Thrissur: Kerala Agricultural University General Council (KAUGC) has decided to reorient the research focus on developing technologies for climate resilience in agriculture.
The special meeting of the general council convened to discuss post-flood agricultural scenario and chalk out strategies for rebuilding state farm sector also decided to establish a data management centre and department of remote sensing studies in the university to aid flood mapping with emerging technologies.
Vice-chancellor Dr R Chandra Babu briefed the council about the extent of damage caused to the agricultural sector by floods during August last week.
Presenting the estimate of losses prepared by various agencies and explaining the parameters adopted by KAU for estimation, the vice-chancellor said the university had issued crop specific and area wise advisories for farmers, revised the nutrient management prescriptions for different soil types, conducted farmer interfaces and training programmes and propagated crop specific spot videos to aid post flood farm management.
Members led by Kunjammed Kutty stressed the need for problem oriented and farmer friendly research approach and coordination between different Research and Development (R&D) institutions. Farm implements for small holdings need to be developed and production of quality planting materials needs to be enhanced considerably using farmer participation.
Kerela Forest Research Institute (KFRI) director proposed that that the nutritive component of bamboo be exploited. Research on invasive plants and intervention in post harvest management of horticultural crops were also mooted.
The Vice-Chancellor informed the house that the university is providing technology back up for initiatives of state government in greening the state.
