കമ്മ്യൂണിക്കേഷന്‍ സെന്റര്‍, മണ്ണുത്തി

The Communication Centre started functioning on February 1972 along with the inception of the Kerala Agricultural University. The centre undertook the lead role in the execution of several transfer of technology initiatives of KAU in agriculture and allied areas. It included the organisation of large number of state level workshops/seminars, exhibitions, training programmes, farm advisory services as well as information dissemination through print & electronic media and publications.

Mandate

To disseminate new and appropriate farm technologies to various line departments, voluntary agencies, co-operative societies, commodity boards and farmers through various extension tools like seminars, trainings, field visits, exhibitions and also through print and electronic media and online services.
To provide technical information support to the extension personnel of the State development departments and farmers.

Date of Establishment:
01.02.1972

Geographic Location:
10.52° N 76.21°E with an average altitude of 2.83 metres

Achievements

1. KAU Publications:
Published more than 300  publications on various topics in agriculture and allied subjects in Malayalam and English, categorized under textbooks, monographs, booklets, technical bulletins, pamphlets and leaflets for the benefit of various stakeholders in the farming sector.

The Package of Practices Recommendations: Crops, the authenticated book of reference on any technical aspect in the farming sector of Kerala is compiled and published from the Centre, periodically. The fourteenth edition of the Package of Practices Recommendations Crops 2011 is currently in use.
Publication of the semi-technical quarterly farm magazine Kalpadhenu in Malayalam is published from the Centre.

2. Organisation of workshops/seminars/trainings

Organised several State level workshops including

Strategies for Drought Mitigation in Agriculture in Kerala  (2013)
Cultivation and Export of Aromatic Rice Varieties of Kerala (2013)
Hi-tech Horticulture (2013)
Formulation of agriculture policy for the State of Kerala (2012)
Recent technological developments in cultivation and value addition of Coconut (2012)

The major District level seminars organised by the centre includes seminars on

Pesticide free vegetable cultivation(2012)
Entrepreneurship development (2012)
Control of mealy bug in papaya(2012)

State level training programmes organised by the centre includes trainings on Protected cultivation, Mushroom  spawn production & cultivation, Ornamental Fish Culture, Paper Bag Production, Banana Fibre extraction and utilization, Tools & techniques for plant propagation, Processing and value addition.

3. Extension Research Projects:
More than fifteen Extension Research Projects were implemented by the Centre (List of Completed projects attached as Appendix I). These projects could develop successful models for enhancing the livelihood security of the farming community in the state.

4. Exhibitions:
The Centre co-ordinated the conduct of large number of major and minor exhibitions by the university throughout the state, with the co-operation of various institutions under KAU.

South Indian Agricultural Fair  (2007& 2014)
Kerala Agri Food Pro Meet (2010, 2011& 2013)
Thrissur Pooram Exhibition ( upto 2013)
Flower Show, Thrissur( upto 2013)
COCOTECH, Ernakulam (2012)
International Water Fowl Conference, Thrissur (2009)
Harithotsavam, Marad (2009)
Organic Kerala Exhibition,Ernakulam (2008)
State Agricultural Fair, Thiruvananthapuram (2008)
‘Niravu’ Karshikotsavam, Thrissur (2008)

5. Rendered  Farm Advisory Services  by diagnosing field problems and suggesting recommendations / remedial measures. Regular Farm Advisory Services were also offered  in person, over phone and e-mail.

6. Information on weekly farm practices, availability of products and planting materials and University events are made available to farming community and other stakeholders through the “Kerala Agriculture University News”  broadcasted every Friday at 7.05 am through AIR as well as by telecast through Doordarshan and print media.

 

The Centre functions through its four units in undertaking the various transfer of technology activities.

Information Unit: 

Provides new knowledge to the farmers through various programmes arranged and broadcasted over AIR, including the “KAU News” on every Friday and telecasts through Doordarshan.
Transfer of technology activities through ICT tools: Questions from farmers are answered through e-mails and  over phone
Feature articles are published in farm magazines and leading English and Malayalam Dailies in their Agricultural Columns.

Farm Advisory Services Unit:

• Conducting diagnostic field visits
• Organizing seminars/workshops/ rainings on current issues
• Conducting farm clinics
• Consultancy services on field problems and agri-enterprises.
• Scientists of the unit function as the members of Multi disciplinary team and serve as resource persons for the extension activities of the Department of Agriculture.
• Supply of Terrace kits, plant protection kits etc. along with information support for the promotion of safe to eat vegetable production.
• Running a Mushroom Demonstration Unit and conducts regular trainings on mushroom production

Publication Unit: 

Brings out a number of publications on various topics in agriculture and allied fields catering to the needs of farming community, extension personnel and general public.

Free publications as well as priced ones, both in Malayalam and English categorized under text books, monographs, books, booklets, technical bulletins, pamphlets and leaflets are published from here (List of Publications is attached as Appendix II)

Exhibition Unit:  

Organises major and minor university agricultural technology exhibitions and put up stalls in major exhibitions organised by other agencies like Department of Agriculture, Agri-Horticulture societies, Educational Institutions etc. Mini exhibitions are also conducted as part of the Seminars in rural areas.