Despite the Kerala Agricultural University (KAU) Budget for 2017-18 sanctioning a horticulture college at its Regional Agriculture Research Station (RARS) at Ambalavayal in Wayanad during the current academic year, the project still remains on paper. The college, announced by former Chief Minister Oommen Chandy two years ago, was planned to be set up by utilising the existing infrastructure facilities of RARS. The general council of the university held at its headquarters at Vellanikkara in Thrissur on May 31 had also decided to start a B.Sc. (Horticulture) course at the college during this academic year.
There were also plans to offer postgraduate programmes in horticulture and allied subjects and advanced training in horticulture and hi-tech farming for farmers.
It was proposed that a building constructed on the RARS premises for setting up an advanced research centre under the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana be temporarily used for housing the college.
The mild sub-tropical climate in the district is quite suitable for horticulture and floriculture, but the farming community is yet to tap the potential.
Agri college in Kottayam
KAU sources said apart from the college, the university had proposed to set up an Agriculture College in Kottayam. Though the university authorities had submitted the proposals for the final approval of the government, it was yet to allocate funds or provide human resources for the purpose.
“The projects are still under consideration and we are awaiting the final approval of the government,” the source said.
