College of Agriculture, Vellayani

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College of Agriculture UG student from Vellayani campus-Mr. Abdullah Thaseem M. bagged first prize in an International Photography competition - Tropentag 2023, Berlin, Germany !

The photograph titled "Reviving Hope: Common Gallinule Amidst Polluted Waters and Ecosystem Upgradation." by Abdullah Thaseem M. has recently won the first prize in an international photo competition conducted by Let’s Plant (a non profit organisation based in Bonn, Germany) in association with Tropentag 2023, the largest interdisciplinary conference in Europe, focused on development-oriented research in the fields of tropical and subtropical agriculture, food security, natural resource management and rural development.
The photograph speaks volumes about the challenges we face in revitalizing degraded lands. It shows a common gallinule in a polluted waterbody, surrounded by plastic waste and contaminated by toxic pesticides from nearby farms. The image highlights the delicate balance in nature and the threats posed by human-driven pollution.
Beyond its visual impact, the photograph also draws attention to the potential health risks associated with polluted ecosystems. The work serves as a quiet call to action, encouraging viewers to reflect on the need for ecosystem upgradation, which involves removing pollutants, restoring habitats, and promoting sustainable practices.
The photograph was exhibited on the Tropentag 2023 and will be exhibited in Let's Plant e.V. websites, helping to raise awareness about the importance of preserving and restoring our natural environments.

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UGC-National Education Policy- SAARTHI

We are glad to inform that three students from College of Agriculture, Vellayani has been nominated as "UGC -NEP -SAARTHI - Student Ambassador for Academic Reforms in Transforming Higher Education in India" (300 SAARTHI all over India) . Through NEP SAARTHI, UGC aims to foster an environment where students can engage the students’ community as active participants in effectively implementing the provisions of the National Education Policy (NEP). Felicitation of the NEP SAARTHI:
• Recognition by UGC as “NEP SAARTHI” and “Certificate of Recognition” to be awarded
• Mention on UGC’s official social media handles
• Invitation to all relevant online events organised by the UGC
• Opportunity to publish an article in UGC Newsletter
The students nominated are:
1. Divyadarshan R (2020 batch)
2. Nidhuna Shieon Prasad (2020 batch)
3. Namitha Krishna (PhD scholar 2022 batch)

Hearty congratulations to the students for making each one of our -alma meter- proud….

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Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences team visits College of Agriculture, Vellayani for future collaboration

Researcher Dr. Lotta Fabricius Kristiansen at Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) and Sri Nadarajah Sriskandarajah, Professor (Emeritus), Sweden have visited AICRP on Honey Bees & Pollinators (HB&P), Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture, Vellayani. The visit was as a part of the project ‘Pollination knowledge exchange for food, nutrition and livelihood security in South and Southeast Asia’ funded by the Swedish International Agricultural Network Initiative (SIANI). The overall aim of this exploratory study is to develop and implement a collaborative approach for restoration and sustainable management of ecosystem services from field to landscape at regional level. The study explores the potential for the setting up of a network of ‘Living Labs in South Asia and South East Asia’ that could co-create, evolve and support the necessary land use transition within local communities, including landowners, entrepreneurs, advisors and local authorities. This was the third visit of the team and they obtained valuable insights from the visit of the honey sector, meeting people and understanding the work of various stakeholders.

The team is testing out four beekeeper networks as pilots of future ‘Living Labs’: two in Sri Lanka (Jaffna & Bandarawela) and two in Southern India (Dindugal, TN & Kollam, Kerala). As a part of this, the KAU team together with the Sri Lankan and TN team participated in a two day experience sharing Workshop held on 20-21 September in Dindugal area, , including a half day field visit to honey hunting area of the Western Ghats.

The visits were supported by faculties from Kerala Agricultural University, .Roy Stephen, Dean of Faculty, Dr. K. N., Associate Director of Research, RARS (SZ), Dr. V. S. Professor & PI, on HB&P, Department of Entomology and Dr. R. Sathyan, Assistant Professor, Department of Agricultural , CoA, Vellayani

Team
#16-09-2023

🌟 Inspiring Visit by Sri. Babu A., IAS - A Proud Alumnus 🌟Commissioner of Cooperation and Registrar of Cooperative Societies. MD, AP Dairy Development Cooperative Federation Ltd.(APDDCF). Special Officer, AP- Amul Project. PIC, AP State, Co-op Bank (APCOB) at Govt.of AP.

We were honoured to welcome Sri. Babu, A an illustrious alumnus of the 1993 batch, back to our cherished campus at CoA, Vellayani after an incredible 25 years. His visit was nothing short of an inspiration for us all. The motivational session for students organised by -union- Nidhara 22-23, Planning Forum, was inaugurated by Dr. Roy Stephen, Dean of Faculty- Agriculture, College of Agricultural Vellayani.

Sri. Babu, an IAS officer of the Andhra Cadre, shared invaluable insights into his remarkable journey. He emphasized the profound opportunities that come with serving in the IAS, especially the transformative programs conducted in tribal areas of Andhra Pradesh.

He fondly recalled his days as a student and how the activities of our student union played a pivotal role in shaping his career. His experiences with E-governance and the groundbreaking Arogyasree program left us in awe. Sri. Babu’s visionary leadership revolutionized the Public Distribution System by linking it with Aadhar for the first time in our country, setting a model for others to follow nationwide.

Furthermore, he shed light on the art of securing funds from private agencies for government programs, illustrating his points with inspiring examples. Currently, he is dedicated to developing the Amul model in Andhra Pradesh, a testament to his unwavering commitment to public service.

In parting, Dr. Babu A, left us with three powerful principles to live by: a positive attitude, unwavering hard work, and the beauty of simplicity. He told the students ’Value time as you cannot retrieve a lost moment..’ These words will resonate in our hearts as we strive for excellence.

Sri. Babu also took pride in sharing valuable time with his esteemed classmates who are serving as scientists in KAU, showcasing the enduring bonds of friendship and excellence nurtured here at CoA, Vellayani. 🌟

Thank you, Sri. Babu, for your enlightening visit and for being a shining example of what dedication and service can achieve. 🙌

Team …
Dr Nisha Rakhesh, Senior Advisor - Research Strategy and Partnerships, Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment | Western Sydney University interacting with prospective students selected for dual degree programmes offered by KAU-WSU. Dr. Roy Stephen, Dean of Faculty-Agriculture and Dr. Faizal M H, Professor-RC headed the interaction at .
#16-09-2023 @ college of agriculture, vellayani

Team CoA Vellayani scientists interacted with NCERT officials…
#14-09-2023

Departmentof Agricultural Extension Education and Sreekariyam organised an academic interaction.
Dr. Mahesh Jaishi, Coordinator
Research Development- Training and Extension Center- (RD-TEC), NEPAL, KATHMANDU interacted with students of Social Science Division.
#11-09-2023

College of Agriculture, Vellayani

🌾 Celebrating the Bountiful Harvest! 🌾

2020 Admission

of agriculture .

KAU- College of Agriculture, Vellayani organised an International Biotechnology Conclave 2023…7th August 2023-11th August 2023.

The ceremony commenced with the official inauguration by the esteemed Professor Dr. Dr. habil. Thomas Braun, Director of the Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, Germany by watering the plant -marked the beginning of this incredible journey.

The keynote address was delivered by the Chief Guest, Professor Dr. Sanjay Behari, Director of Sri Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Science and Technology, who shared insightful thoughts on the future of biotechnology.

Distinguished speakers including Kerala Agricultural University Vice Chancellor Dr. B. Ashok IAS, Faculty Dean Dr. Roy Stephen, ADR Dr. Anith KN, Dr. Archana R Sathyan, GC member Dr. Thomas George, Dr. Allan Thomas and Dr Swapna Alex also delivered inspiring speeches during the inauguration ceremony.

The ceremony concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks from Biozion's Student Convenor, Keerthana J.

This marks the beginning of a journey filled with innovation, collaboration, and groundbreaking discoveries.