Lessons in modern farming for tribal students at KAU

Classroom sessions linked with visits to laboratories and fields to provide hands-on experience

Students participating in the farm orientation programme.

Familiarising young students with nuances of advancements in agricultural science is a proactive step to sustain farming, Kerala Agricultural University (KAU) Vice Chancellor R. Chandra Babu has said.

Addressing an ongoing residential camp for students at Karshakabhavan on the Vellanikkara campus of KAU, sponsored by the Scheduled Tribes Development Department, the Vice Chancellor said he was looking forward to enhanced representation of students from tribal areas in agricultural courses so that scientific farming practices and advanced technology found their way to the tribal hamlets, which had the most serene and pristine farming locations.

Insight

“You are in the right age group to generate ideas for self-development and welfare of society. An insight into agricultural science earned from this camp would help you harness your skills and pursue a career in agricultural research or extension, which would lead to progress and development of your people. Such a response would justify the efforts put in by this university in collaboration with the State Planning Board, Departments of Agriculture and and ST Development,” he said. The ten-day residential camp under the Directorate of Extension envisages orientation of students from socially and economically backward communities to agriculture as a profession, help the students have a better understanding of theory and practice of scientific farming, and provide them with opportunities to familiarise with practical aspects of farming and processing common produces.

Guided by experts

Classes on soil and water use, plant health management, plant biotechnology, impact of climate change, pesticide use, biocontrol agents, remote sensing in agriculture, integrated farming systems, value-addition, agro-forestry, and economics of profitable farming have been handled by experts.

Visits to labs

Classroom sessions are effectively linked with visits to various laboratories and fields so as to provide hands-on experience with agri-machinery, equipment, and tools, said Jiju P. Alex, Director of Extension.

Registrar D. Girija and Director of Research P. Indira Devi felicitated the students.

92 students, along with coordinators, are participating in the camp supervised by a team headed by P.K. Suresh Kumar and S. Helen.

The camp will conclude on June 2.