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Item Quantification and depth distribution analysis of carbon, nitrogen, and microbiomes in soils of Miyawaki forests in Kerala(Department of Soil Science, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2024-12-11) Sreelekshmi, M; Naveen LenoA study entitled “Quantification and depth distribution analysis of carbon, nitrogen and microbiomes in soils of Miyawaki forests in Kerala” was undertaken with the objectives of quantifying the levels of carbon and nitrogen in Miyawaki forest soils in Kerala, analysing the effect of increasing carbon sinks in achieving carbon sequestration and to investigate abundance of microbiomes in these soils. A preliminary survey was conducted to identify the locations where Miyawaki forests were established and is existent in the entire Kerala state. Altogether 58 Miyawaki forests have been established till date in Kerala. Five well established and oldest Miyawaki forests out of these were selected for further study. A survey was conducted during December 2023 in the selected study area and 20 georeferenced soil samples were collected from surface and subsurface layers from five Miyawaki forest and nearby undisturbed plots. The selected sites were located at Puliyarakonam, Peyad, Kanakakkunnu, Vilappilsala and Chalai. The soil samples were characterized for selected physical, chemical and biological attributes, carbon pools and nitrogen fractions. Various carbon indices like carbon pool index (CPI), lability index (CLI) and management index (CMI) were worked out. The carbon sequestration potential of each Miyawaki forest was also calculated. A metagenomic analysis of one sample each from Miyawaki forest and undisturbed plot was also conducted. A minimum data set (MDS) of indicators to assess soil quality index (SQI) was set up using Principal component analysis (PCA). The spatial variation in temperature within the confines of the Miyawaki forest as well as outside were recorded for a period of three months from March 2024 to May 2024 at two locations, viz., Puliyarakonam and Vilappilsala. The soils under study belong to sandy clay loam. The bulk density was found to be the lowest in the Miyawaki forest (1.15 Mg m-3) than the control. Other physical properties like water holding capacity (60.28%), soil moisture content (34.83%) and water stable aggregates (88.48%) were found to be higher in the surface soils of Miyawaki forest than the control plots. The soil acidity (pH 5.40) and EC (0.059 dSm-1) were found to be more in the Miyawaki forest. Soil biological properties like soil enzyme dehydrogenase activity (80.20 mg TPF g-1 soil 24 h-1), bacterial density (7.573 log cfu g-1), fungal count (5.507 log cfu g-1) and actinobacterial count (4.909 log cfu g-1) were also found to be higher in Miyawaki forest and decreased with depth. A higher total organic carbon of 10.31% was recorded in Miyawaki forest, which was observed to decrease with depth. Other carbon fractions like water soluble carbon (21.21 mg kg-1), labile carbon (4.51 mg g-1), particulate organic carbon (1.03%) and microbial biomass carbon (152.69 mg kg-1) were also observed to be higher in the Miyawaki forest when compared to the control plots. Total nitrogen content (0.36%) and available nitrogen (264.26 kg ha-1) was highest in Miyawaki forest. A higher C:N ratio was observed in Miyawaki forest (28.77) and was observed to increase with depth. The soil organic carbon stock (38.08 Mg ha-1) and carbon sequestration rates 9.05 Mg ha-1yr-1 were also found higher in Miyawaki forest soils compared to the control plots. A temperature difference up to 3.93°C and 4.21°C was observed between the mean maximum temperature between the inside and outside of Miyawaki forest during the summer months in Puliyarakonam and Vilappilsala respectively. No significant difference was observed for CPI, CLI, CMI, and SQI. The study on Miyawaki forests in Kerala reveal their substantial contribution to soil carbon storage and nutrient enrichment. The findings indicate that these forests not only enhance soil quality through increased organic carbon and nitrogen levels but also support a diverse microbiome, which is vital for soil health. Miyawaki forests in Kerala exhibit lower bulk density and higher water holding capacity compared to control plots, indicating improved soil structure and moisture retention. Additionally, the significant temperature regulation observed within the forests highlights their role in moderating local microclimates. Overall, the results underscore the potential of Miyawaki forests as effective carbon sinks and valuable ecological assets, advocating for their expansion as a strategy for carbon sequestration and soil restoration in the region. Further research is recommended to explore the long-term ecological impacts and management practices that can optimize these benefits.Item Monitoring and evaluation of forest canopy density model in Nilambur forests, Kerala using geospatial techniques(Department of Forest Resource Management, College of Forestry,Vellanikkara, 2025) Ajay Antony.; Srinivasan, KThe study entitled ‘Integrated management of Fusarium wilt of yard long bean in homesteads’ was undertaken at College of Agriculture, Vellayani and Integrated Farming System Research Station (IFSRS), Karamana during 2023-25 with an objective to develop an integrated management package for the vascular wilt of yard long bean incited by Fusarium oxysporum using bioagents and biofumigants in homesteads. The culture of F. oxysporum (accession no: MZ706472.1) maintained at IFSRS, Karamana was used for the study. The mycelia of the pathogen appeared as white and fluffy with a characteristic pale pink to purplish pigmentation. Microconidia were ovoid or elliptical with 0 - 1 septa, while macroconidia were fusiform with 3 – 4 septa. Chlamydospores were globose with a diameter of 6 -10 μm. The pathogen was mass multiplied in sorghum-sand medium (SSM) (2:1:1 ratio) and complete colonization of the fungus was recorded at 5 days after inoculation (DAI). Koch’s postulates were proved in 15-days-old yard long bean seedlings (var. Githika). The disease symptoms initiated as yellowing of older leaves at 7 days after transplanting, which further progressed as defoliation, withering, wilting and seedling death. In vitro studies on the evaluation of antifungal potential of bioagents, botanicals and biofumigants revealed that garlic bulbs (2 g plate-1) completely (100%) inhibited the pathogen. Rhizobium sp. (KAU) inhibited the mycelial growth by 67.77 per cent and tested positive for siderophore production, indicated by a colour change of Chrome Azurol S (CAS) agar from blue to orange. In vivo seed treatment studies revealed that sowing of seeds in soil applied with AMF @ 5 g seed-1 followed by transplanting was the promising treatment (no incidence of disease) for the management of Fusarium wilt, along with enhanced seed germination (100%), leaf number (11.00), leaf area (24.17 cm2), shoot length (16.17 cm), root length (19.83 cm) and root-shoot ratio (5.33) of the seedling. Seed treatment with Rhizobium sp. followed by transplanting was the next promising treatment with the highest leaf area (27 cm2). Scanning electron microscopy revealed intact cell structure and absence of clogging 128 in vascular tissues of the above plants where as the pathogen inoculated control recorded its hypha emerging out of xylem vessels, which were damaged and extensively clogged. A pot culture study was undertaken in yard long bean var. Githika to develop an integrated package for management of vascular wilt disease. The treatment viz., soil testbased lime application at 2 weeks before planting + soil application of Trichoderma sp. enriched in cow dung – neem cake mixture (9:1) @ 1 kg pot-1 at one week before sowing (WBS) + soil application of AMF @ 5 g seed⁻¹ at sowing followed by transplanting + soil application of PGPR mix II @ 20 g L-1 at 20, 40 and 60 DAS (T6), recorded the least disease incidence (55.50%) and disease severity (19.44%), with the highest yield (945 g plant-1with 54 pods), among the treatments. The highest AMF root colonization (49%) and number of nodules (47.00) were also recorded in this treatment. Significant reduction in the population of the pathogen in soil/ pot was also recorded in this treatment at 30 and 60 DAS. The next promising treatment was same as the best one, with soil application of PGPR mix II @ 20 g L-1 replaced by Trichoderma sp. enriched in cow dung – neem cake mixture (9:1) @ 1 kg pot-1 at 20, 40, and 60 DAS (T3) which recorded reduced disease incidence (66.66%) and severity (31.76%) with higher yield (908.33 g plant-1from 50.00 pods), AMF root colonization (45.00%) and nodules (40.67). Peak activity of peroxidase (12.07 μg g-1 min-1), polyphenol oxidase (1.587 μg g-1 min-1), and phenylalanine ammonia lyase (11.703 μg g-1 min-1) at 72 hours after inoculation was recorded in the promising treatment. Thus, the present study revealed the integrated disease management package viz., soil test-based lime application at 2 weeks before planting + soil application of Trichoderma sp. enriched in cow dung – neem cake mixture (9:1) @ 1 kg pot-1 at one WBS + soil application of AMF @ 5 g seed⁻¹ at sowing followed by transplanting + soil application of PGPR mix II @ 20 g L-1 at 20, 40 and 60 DAS can effectively manage vascular wilt of yard long bean incited by F. oxysporum in homesteads. Furthermore, the study confirms a beneficial quadripartite association among AMF, Trichoderma sp. and the plant growth promoting rhizobacteria in yard long bean plants, as observed from the effective management of the disease and enhanced plant growth and yield attributes even in the presence of the soil borne pathogen.Item Performance evaluation of Kerala state co-operative coir marketing federation (COIRFED)(Department of Co-Operative Management, College of Co-operation, Banking and Management, : Vellanikkara, 2025-03-22) Neeraj, S NairThe study "Performance Evaluation of Kerala State Cooperative Marketing Federation (COIRFED)" comprehensively examines COIRFED's financial performance, employee job satisfaction, and customer satisfaction with its products over a ten-year period (2010-11 to 2019-20). It utilizes primary and secondary data, employing ratio analysis for financial assessment and index and percentage analysis for employee and customer satisfaction. Despite COIRFED achieving record sales in coir and coir products, it faced financial losses, indicating poor profitability. While certain products enjoyed high market status, employees expressed dissatisfaction primarily in areas like achievement, compensation, and relationships with supervisors and coworkers. Customers exhibited good awareness of product quality but lacked information on certain attributes like skin friendliness, affordability and availability. Overall, most customers held a negative attitude towards COIRFED products, citing issues with accessibility, variety in designs, information reliability, and pricing. Addressing these concerns could significantly enhance customer satisfaction and improve COIRFED's role as a marketing hub for coir and coir products in its operational area.Item Agripreneurship in commercial plant nurseries of Kerala - a multidimensional analysis(Department of Agricultural Extension Education, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2025) Aleena Elias; Shamna, NThe study entitled “Agripreneurship in commercial plant nurseries of Kerala-A multidimensional analysis” was undertaken during 2023-24. The objectives of the research were assessing forward and backward linkages of commercial plant nurseries of Kerala; documenting the best marketing practices adopted by the nursery entrepreneurs; delineate the factors contributing success; and arrive at suggestion for policy recommendations to mitigate the problems faced by commercial plant nurseries of Kerala. The study was carried out across three districts viz. Thiruvananthapuram, Thrissur and Wayanad were selected representing south, central and north Kerala respectively and the study involved a sample size of 90 plant nursery entrepreneurs and 30 stakeholders of the plant nurseries. Social Network Analysis (SNA) was utilized to examine the connections of plant nurseries with various stakeholders. Forward linkages primarily include retail customers, retail nurseries, and wholesale customers, while backward linkages consist of raw material providers, plant material providers, infrastructure providers, financial institutions, and logistics. Key stakeholders range from farmers to government agencies and financial institutions. This study found that 100% of entrepreneurs keep up with market trends and diversify plant offerings, ensuring visually appealing nurseries to attract customers. Positive factors for adoption of better marketing practices include competition orientation, self-reliance, and land holding, while social networking showed a negative influence on marketing practices. Success is largely influenced by social responsibility (0.22), followed by employment (0.19), customer satisfaction (0.17), financial strength (0.07), and lifestyle factors (0.07). The majority of respondents (51.1%) reported moderate to high success, with a smaller portion achieving low levels. Principal Component Analysis identified eight key success factors: influence and competence, social capital, financial acumen, motivation, community and assets, leadership, self-reliance, and creativity. Most nursery entrepreneurs are middle-aged (45-60 years, 52.22%), well-educated, and maintain medium to large family sizes. Land holdings vary, with 38.89% owning up to 33 cents, while a significant portion (75.56%) operates within 5 kilometers of a town. Market intelligence, credit orientation, and risk orientation levels among respondents indicate a balanced, experienced group. However, training participation is minimal, with 91.1% having received none. Findings revealed high levels of self-reliance (61.1%), managerial ability (75.9%), self confidence (77.8%), and social networking (78.9%) among respondents. While economic motivation and critical thinking levels are moderate, other abilities like leadership (64.4%), persuasive capability (70%), and innovation (54.4%) show strong presence, although mass media exposure remains low (63.3%). Garret ranking method was used to rank the constraints. Experiencing fluctuations in demand based on seasons (72.10) was perceived as the major constraint followed by the competition from other nurseries, home improvement stores and online retailers (71.88), extreme weather conditions (69.89) and difficulty in finding skilled labor (54.04). Addressing these constraints requires targeted policies such as providing disaster preparedness grants to commercial plant nurseries, establishing a centralized digital platform for all the plant nurseries of Kerala, envisaging training and capacity building programmes like skill development programs, technical skill enhancement programs, capacity building on modern marketing techniques such as digital marketing, promoting the development of climate-resilient plants and encourage the adoption of cultivation practices that can adapt to climate change and fostering collaborations with KAU and other public institutions for research & training.Item Functional dynamics and critical appraisal of bharatiya prakrithik krishi paddhati (BPKP) in Kerala(Department of Agricultural Extension Education, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2025-02-21) Shanjeevasriram, M; Archana, R Sathyan; Berin PathroseThe present study, titled “Functional Dynamics and Critical Appraisal of Bharatiya Prakritik Krishi Paddhati (BPKP) in Kerala,” was conducted during 2023-24. The study had specific objectives: to assess the status and implementation of BPKP within the Agro-Ecological Units (AEUs) of Kerala, estimate crop production and resource use efficiency for selected crops, and analyze the constraints related to BPKP. The study was conducted in the AEU-8 (Nemom and Neyyattinkara blocks), as well as the AEU-17 (Devikulam block). Primary data were gathered from farmers through a pre-tested interview schedule. Respondent farmers were selected using the purposive sampling method. The total sample size comprised of 200 participants, consisting 100 BPKP farmers and 100 control farmers. This study examined the status and implementation of the BPKP among the banana and cabbage farmers in AEU-8 & AEU-17 in Kerala respectively, comparing them to farmers engaged in conventional farming practices. In AEU-8, 58 per cent of BPKP banana farmers cultivated a single crop in their fields. A noteworthy 42 per cent relied on natural farming (NF) inputs, such as Panchagavya and fish amino acids, for pest and disease control. However, despite using these inputs, 58 percent of the farmers reported a high incidence of disease after adopting NF practices. Additionally, 52 per cent of respondents participated in capacity-building programmes aimed at enhancing their NF skills. Financial assistance for the implementation of BPKP was received by 54 percent of farmers at least once. Notably, none of the BPKP farmers applied chemical fertilizers, adhering strictly to NF principles. Sentiment analysis revealed an overall positive perception of the BPKP among farmers following BPKP in AEU-8, with the term "natural" being the most frequently associated word in the word cloud analysis. In contrast, control banana farmers expressed predominantly negative sentiments towards the BPKP, with "natural" also emerging as the most repeated word in their word cloud analysis. Among control farmers, 60 per cent relied on single plant protection chemicals to manage pests and diseases. Seventy-five percent farmers made medium 141 investments in the purchase of manures, fertilizers, and pesticides. Additionally, half of these farmers utilized three or more types of organic manure on their fields, and 50 per cent adopted a double-cropping system. Notably, none of the control farmers were cultivating indigenous crop varieties. In AEU-17, 50 percent of BPKP farmers involved in cabbage cultivation practiced dual cropping in their fields. A majority of these farmers (62%) utilized Panchagavya for pest and disease management. Following the adoption of NF practices, 64 percent of BPKP cabbage respondents reported significant crop growth. Additionally, 42 per cent of the farmers participated in capacity-building training sessions related to NF. Sixty-two percent of the farmers received financial assistance twice to implement BPKP practices. Notably, none of the BPKP farmers employed chemical fertilizers, adhering strictly to NF methods. Sentiment analysis revealed an overall positive perception of the BPKP, with the term "natural" being the most frequently mentioned word in the word cloud analysis. In contrast, control farmers undertaking cabbage cultivation expressed predominantly negative sentiments regarding the BPKP program, with "BPKP" being the most repeated term in their sentiment analysis. Fifty-two per cent of these farmers relied on two plant protection chemicals for managing pests and diseases. A significant portion of respondents invested a medium amount in procuring manures, fertilizers, and pesticides, with more than half using only one type of organic manures in their fields. Furthermore, 54 per cent of farmers adopted a multi-cropping system, while none of the control farmers cultivated indigenous crop varieties. The costs and returns associated with banana and cabbage, the major crops in this study, were calculated for both BPKP farmers and control farmers. The costs and returns for banana were higher among control farmers compared to BPKP farmers, and similarly, the costs and returns for cabbage were also greater for control farmers than for BPKP farmers. A Cobb-Douglas production function was used to assess banana and cabbage production among both BPKP farmers and control farmers, with a focus on resource use efficiency. In banana production, organic manure was significant for BPKP farmers, while for control farmers, both planting materials and organic manures were significant. In cabbage production, the number of irrigations was significant for BPKP farmers, while the cultivated area (in ha) was significant for control farmers. A marginal productivity analysis, designed to evaluate allocative efficiency, revealed that organic manures for banana were overutilized by both BPKP and control farmers, while planting materials were found to be underutilized by control farmers. For cabbage, the number of irrigations was underutilized by BPKP farmers, whereas the area (ha) was underutilized by control farmers. While practicing NF, the constraints faced by farmers are substantial. In AEU-8, the primary constraint reported by the majority of respondents was the lack of price differentiation between vegetables cultivated through natural and chemical methods. The second major constraint was the low market price for the produce, which limited profitability. In AEU-17, the main constraint reported was the intrusion of wild animals, which caused significant crop damage and, in some cases, complete losses. The second constraint was once again the low market price for produce, while the third was the lack of price differentiation between naturally grown horticultural crops and those produced using chemical inputs. These challenges highlight the need for improved market support and wildlife management strategies to enhance the viability of NF practices in both regions. The BPKP scheme under study has shown partial success. Resource use efficiency is lower in chemical farming due to the overuse of organic manure. The main challenge for BPKP farmers is the low price for produce, even though it is chemical-free. To improve the program, it is essential to provide low-cost inputs and improve plant protection strategies, ensuring better economic viability for the farmers adopting BPKP practices.Item Diversity of phytophagous mites and their natural enemies of fruit crops in Kerala(Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2025-03-11) Madhusudhan, M; Neena LeninThe study entitled “Diversity of Phytophagous Mites and their Natural Enemies of Fruit Crops in Kerala” was undertaken in the Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, during 2022-2024. The major objective of the study was the documentation of the incidence, diversity and natural enemies of phytophagous mites inhabiting fruit crops in Kerala. Purposive sampling was conducted across 14 districts of Kerala, covering orchards, homesteads and other agricultural farms. The mite harbouring leaf samples were collected, labelled separately and transported in airtight polythene bags to the laboratory for further studies. The samples were observed under a stereo-binocular zoom microscope and permanent slides were prepared using Hoyer’s media. Observations of these slides under a phase contrast microscope with image analyser revealed 50 species of mites under 34 genera and 16 families on 27 fruit crops. Out of these 50 mite species, 27 species were phytophagous and 23 were predatory. Out of the 27 fruit crops showing mite presence, banana recorded maximum number of mites (18) including 10 phytophagous and 8 predatory mite species. Phytophagous mite family Tetranychidae was represented by maximum number of species/genera (15/5), followed by Eriophyidae (4/4), Tenuipalpidae (3/2), Tarsonemidae (2/2), Diptilomiopidae (1/1), Acaridae (1/1) and Tydeidae (1/1). The broad mite, Polyphagotarsonemus latus (Banks) was collected from maximum number (16) of fruit crops. Genus Tetranychus Dufour showed the highest diversity with seven species. Banana recorded highest number of phytophagous mites with 10 species. Among predatory mites collected, family Phytoseiidae recorded maximum number of species/genera (10/6) followed by Tydeidae (3/3), Cheyletidae (2/2), Cunaxidae (2/2), Stigmaeidae (2/1), Eupodidae (1/1), Bdellidae (1/1), Erythraeidae (1/1) and Ameroseiidae (1/1). Genus Amblyseius Berlese showed the highest diversity with a record of five species. Maximum number of predatory mite species was recorded on Guava (10). In addition to predatory mites, other natural enemies of phytophagous mites belonging to the Class Insecta were also recorded, representing six families, namely, Coccinellidae, Staphylinidae, Ceciidomyidae, Thripidae, Hemerobiidae and Syrphidae. The study recorded new host plants for phytophagous mites including jackfruit as the new host for Tetranychus macfarlanei Baker and Pritchard, Tetranychus fijiensis Hirst and Eutetranychus orientalis Klein; passion fruit as the new host for Tetranychus truncatus Ehara; banana for Tetranychus udaipurensis Gupta & Gupta and T. macfarlanei; papaya as the new host for T. udaipurensis; sitaphal, peanut butterfruit and hog plum for Brevipalpus phoenicis (Geijskes); peanut butterfruit, hog plum, pomegranate, santol and abiu as the new hosts for Brevipalpus californicus (Banks). Eriophyid mite, Tegolopus indica Chakrabarti & Mondal, and phytoseiid mite Amblyseius tamatavensis Blommers are the new reports from the state. The study highlights the diversity and incidence of phytophagous mites as well as their natural enemies on 27 fruit crops in Kerala. It also sheds light on the host range and specificity of phytophagous mites on fruit crops. The details of new host plants recorded adds to the present knowledge, while, the information on predatory mites and other insect predators can be further explored for building innovative biological control programs against pest mites that have a potential to become possible threat in the future to fruit ecosystem.Item Paddy procurement in major rice growing tracts of Kerala : an exploratory analysis(Department of Agricultural Extension, College of Agriculture, Vellanikkara, 2025-02-22) Reshma Siju.; Smitha BabyThe Food Corporation of India (FCI), in collaboration with the State agencies, serves as the central organization for paddy procurement in India. FCI purchases paddy at the Minimum Support Price (MSP) set by the Government of India (GOI) to protect farmers' interests, maintain buffer stocks for national food security, and ensure the timely and affordable distribution of food grains to intended beneficiaries. Paddy procurement in India operates under two primary systems: the Centralized Procurement System, where FCI directly handles procurement, and the Decentralized Procurement (DCP) System, where State governments and their agencies manage the procurement, storage, and distribution of food grains. In Kerala, the DCP system has been in place since 2006, with the Kerala State Civil Supplies Corporation Limited (SupplyCo) serving as the State agency for paddy procurement. SupplyCo assigns private rice millers to specific regions to carry out the procurement process. These millers process the paddy into Custom Milled Rice (CMR) and deliver it to SupplyCo for distribution through the Public Distribution System (PDS). The study adopted an exploratory research design with specific objectives of assessing farmers’ perception on the effectiveness of paddy procurement, farmers’ satisfaction with the online procurement system, the role of different agencies involved in paddy procurement, and exploring the constraints in paddy procurement in the State. Palakkad and Alappuzha districts of Kerala, the leading paddy-producing regions, were purposively selected for the study. Two procurement centres with the highest procurement volumes were purposefully selected within each district. Four Panchayats were randomly chosen from these centres, resulting in sixteen Panchayats forming the study area. Ten farmers were randomly selected from each Panchayat to constitute a total sample of 160 farmers. Additionally, 20 officials were selected to examine the roles of various stakeholders involved in the procurement process. These stakeholders included the Paddy Marketing Officer (PMO), Paddy Quality Assurance Officer (PQAO), Paddy Payment Officer (PPO), Agricultural Officers (AO), mill owners or mill agents, and Padasekara Samithi members. The farmers’ perception on the effectiveness of procurement was studied using the semi structured interview schedule developed based on the scale developed for the study. The results of the study showed that the effectiveness parameters such as Price Risk Mitigation (84.16), and State Policy Intervention (86.62) gained a very high percentage score, and Market perception (74.18), institutional support (62.64), and Influence on crop choice and Decision making (74.35), had a high percentage score. The effectiveness was found to be less in relation to the procedural formalities in procurement, indicated by its very low score (39.46). This shows the various procedural glitches related to payment mechanisms, quality management aspects and lengthy and tiresome procurement process. The farmers’ satisfaction with the online procurement system was analysed using, the parameters, such as farmers’ satisfaction with the SupplyCo website and the online registration process showed a satisfaction score of 86.64 and 89.84, respectively, indicating famers’ high satisfaction with the online procurement process. Eighty five percent of farmers have done online registration through the Akshaya Centres, and fifteen percent registered on their own. The Paddy Marketing Officer (PMO) is the technical staff involved in the procurement process. The PMO plays a major role in creating awareness among the farmers about the quality of the paddy produced, conducting random inspections at fields, allotment of mills, grievances redressal between the mill agents and farmers on quality standards, and issuing of Paddy Receipt Slip (PRS). The Paddy Quality Assurances Officer (PQAO) is the staff dealing with the quality assurances of the milled rice and record maintenance at the mills. Paddy Payment Officer (PPO) authorises the payment order to individual farmers through banks, coordinating the activity between the SupplyCo head office and banks. The Agricultural Officer (AO) verifies the field and approve the applications for procurement and issues the excess yield certificate, if needed. After fixing the rejection rate by considering the quality parameters, the Mill agent collects and transports the procured paddy and supply the processed rice to NFSA godowns. Padasekhara Samithi facilitates synchronised farming, coordinates the online registration, field verification and deals with the mill agents. The constraints faced by the farmers in procurement were identified using focus group discussions and literature review. The Garrett ranking technique was used to rank the ten identified constraints based on their relevance. The major constraint identified was the absence of ready payment; the paddy in the state is procured at Rs. 28.20 per Kg, out of which the central government give Rs. 21.36 as MSP and the State provides a State Incentive Bonus of Rs. 6.70. The central government pays the state government only after the procured paddy reaches the consumers through PDS. Hence, the State government makes arrangements with banks for paying the farmers as PRS loans. Difficulty in meeting the quality standards was identified as the second major problem faced by the farmers due to the varying climaticItem Soil quality and biological resilience of AEU 17 (Marayur hills) of Kerala(Department of Soil Science, College of Agriculture , Vellayani, 2023-01-20) Muthyala Abhiram.The study entitled “Soil quality and biological resilience of AEU 17 (Marayur Hills) of Kerala” was carried out with the objective of characterization and assessment of soil quality, development of thematic maps and to explore the soil biological resilience of AEU 17 (Marayur Hills) of Kerala to transient (heat) and persistent (Cu induced) stress. Sixty geo referenced surface (0-15 cm) and subsurface (15-30 cm) soil samples were collected and analyzed for physical (bulk density, particle density, texture porosity, water holding capacity, soil moisture content and aggregate analysis), chemical (pH, EC, exchangeable acidity, organic carbon, available macronutrients, available Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu and B) and biological (acid phosphatase and dehydrogenase activity) attributes. Ten surface samples from each of four major land use systems (forest, sugarcane, cool season vegetables and fruits) were bulked together to make single representative sample to explore biological resilience. A weighted soil quality index was formulated based on minimum data set (MDS) of soil physical, chemical and biological parameters derived through principal component analysis (PCA). The PCA gave six principal components for surface soils (0-15 cm) with eigen value greater than 1, which yielded nine parameters viz., organic carbon, available copper, per cent sand, available sulphur, electrical conductivity, available magnesium, boron, calcium and per cent silt. For subsurface soils (15 – 30 cm), PCA gave seven principal components with eigen value greater than 1, which yielded ten parameters viz., organic carbon, per cent clay, available manganese, pH, available sulphur, boron, iron, magnesium, per cent silt and available calcium. Parameters in MDS were classified, scored and weights assigned based on current soil characteristics, agricultural systems, and agro climatic variables. The relative soil quality indices were computed. Nutrient indices of organic carbon and available primary nutrients were calculated. GIS maps were generated to depict the spatial variability in soil properties, quality and nutrient indices. Correlations between the analyzed parameters were worked out in both surface and subsurface layers. Sandy clay loam was the predominant (40 %) soil textural class observed in the study area, followed by clay (33.3 %), sandy loam (16.7 %) and clay loam (10 %). Soil pH was slightly acidic in the surface (54 %) and subsurface (50 %) soils with a slight 176 depth wise decrease. No such depth wise variation was observed for electrical conductivity which indicated their non-saline nature (< 1dS m-1 ). Exchangeable acidity of 90 per cent surface soils was less than 0.5 cmol (+) kg-1 whereas majority of subsurface samples (83.3 %) ranged between 0.5 and 1.0 cmol (+) kg-1 . Available N was low (< 280 kg ha-1 ) in majority of samples in both surface (53 %) and subsurface (63 %) soils. Available P (>24 kg ha-1 ) and K (>275 kg ha-1 ) status were high for majority of both surface and subsurface soils. Surface (83 %) and subsurface (67 %) soils were sufficient in available Ca. Majority of surface (67 %) soils showed sufficiency in available Mg while it was deficient in 63 per cent of subsurface soil samples. Available sulphur status was sufficient for all the samples in both surface and subsurface layers. All micro nutrients except B indicated sufficiency. Relative soil quality index was high for all the surface soil samples while 76 per cent of sub surface soil samples showed good relative soil quality index and 23.3 per cent samples showed medium relative soil quality index. Nutrient indices were high for OC, available P and low for available N in both surface and subsurface soils in all the panchayaths. Nutrient index for K was high for surface soil in all panchayaths. Though it was high in subsurface soil of Vattavada panchayath, it was medium in both Marayur and Kanthalloor panchayaths. Majority of the soils in surface (67 %) and subsurface (63 %) layers showed very low land quality index. Biological resilience assay for transient heat stress and persistent copper stress in different land use systems revealed that forest soils showed high stability index and resilience index for both heat and copper induced stress. This was followed by sugarcane and cool season vegetable land use systems which also exhibited an increase in respiration expressed in terms of carbon mineralization potential after 21 days of incubation. Fruits land use system showed low value for both soil stability index and resilience index for applied heat stress. Fruits land use system exhibited a progressive decline in both stability index and resilience index over a period of 21 days of incubation. Maintenance of a high soil quality index is a pre-requisite for soil health. Assessment of soil quality index on a regular basis would facilitate adoption of effective alternate site-specific management of crops. Liming of acid soils, regular application of recommended doses of nitrogenous fertilizers, application of phosphorous and potassic 177 fertilizers in P and K deficient areas, applications of borax at regular intervals are the suggested interventions in AEU 17 (Marayur Hills). Integrated application of organic manures along with inorganic fertilizers is to be encouraged in the fruits land use system for enhancing the soil biological resilience to transient and persistent abiotic stress as is evident in the forest land use system.Item Bio-polymer composite coated urea for yield optimization in amaranth(Amaranthus spp.) for Northern coastal plains of Kerala(Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture , Padanakkad, 2025-02-04) Mohammed Midlaj, C P; Jinsy,, V SThe investigation on "Bio-polymer composite coated urea for yield optimization in amaranth (Amaranthus spp.) for northern coastal plains of Kerala" was undertaken with an objective to evaluate the efficacy of bio-polymer composites on the release and leaching of N from urea and their effect on the productivity of amaranth in northern coastal plains (AEU 2) of Kerala. The experiment was carried out in five phases as detailed below. Formulation of biopolymer urea composites (BUC) in pellet form using coconut shell charcoal (C1), gypsum (C₂), rice husk biochar (C3), and zeolite (C4) as coating materials and potato starch (S1) and tapioca starch (S2) as binding materials. Coating and binding materials at different ratios (25, 50 and 75% w/w) were examined and standardized for consistency. The optimal ratio (75:25) for each mixture was utilized for coating the prilled urea in 1:1 ratio. Castor oil was uniformly sprayed on the composites after formulation. The urea composites revealed no significant variations in total nitrogen content across different treatments involving coating materials, binding agents, or their combined effects. However, the increase in pH was significant for the treatment C4 The water release studies (T1: Urea, T2 BUC 1 (C1S1), T3: BUC 2 (C1S2), T4: BUC 3 (C2S1), T5: BUC 4 (C2S2), T6 BUC 5 (C3S1), T7: BUC 6 (C3S2), T8, BUC 7 (C4S1) and T9: BUC 8 (C4S2)) revealed marked differences among treatments. Urea exhibited significantly elevated nitrogen release on day one compared to BUC treatments, whereas T9 and T4 initially showed substantially lower values, which gradually increased, reaching significantly higher levels by day 30. The soil incubation study (T1: Urea, T2 BUC 1(C1S1), T3: BUC 2 (C1S2), T4: BUC 3 (C2S1), T5: BUC 4 (C2S2), T6 BUC 5 (C3S1), T7: BUC 6 (C3S2), T8, BUC 7 (C4S1) ,T9: BUC 8 (C4S2) and T10: Control) demonstrated that urea exhibited significantly higher values of ammoniacal nitrogen release on the 7 day, reaching a maximum at 14 days and then decreased gradually till 30 days. All other BUC treatments showed significantly lower release of ammonia into the soil, followed by a gradual increase, reaching a maximum at 90 days. Nitrate nitrogen also exhibited a similar trend. In the soil column study (T1: Urea, T2 BUC 1 (C1S1), T3: BUC 2 (C1S2), T4: BUC 3 (C2S1), T5: BUC 4 (C2S2), T6 BUC 5 (C3S1), T7: BUC 6 (C3S2), T8, BUC 7 (C4S1), T9: BUC 8 (C4S2) and T10: Control) ammoniacal N leaching and nitrate N leaching were maximum in the urea treatment on day 8. The BUC treatments showed significantly lower values. T9 exhibited significantly lower nitrate nitrogen leaching values towards the end of the experiment. Among all treatments, T9 showed initial release of nutrients at significantly lower rates. Furthermore, it had a significantly higher pH compared to other treatments, rendering it suitable for acidic soil. Consequently, T9 (zeolite and tapioca starch) was selected for the field experiment. The field experiment was laid out in factorial randomized block design with two factors replicated thrice. The first factor was nitrogen fertilizer schedule (N1: 100 kg N - 50 kg basal, 50 kg in 2 splits; N₂: BUC 100 kg N basal; N3: BUC 100 kg N 50 kg basal, 50 kg topdressing; N4: BUC 80 kg N - basal; N5: BUC 80 kg N - 40 kg basal, 40 kg topdressing) and the second factor was foliar application (f) after each harvest (F1: Urea 1% (POP); F2: Urea 0.5%; F3: Control).The nitrogen fertilizer schedule treatments exhibited significant differences in growth and yield parameters, with N2 showing maximum values at first harvest and N2 and N3 showing on par values at second harvest. Recovery efficiency of N2 and N4 demonstrated significantly higher values; for agronomic efficiency, N2 and N3 exhibited significantly higher values. The treatments N2 and N3 demonstrated significantly higher values for gross income, net income, and benefit-cost ratio. The findings of the experiment show that applying 100 kg of N as basal through urea coated with zeolite and tapioca starch increased the crop yield at the first harvest. The same fertilizer material and dose applied in two splits (50 kg as a basal and 50 kg as top dressing one month after sowing) increased the yield at the final harvest. Amaranth crop that received 80 kg N as a single dose of BUC produced a yield equivalent to the crop that received 100 kg N in three splits of urea as per KAU POP recommendations. On closer inspection, it becomes clear that amaranth cultivated for a single harvest benefits most from a basal application of 100 kg N through BUC, while amaranth grown for multiple cuts benefits most from two splits of 100 kg N through BUC.Item Impact of El Nino and La Nina on selected commercially important marine fishery resourced of Kerala(Academy of Climate Change Education and Research, Vellanikkara, 2021-01-21) Resna, K