practices (crops) Augustine, ADR; Dr.U.Jaikumaran, Communication Centre; Dr. Estelitta, Coordi- 2011 edition Prof. & Head, ARS; Dr. F.M.H. Khaleel, nator, and members of compilation team participated. HoD, Dept. of Extn; Dr. P. Ahmed; The new edition of this compendium of agricultural practices includes the details of new varieties of paddy, Director, CeL; Sheela Mohammed, coconut, vegetables and medicinal plants released by the University. While excluding banned chemicals the PAO and Dr. Zakeer Hussain spoke. package has incorporated non hazardous substitutes.

Printed & Published by Director of Extension, KAU. Editor: B. Ajit Kumar, Public Relations Officer, KAU. Printed at KAU Press, Mannuthy. For Circulation among University Community Only