Kerala Agricultural University to hold lecture series on agriculture

Thrissur: The Kerala Agricultural University (KAU) will conduct a ‘scientific insight lecture series in agriculture’ (SISA) to impart knowledge in agricultural science to the public. The first event will be held on August 25 and 26. “The  initiative is meant to educate the masses about the scientific perspective in agricultural practices and strategies for mitigating issues in the field,” KAU Vice-Chancellor Dr. P. Rajendran said.    The directorate of extension has recognised 12  topics for the lecture-cum-interaction programme.    

“We have formulated this programme in the light of agriculture being projected as a focal point in the development agenda of the state. Scientific knowledge will  aid those who work in the planning and development sector.   The people are showing more interest in farming and they can acquire and harness their knowledge,” he said.   Director of extension Dr. Jiju P. Alex, the brain behind the programme, said that the admission to the programme is free. “Thirty persons will be admitted on first-come first-served basis  for the programme to be held  at farmers' hostel under the directorate of extension. They will be provided with accommodation and food. Resource persons are drawn from a pool of experts in relevant topics. The first programme will be on ‘Good agricultural practices: Process and protocols, ” he said.   

The other topics are new trends in crop production, precision farming, hydroponics and aquaponics, new generation molecules in agriculture, pesticide residues, pest surveillance and prediction, micro-nutrients for soil health management, climate resilient agriculture, drought mitigation and importance of pulses, integrated farming systems-practical guidelines, environmental engineering-theory and practice, identification of forest trees and wood processing, natural resource management - principles of watershed development, application of GIS in agriculture, accomplishing food and nutritional security and application of bio-technology in agriculture. Those interested can enrol for the programme by contacting  professor & head, Central Training Institute, Kerala Agricultural University, Mannuthy PO,  Thrissur-680651. Those interested can also call 0487 2371104 or email to cti@kau.in.