The suggestions
emerged out of the preliminary analysis of the documents
furnished by the Kerala Agricultural University
are grouped under seven categories.
1.
EDUCATION
2.
NEW
INSTITUTIONS
3.
RESEARCH
4.
ADMINISTRATION
5.
FINANCE
6.
EXTENSION
7.
RESEARCH INSTITUTIONS
3.1.
EDUCATION
3.1.1 College
of Co-operation, Banking and Management
(1)
With the objective of providing professionally trained manpower
for the management of agricultural support service institutes, the
college of co-operation and
Banking was started in 1981 at Trichur.
It was renamed as the College of Co-operation, Banking and
Management in 1996. Initial intake was 46 students for B.Sc. (C&B); M.Sc.
(C&B) and Ph.D were started during 1986 and 1995, respectively. M.Sc.
specialisation include
Co-operative management, Rural Banking and Financial management and
Rural Marketing Management.
(2)
The B.Sc. (C&B) is a four year Professional course, but it
is equated to B.Com.
only. Continuation of
this course needs to be examined.
Over the years, job opportunities for the students didn’t
show any significant increase and there is reported shortage of
students selected through entrance examination.
Instead of continuing the teaching course, the college may be
converted as a training cum research centre in co-operative
management, rural marketing, rural banking and agribusiness
management. Appropriate
training for the faculties at IRMA or some other reputed organisations
can be initiated. Rural
marketing as well as agribusiness are important areas which warrant
focussed attention in the context of emerging challenges in the
agricultural scenario of the state.
(3)
The undergraduate course need not be essential and decision may
be taken to wind it up. For
some of the Post graduates programmes also, there is shortage of
students. There was no students for M.Sc (Co-operation, Banking) during
1993-94 and 1996-97
3.1.2. Reduced
student demand for some planned programmes
Restructuring and reorientation of Post Graduate programmes
are essential in the changing context.
There are shortage of students for
P.G. courses like Co-operation and Banking, Agricultural
Statistics, Agricultural Engineering etc.
3.1.3. Tenth
plan proposals of the University
The Tenth plan document of the University has identified
strengthening of entrepreneurship
development programmes at the graduate level.
In view of the changing global scenario, there is every need to
tailor the academic programmes to meet the new elements. This
would require abolishing of some of the Post graduate programmes in
certain conventional areas, re-orienting and re-structuring of
other programmes in emerging areas of importance.
Tenth Plan
of the University proposed the following activities;
1.
Revision of the undergraduate syllabi to enable the graduates
for self employment
and entrepreneurship Development Programmes, with more practical orientation.
2. Abolition of irrelevant post graduate programmes.
3. Re-orienting the existing PG programmes.
Implementing
these suggestions alone can improve the standards.
3.1.4.
Manpower forecasts
New institutions are started mostly
based on non-academic reasons.
There is higher rates
of unemployment reported for the agricultural graduates.
A proper scientific manpower forecast for the next 10-20 years
may be done for
future decision making.
3.2.
NEW INSTITUTIONS
3.2.1.
New Institutions started by the KAU during 8th and 9th
plans
3.2.1.1. College
of Agriculture, Pilicode
Though the intake capacity of students for B.Sc (Ag) was under
utilised to the extent of 24 per cent during 1993-94 in KAU , a new
college with additional capacity of 30 students was unjustifiably
started in 1994-95 (CAG Report, 1999).
The college was started under the pretext of development of
Malabar Region of the State.
The University has not provided adequate staff members for
this college. There was an attempt to recruit staff members exclusively for
the college. But later
such recruited staff members were also reportedly transferred to
convenient places for the employees.
In some of the major departments one faculty member alone is
posted.
The
College of Agriculture is under the control of the Associate Dean
while the nearby RARS and Karuvachery Farms are under the control of
the Associate Director, RARS, Pilicode.
The RARS is just 8 km away from the college.
Originally it was visualised to function as one unit.
These three institutions are to be brought under the
administrative control of the Associate Dean of the College so that
reduction in administrative overheads as well as mitigation of
teaching staff can be addressed to an extent.
The staff members can operate from the college while technical
staff members can be retained at the RARS.
The lab facilities created at the RARS can be put to optimal
use on a long term basis for both students and research purpose.
There
are possibilities for additional income generation from
the farm attached to the college.
Further concerted efforts in the revolving fund mode may be
attempted immediately. There
is scope for production of cashew, mango and sapota grafts, ornamental
plants, medicinal plants, hybrid
coconut seedlings, vegetable seed production, tissue culture plants,
mushroom production and spawn culture etc.
3.2.1.2.
College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Pookod, Wayanad
The
college is located in a remote place in Wayanad district.
Even if it is made functional inadequacy of staff may be a
perennial problem in future. KAU
did not provide minimum staff members required for the College of
Agriculture, Padannakkad started much earlier.
(a)
If the experience
of Padannakkad could be a
guide, the College of Veterinary
Science at Pookot may become another liability for the
University. Considering the financial burden of the University, the
possibility of dropping the course may
be thought of. Total
cost expected for
completion is Rs.43 crores.
(b)
Possibility
of converting the Wayanad College as a research institute cum hospital
may be explored so that local community also get benefited. Private participation may
also be possible for strengthening the infrastructure base.
(c)
A proper manpower demand assessment has to be made for
veterinary science graduates.
(d)
Efforts may have to be taken to get recognition for the
students admitted in the new College.
(e)
A detailed discussion with Veterinary Council of India (VCI)
officials may be arranged to formulate necessary action.
3.2.1.3.
College of Dairy Science and Technology, Mannuthy
It is understood that Govt. is considering a proposal to drop
the dairy science college project.
The course may be stopped and the feasibility of transferring
the farm back to KLD Board or to the Tourism Project may be explored.
3.2.1.4.
Soil Conservation Research Station (SCRS),
Konni
(1) With the support of Coir Board, the SCRS, has launched
projects costing Rs.40 lakhs for experimenting with geotextiles
for the conservation of soil. Coir
Board has indicated that it would double the support if the research
project has come out with
tangible results in promoting geotextiles.
(2) At present only 20 ha out of 47 ha is utilised for
productive purposes. Remaining
feasible area if suited for agriculture,
needs to be cultivated especially for income generation
activities like vegetable seed production.
(3) KAU has not initiated much basic and applied studies in
relation to soil erosion, soil conservation, ground water management,
water harvesting structures etc.
The present station is an ideal location for initiating these
type of studies. The
station can be developed as a live model for various
soil and water conservation methods and can be developed as a
training centre for watershed management.
Major portion of
the farm is countour bunded and supplied with properly designed grades
and waterways. There are
scientifically designed plots with all supporting structures.
(4) Since Natural Resource Management is an emerging area, a
number of funding opportunities are available from external sources. More faculty members from College of Agricultural
Engineering, may be re-deployed to the station.
More over the AICRP at
Karumady has been closed and the two Agricultural Engineers at present working at Karumady are continuing in one NATP scheme.
Both the Agricultural Engineering faculty members may be
re-deployed to SCRS.
(5) Social
Scientists may also be re-deployed to SCRS for organising training
programmes on watershed management for the local bodies.
The local bodies will have to prepare watershed based plans for
which there is dearth of qualified personnel.
Through this training programmes internal resources also can be
mobilised.
3.3.
RESEARCH
3.3.1.
Inadequate focus on need based research
The need based research especially
on the following areas are quite weak in KAU.
-
Regional
fertilizer recommendations
-
Integrated
farming system
-
Standardisation
of local varieties
-
Socio
economic research
-
Natural
resource management
-
Agro
processing
-
Micro
nutrients
-
Quality
control
-
Traditional
practices
-
Ornamental
fisheries
-
Marketing
- IT applications
3.3.2.
Reprioritisation of Research
Most of the research institutions
were started decades back.
Even though there is phenomenal growth in the number of
research papers produced, documentary evidence about the
prioritization exercise in research is not available.
This is very important in the context of shrinking financial
resources. A proper
reprioritization of the research
problems reflecting the felt need of the farming community is
essential for optimising resource use. More Participatory Technology
Development (PTD) is necessary and the success of PTD has been
demonstrated in KHDP in Kerala.
3.3.3.
IPR and Patenting
There
is not much evidence about the number of patents obtained for the KAU
scientists. This is also
important in the era of globalization.
KAU may have to initiate a
wing for IPR and patents in agricultural and allied sectors.
The issues related to Vechur Cow is a recent addition to the
list.
3.3.4.
Duplication of Research
There are several institutes specialized in agricultural
research in the State under different management.
Name of
institute
Management
Research area
CTCRI
-
ICAR
-
Tuber crops
IISR
-
ICAR
-
Spices
ICRI
Spices Board
-
Cardamom
WTO Commission on agriculture constituted under the
Chairmanship of Dr. M.S. Swaminathan also highlighted the importance
of development of geographical indicators for Malabar pepper, Alleppey
Finger Turmeric etc.
CPCRI,
Kasargod, Kayamkulam
-
ICAR
-
Plantation crop – mainly
on coconut
CMFRI
-
ICAR
- Marine
Fisheries
CIFT
- ICAR
-
Fisheries Technology
CWRDM
-
State Council
-
Water resource management
A
reprioritization exercise in Agricultural research has to be done by
KAU which will help to optimize resource use.
The Duplication of research for the same commodities in KAU and
Central institutes may be avoided.
Extensive research data on coconut is available at CPCRI,
similarly in Spices research also Spices Board and ICAR
institutions are involved. Entire
tuber crops research can be handled at CTCRI.
Possibility for appropriate
tie up with central institutes for any multi locational trials can
be explored. There
is inadequate research in KAU on fruits, flowers, medicinal plants,
hi-tech agriculture, urban agriculture, farming systems research,
inland fisheries, socio economic dimensions of agriculture and animal
husbandry, animal biotechnology, IT applications in agriculture,
entrepreneurship development, agro processing etc.
A reprioritisation exercise using ISNAR methodologies
may be initiated immediately.
A regular discussion forum may be created with all the research
institutions involved in agricultural research in the State for
research planning.
(c)
A number of varieties of different crops are
released by the University.
But the low adoption rate is reported
in some of the studies. A
proper micro level analysis of the constraints in adoption of these
varieties may be done immediately, so as to account the
changing demand factors in
setting research agenda.
(d)
Veterinary Research
Refocusing of research is needed in some areas. There is a
dearth of data on animal component of different farming systems
prevalent in different agroecological zones. eg. crop – livestock,
fisheries system, Socio economic aspects of animal husbandry and dairy
systems . Veterinary biotechnology research perhaps possible through
initiating tie up with
some reputed private agencies.
3.3.5.
Monitoring and Evaluation
The
half yearly and annual progress report of projects prepared by the
project leaders are sent to the Co ordinator and to the Directorate of
Research. CAG reports indicates time over run for several projects.
Modern techniques of M&E of research programmes
assumes more significance in the resource starved University.
Proper mechanism may be put in order for a systematic monitoring and
review of research programmes.
3.3.6.
External aided projects
The receipts from external agencies increased from 6.39 crores
in 1991-92 to 14.90
crores in 2001-02. In
subsequent years the projections are indicated at lower levels.
As per the University’s records, maximum number
of research papers
was produced from the college of Horticulture, Vellanikkara for the
last five years, followed by College of Agriculture, Vellayani and
college of Veterinary and Animal Sciences which shows the potential of
scientific talents. Most of the Faculty members are also well
qualified with the highest degrees.
More than 70 per cent of the faculties has doctoral or post
doctoral qualifications. Forty
per cent of the Faculty members have taken the highest degree from
outside the State and 18 percent from foreign countries But the
quantum of external funding was not commensurate with the potential of
the scientists. Reported diversion of funds from external aided
projects as well as problems in release of funds to the concerned
Scientists from external aided projects should be avoided for
effective utilisation as well as to augment future flow of funds from
reputed external agencies.
External
aid of faculty members
·
The
external aid per faculty is relatively low and it ranged from Rs. 0.09
lakh/year in College of Co-operation and Banking to Rs.0.84 lakh/year
in College of Agricultural Engineering.
Among RARS and Research Stations, it varied from Rs. 0.01 lakh
in Agricultural Research Station, Mannuthy to Rs. 5.54 lakh in Centre
for Advanced Studies in genetics.
The annual per faculty project
aid is higher in CRS, Vadakkanchery since it is fully funded by
ICAR as a part of the project.
·
KUA
may take more interest to motivate scientists to approach external
sources for funding for research.
3.3.7.
Reduced acceptance of certain released
varieties
Some of the studies indicate the lower level of acceptance of
some of the released varieties of different crops.
Demand driven research is needed to optimise resource use.
3.4.
ADMINISTRATION
3.4.1.
Higher concentration of staff in selected locations and
inadequate deployment of
staff
to remote stations
The
College of Agriculture , Vellayani account for 181 faculty members
with 170 administrative staff for 258 UG and 57 PG students. Another
26 staff are in NARP
(Southern n Zone) for research. While
in the college of Agriculture, Padannakkad
there is only 25
faculty members for 103 UG students. While in college of Horticulture
130 faculty members for 276 UG students and 70 PG students. The
external aid per faculty member is also low in college of Agriculture
(Rs. 0.18 lakhs/faculty/year) while in college of Horticulture. The important high range station in Ambalawayal ,Wynad
is having only seven faculty members. Lowest number of faculty members
among RARS is in this station.
Steps are needed to correct this imbalance.
3.4.2.
Disproportionately excessive management overhead
KAU is convinced
about the excessive administrative overheads.
A detailed analysis may be attempted to minimize administrative
overheads. Appropriate blend of E-Governance with administrative reforms
can perhaps address this issue partially. Nearly 55 percent of
expenditure during
2000-01 was for the payment of salary alone and the total non-plan
expenditure was 69 per cent.
There is a need to initiate a work study for both
administrative and scientific staff of the University similar to the
pattern adopted by Government of India.
3.4.3.
Expenditure Management
Reported actions are not available about any proper expenditure
control measures initiated by the University.
Departmental and institutional synergies combined with pooling
of common resources and other measures may be initiated immediately.
3.5.
FINANCE
3.5.1.
Plan Fund Utilisation
The
plan fund utilisation is grouped under five categories viz,
administration, education, research, extension and miscellaneous. Most
of the plan fund is
utilised for education followed by research, extension, miscellaneous
and administrative purposes. Around 20% of plan fund is utilised for
research. However in the list of ongoing projects there is no mention
about the research
projects funded by state plan. The
University has not prepared the Project report for 2002-03 for release
of funds as written in the budget.
3.5.2.
Plan Progress report
(1)
KAU
has not taken any effort to prepare Plan Progress report.
(2)
The progress report submitted on 16.10.2002 indicated no
expenditure on any schemes instead it indicated BE for 215 schemes
earmarked for implementation during 2002-03 for an amount of Rs. 23.42
crores. Allocation
for nine schemes amounted to Rs.
15.63 crores. Works
formed Rs. 8.67 crores, followed by strengthening U.G. Programmes
(2.18 crores), establishment of new college (Rs. 1.04 crore),
strengthening College of Agriculture, Padannakkad (Rs. 82.00 lakhs),
strengthening SCRC, Konni (Rs. 48 lakhs).
(3)
The Progress report submitted on 11.2.03 indicated general
activities of stations and colleges including some of
the results of ongoing schemes.
No scheme wise progress or financial progress are indicated. Without reporting any expenditure till August,
production and sales of planting materials including grafts,
hybrid coconut seedlings are shown in the Progress report submitted in
February 2003. The
progress report seems to be a
copy prepared for some
external agencies like ICAR
(4)
The progress report furnished on 7.6. 2003,
is the copy of the same progress report forwarded earlier in
February 2002. KAU has
not even updated the data.
(5)
KAU is not taking any interest in compiling data or furnishing
the minimum required categories in the progress report.
(6)
Some of the activities mentioned in the progress report are
funded by LSGs.
(7)
A proper Plan monitoring and reporting system should be
insisted before release of any Plan funds in future.
(8)
Eventhough it was written in the budget to prepare a project
report before release of funds in 2002-03, no such project report was
prepared and submitted to Government.
The preparation and approval of project report should be made
mandatory before release of funds.
(9)
In the annual report, no separate project is shown as
implemented with
State Plan funds. However
expenditure is shown for research from Plan funds.
(10)
In some of the stations, the only activity shown in the Plan
progress report is the production of planting materials. eg: Coconut
Research Station, Balaramapuram.
(Progress
report, June 2003)
(11)
Diversion of Plan funds for the payment of salary should be
avoided.
3.5.3.
Unrealistic budget preparation
The
budgeted outlay , Revised outlay and actual expenditure were
significantly different and the university is not preparing realistic
budgets. The state plan allocation is finalised in January- February
and the budget of the University is presented in March- April. But the
receipts are shown at higher
levels than the plan allocation. During 2003-04 the plan allocation
and budgeted amount was Rs. 22 crores while the budget
of the University was presented for a plan outlay of Rs. 31.86
crores. (45% higher amount). Several promises in earlier budgets remained
unfulfilled mainly because of the unrealistic
budget preparation.
3.5.4.
UGC issues
Government had sanctioned implementation of UGC/ICAR pay scales
to the teachers/scientists in 1990.
But there are several reported
anomalies in the implementation of the scheme involving
additional financial burden for the Government.
A Committee appointed
by Government of Kerala has
examined the issues connected with the implementation of the
Pay scales. Several anomalies leading to additional financial
commitments to Governments
were indicated in the report of the Committee.
The recommendations of the Committee may be implemented
immediately.
3.5.5. Diversion
of funds from external aided projects
KAU has reported diversion of funds from external aided
projects. Steps are
necessary to avoid this practice.
3.5.6. Internal
Resources
The rate of growth of internal resources generation for KAU is
not very encouraging. It
increased from Rs. 2.02 crores in 1991-92 to Rs. 5.27 crores in
2001-02 and further projected only
Rs. 5.28 crores in 2002-03.
There is considerable
potential to generate income from different farms attached to the
institutions through planting material production and distribution
including vegetable seeds, Mushroom spawn and culture, biocontrol
agents like Trichoderma production of
tissue culture plant lets etc.
Generation of income from possible farm produce with
appropriate marketing strategies may be worked out.
Other sources of income generation possibilities also have to
be explored.
At
present there is no incentive for academic staff members working in
farms. A proper weightage
also may be given for such staff members based on the amount of income
generated as part of the
career advancement programmes. Otherwise
researchers attached to
colleges and research institutions will get more weightage owing to
the number of papers produced.
At the University level an MOU
system should be adopted for various planting materials
production and distribution. A properly designed revolving fund
scheme with thrust in production of planting materials , bio control
agents, etc with appropriate MOU with department of Agriculture can
help in augmenting income of the University. It should be done with
the existing staff members working in the farms.
3.6.
EXTENSION
3.6.1.
ATIC
The Agricultural Technology Information Centres (ATIC) are to
be started in different locations similar to the present centre at
Mannuthy.
3.6.2.
Consultancy Services
(a) Consultancies at Individual
level
There
is ample scope for generating income through constancy services
especially in the frontier areas of floriculture, tissue culture,
landscape architecture, agro processing etc.
(b)
Consultancy for LSGs
Consultancies
related to project preparation for the local bodies in agriculture
and allied sectors is another potential area.
There is scope for involvement of the academic staff in a
bigger way. Appropriate
linkage with LGS’s plan for the provision of project preparation,
training etc. may be incorporated
in their plans at the time of plan preparation itself.
B.
Technology business incubators (TBIs)
Technology
Business incubators would help entrepreneurs in creating enterprises
that generate employment and speedy commercialization of research
findings.
There
is a scheme for TBIs in the Department of Science and Technology
of Government of India started by National Science and
Technology Entrepreneurship Development Board of DST.
Dr. P.K.B. Menon, Advisor and Member Secretary of NSTEDB is
coordinating the project. The
scheme was started in 2000-01. The
scheme provides for financial assistance to infrastructure creation
and recurring expenses of TBIs for a period of five years from
inception. TBIs would
become self sufficient in five
year’s time. Each TBI
is expected to help create at least 20 companies within the first five
years. At present there
are four TBIs located in Noida,
Chennai, Hyderabad and Bangalore, and those focus on select thrust
areas The newly proposed TBIs would be set up in Hyderabad, Pune,
Ahmedabad, Vellore and Kozhikode.
Hyderabad and Pune TBIs are proposed to provide support to
start up in agribusiness. The
thrust areas in which DST proposes to promote TBIs include information
and communication technology, Biotechnology, new materials,
instrumentation and maintenance, agriculture & food processing,
garments and fashion technology.
TBIs are located near academic institution of excellence and
work for catalyzing the growth of innovation based entrepreneurship.
KAU can take up a proposal
to start a TBI at Trissur in Agri-business.
3.7.
RESEARCH INSTITUTIONS
1.
RARS, Pilicode
There are three institutions working near by.
College
of Agriculture, Padannakkad
RARS,
Pilicode
Karuvachery
Farm
The
College of Agriculture is under the control of the Associate Dean and
RARS and Karuvachery Farm are under the control of the Associate
Director, RARS. These
three institutions are to be brought under the control of the
Associate Dean, College of Agriculture for the optimal use of human
and other resources. At
the time of establishment of the new College, it was visualised as one
unit. But later college building was constructed at Padannakkad,
about 8 km away from RARS, Pilicode.
2.
Cashew Research Station, Anakkayam, Malappuram ((1963)
Cashew is a promising crop for the state.
But area under this crop is declining at an alarming rate.
Research on cashew is very much essential.
But already there is a center attached to KAU at Trichur
(Cashew Research Station,
Madakkathara started in 1923) for research on cashew.
Although Malappuram is an ideal location for research on
cashew, considering the financial position of the University, the
mandate of the station may be enlarged for covering research on some
of the neglected crops like guava, mango, pomgranate, custard apple
etc.for which there may
be a place in the agricultural map of Kerala in future. Refocusing on research on cashew has to be discussed.
There is scope to generate income through added supply of
cashew grafts. Now the
CRS, Madakkathara is not able to meet the demand for cashew grafts.
Steps may be taken to augment production of cashew grafts on a
revolving fund mode.
1.
Pepper Research Station Panniyur
This is the only station specialised in pepper research. There is scope to get more external assistance for pepper
research, not only from Government of India but international agencies
can also be tapped. Pepper
being an important crop, further research efforts are needed.
Collaboration with Spices Board and Indian Institute of Spices
Research, Kozhikkode can produce useful results in pepper research.
Duplication of research in pepper done at Indian Institute of
Spices Research, may be
minimised.
4.
RARS, Ambalawayal
This is an important station for conducting research suited to
high elevation localities. There
is considerable scope in production and distribution of planting
materials, coffee, pepper based consultation, production of bio
control agents and distribution of ornamental plants.
This has to be strengthened.
5.
RARS, Pattambi
This is a premier Rice Research Station and more research is
needed on cost reducing agricultural technologies. The assessment of
field level adoption constraints for various varieties released by the
centre may be initiated. More than 50 paddy varieties were released
from the centre. But there is reported lower level of adoption of some
of the varieties.
6.
Cropping Systems Research, Alathur Sub centre
The centre has produced very good results for field adoption.
The leaf colour chart technique of this centre can be adopted
in the farmers field for nitrogen application without testing the
soil. The paddy leaf colour is standardised for measuring the
requirement of nitrogen application .
The report prepared by the centre in collaboration with the
Palakkad Paddy Vikasana Agency is very much useful for practical
decision making. University
may try to replicate the type of output produced by the centre to
other areas also.
7.
Banana research Station, Kannara
More
research on value added products of banana is essential.
8.
Agricultural Research
Station, Mannuthy
There is scope for generation of income through the production
of planting materials.
9.
Cardamom Research Station (CRS),
Idukki
The
Lead function of the station is for research in cardamom.
Continuation of cardamom research by the University has to be
discussed. In Idukki
district there is another specialized research station of Spices Board
for conducting research mainly on Cardamom.
Duplication of research may be avoided.
The
CRS, Idukki may be converted as a center for research in organic
agriculture which is another emerging area.
At present there is no specialized
center for organic agriculture
in the University. Moreover
there is considerable scope to augment revenue through production and
distribution of planting materials from the station.
Through organic agriculture,
there is immense scope in future to attract external funding
for KAU.
10.
RARS, Kayamkulam
A new project on comprehensive coconut care project for
augmenting income from root wilt affected holdings was initiated about
two years back with the financial assistance of Alappuzha District
Panchayat. For implementing this scheme, the station was upgraded to the
status of an RARS and six staff members were posted by redeployment.
Alapuzha District Panchayat has provided Rs.15 lakh for the
project and it was implemented in one ward of Vallikkunnam Panchayat
covering 35 ha. This is a
good project. But for
implementing the project the station was upgraded to the status of an
RARS and mandate was also changed.
Tie up with local bodies can be appreciated, but such schemes
should be implemented with in the mandate of the station.
Implementation part could have been entrusted to district
panchayat with the technical supervision of KAU, Kayamkulam.
11.
Sugarcane Research Centre, Thiruvalla
Possibility of linking sugarcane
research with other related research may also be explored.
Continuation of breeding programmes in sugarcane has to be
discussed. At present
there is no revolving fund for the station.
There is scope for vegetable seed production through revolving
fund. Possibility of
jaggery production also can be explored through revolving fund.
12.
AICRP, Karumady
The station was started as part of an ICAR sponsored AICRP on
agricultural drainage. Now
the scheme was discontinued and another project from NATP was
sanctioned. Two academic
staff members are working in the project on working arrangement from
the College of Agricultural Engineering, Thavannur.
Salary component of the staff members are met from the
University account. In
the present circumstances instead of continuing two agricultural
engineers in the station, one post may be shifted to SCRI, Konni, so
that the new station can be strengthened.
13.
Cropping System Station at Karamana
The research at present revolves
around the old cropping system of rice-rice-pulse rotation.
A recent trial with short duration tapioca in rice fallow also
has started. The centre
has not focussed on demand oriented cropping systems research.
Part of the funding for staff is provided by ICAR.
However, considering the emergence of new researchable issues,
alternate funding from GOI may be explored.
Possibility
of converting this centre as a specialized centre for Hi-tech
agriculture may be explored. At
present the database on hi-tech agriculture relevant to Kerala is
lacking in KAU which is an emerging area.
A
number of stations under
KAU are involved in rice research.
Perhaps for different zones.
Considering
the expertise available at the college of Agriculture and locational
advantage of the centre, it may be converted to specialize in two
areas, through redeployment of staff from the college of Agriculture,
Vellayani or other centers.
a.
Hi-tech agriculture
b.
Urban agriculture.
The
institute is doing research in paddy fields.
Possible issue of
conversion of paddy lands for research on
other crops may be discussed.
14.
Coconut Research Station, Balaramapuram
Even
though the station is expected to produce long term trials in coconut suited to Trivandrum and Neyyattinkara taluks, reported
problems include shortage of labour,
lack of adequate irrigation
facilities etc. The output of the station does not commensurate with
the expectation. There is
no external aided projects currently implemented in the station.
Utility of continuing the Balaramapuram Station from the point
of view of coconut research needs to be discussed.
Information Technology can be used to generate computer
simulation models with available experimental data to generate future
scenarios in coconut research and development.
The station may be handed over to local bodies or Department of
Agriculture for the production of planting materials.
It is not clear how the non-plan expenditure was met or whether
there is any diversion is there or not from any head of account.
3.7.
General
This report was prepared using the documents furnished by the
University. Detailed
station wise analysis is needed to assess the utility of the stations.
A small group with representatives of University as well as
other agencies may be constituted to prepare a detailed report about
KAU. A Multidisciplinary team
with representatives from different Central institutes are necessary
to complete the research prioritisation work.
A comparative analysis with the prestigious Tamil Nadu
Agricultural University, Coimbatore also may be attempted.
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