College of Agriculture, Vellayani

The College of Agriculture, Vellayani, established in May 1955, serves as a center for undergraduate and postgraduate education. Initially housed in a palace building belonging to the royal family of the former Travancore State, the college quickly grew to match the standards of leading agricultural institutions in India. Postgraduate programs for M.Sc. (Ag.) and Ph.D. degrees were introduced in 1962 and 1965, respectively. The simultaneous development of the college farm provided hands-on experience for B.Sc. (Ag.) students and supported research work for M.Sc. (Ag.) and Ph.D. scholars.

When the Agricultural University was established in Kerala in 1972, the College of Agriculture, Vellayani had already developed significantly and became a major constituent of the University. Its inclusion marked a turning point for agricultural education and research in the state, leading to substantial progress and transformation. The University introduced the innovative trimester system with internal evaluation, setting a new standard in agricultural education. Today, teaching follows the semester system. The College of Agriculture, Vellayani has since evolved into a key center for agricultural research and education in southern India.

At the undergraduate level, considerable emphasis is placed on training students in all aspects of farm operations. They are required to cultivate all the significant crops of the state in small plots on the college farm as part of the 'work experience' program. In their final year, they receive extensive field training at the Krishi Bhavans of the Department of Agriculture and the Research Stations of the University, where they encounter practical agricultural challenges. This prepares the students to adeptly handle field issues in their prospective professional careers.

Departments

• Agricultural Economics
• Agricultural Engineering
• Agricultural Extension
• Agricultural Meteorology
• Agricultural Statistics
• Agronomy
• Animal Husbandry
• Molecular Biology and Biotechnology
• Community Science
• Floriculture and Landscape Architecture
• Fruit Science
• Microbiology
• Nematology
• Organic Agriculture
• Physical Education
• Plant Breeding & Genetics
• Plant Physiology
• Plantation Crops & Spices
• Post Harvest Technology
• Seed Science & Technology
• Soil Science & Agricultural Chemistry
• Vegetable Science
• Agricultural Botany & Plant Breeding
• Entomology
• Plant Pathology

A new `Soil Museum' was inaugurated under the supervision of the Department of Soil Science for the benefit of the public. As a new step the Instructional Farm, Vellayani has opened a `Sales counter cum Information Centre'.

Research

In addition to postgraduate research, the majority of scientists engage in further research endeavors funded by external agencies. The outcomes of these research activities have led to significant recommendations and technological advancements. Areas such as the development of new plant varieties, enhanced propagation techniques including tissue culture, contemporary pest control methods, and the assessment of socio-economic initiatives by various state government departments and NGOs are encompassed within the research scope of the college.

Extension

The experts in the college are actively involved with the outreach activities of various government departments and social service organizations. Through initiatives like the Village Adoption Programme, Karshaka Santhwanam and NSS activities, they share their expertise with the local farming community. The NCC contributes to the development of student discipline. The Entrepreneurial Cell consists of forward-thinking students eager to launch startups and establish businesses. The seminars, symposia, workshops, field days, and farmers' fairs held by the college staff and students are highly regarded by the community, media, and farmers.

Officers from the Department of Agriculture, Co-operation, Forest, and Nationalised Banks receive both on-campus and off-campus training from the college specialists. This training is part of various programmes organized by different departments. Additionally, farmers receive essential training in specialized fields such as vermicomposting, mushroom cultivation, and beekeeping under the Village Adoption Programme and the various training workshops conducted in the campus.

The College of Agriculture in Vellayani, a leading institution in the state, has taken on significant responsibilities in developing technologies essential for agricultural advancement. It will persist in playing this crucial role in the forthcoming years.