Kerala agricultural varsity celebrates 48th Foundation Day
The Agricultural Research Station (ARS), Mannuthy, and the Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Malappuram, have been bestowed with the best research centre and best extension centre awards in the 48th Foundation Day celebrations of Kerala Agricultural University (KAU) held at Vellanikkara recently.
While Haseena Bhaskar of College of Horticulture (CoH) was adjudged the best teacher, Miniraj of CoH and Sunil V.G. of Malappuram KVK were selected for the best researcher and the best extension scientist awards respectively. CoH, Vellanikkara, secured the best college award.
District Collector T.V. Anupama inaugurated the Foundation Day celebrations. The Collector called upon budding researchers to uphold the rich traditions of the university and be committed to the primary sector, which caters to the most fundamental need of living beings.
“As the Food Safety Commissioner and Alappuzha District Collector, I had occasions to acquaint myself with the vast potential and diverse activities of the KAU. Conversion of fertile land for non-agricultural purposes is a big challenge. The change in eating habits calls for change in cropping pattern and hence provides a new research opportunity. I am sure that the KAU, with its dynamic and diverse research network, will be able to address these challenges,” she said.
Rate of adoption high
KAU Vice Chancellor R. Chandra Babu, in his presidential address, pointed out that agricultural technologies had a much higher rate of adoption than other technologies. Roles played by agricultural universities were much different and much more diverse than conventional universities. The enhanced support for the KAU in the State Budget was gratefully acknowledged, he said.
Honoured
State Horticulture Mission director Justin Mohan; KAU executive committee members A. Anil Kumar; K. Aravindakshan, and T. Pradeep Kumar; and Registrar P.S. Geetha Kutty spoke.
Staff and labourers with thirty years’ unblemished service were also honoured at the function, which was followed by cultural programmes.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Kerala / by Special Correspondent / Thrissur – February 03rd, 2019