FACTS ABOUT AGRICULTURE SECTOR IN KERALA

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Spice Garden of India is Kerala. Idukki and Wayanad are the spice districts of the state.
Granary of Kerala is Kuttanad.
Travancore Agricultural Department (1908 May 27) was formed by Sri Moolam Thirunal.
First Director of Agriculture Department is Dr. N. Kunjan Pillai.
Magna Carta of agricultural labourers in the state is Kerala Agricultural Workers Act (1974).
Two crop insurance schemes currently in operation are The State Crop Insurance Scheme and The National Agricultural Insurance Scheme.
Kerala accounts for about 45% of the total production of coconut in India. The annual yield of coconut in the state is around 450 crores.
The highest producer of coconuts is Kozhikode district.
CDB is Coconut Development Board. Its headquarters is at Kera Bhavan, Kochi. It is the Co-operative federation of coconut farmers.
KERAFED (Kerala Kera Karshaka Sahakarana Federation) is the Producer and Marketer of coconut based products. It is the largest producer of coconut oil (KERA) in India. Its headquarters is at Trivandrum. Coconut reached Kerala from Sri Lanka.
World coconut day is September 2.
High Yielding Variety of Coconut is T x D and D x T. It is developed by CPCRI, Kasaragod.
The diseases affecting the coconut palm are Phytoplasm, Mahali, Bud rot, Root (wilt) disease, Stem Bleeding, Leaf rot.
The main cereal of Kerala is Rice. Rice bowl of Kerala is Kuttanadu.
The largest producer of Paddy in Kerala is Palakkad. Trichur and Palakkad produced large scale cultivation.
The seasons are Mundakan, Viruppu & Puncha.
Ellarum Padathekku is the Paddy cultivation development programme for school children.
Subhiksha Keralam aims to increase all agriculture products in the state especially rice and vegetables.
Green Card provides interest-free loans and other benefits to paddy farmers.
Kerala government's pension scheme for Paddy Farmers is Kissan Abhiman Pension Scheme.
The largest producer of Pepper in India is Kerala. Kerala produces 97% of national output of pepper.
Indian Institute of Spices Research is located at Kozhikode.
The main spices of Kerala are Pepper, Cardamom, Cinnamon, Ginger, nutmeg and Turmeric.
The king of Spices is Pepper and the largest producer is Trivandrum district.
Tapioca was brought to Kerala by Portuguese from Brazil.
Central Plantation Crops Research Institute (CPCRI) in Kasaragod was started in 1970.
Central Tuber Crops Research Institute was established in 1963. Its headquarters is at Sreekariyam, Trivandrum.
Red Chilli was brought to Kerala by the Portuguese from Brazil.
Wayanad is the largest producer of coffee seeds and ginger in Kerala.
Only Tobacco cultivating district in Kerala is Kasargod.
About 90% of the nation’s rubber production is from Kerala.
Dutch colonialists brought rubber plant to Kerala.
Kerala Rubber Board and Rubber Research Institute is Kottayam.
Rubber Park is Airapuram, Perumbavoor.
The first Rubber Plant is Thattekkadu (1902), Perumbavoor.
Kisansree is the Insurance Scheme for Agricultural farmers.
Seed Bank and Seed Museum was setup in Kalarkode in Alappuzha.
The first monthly magazine related to agriculture is Krushikkaran (1909).
Kerala Farmer's day is Chingam 1.
National Farmer's day is September 23.

KISSAN KERALA

Kissan Kerala is a Project of Kerala Government in co-ordination with Kerala Agricultural University, Department of Agriculture and IIITM-K.
The services offered by KISSAN Kerala project include agriculture data aggregation and dissemination, crop information, market information system, virtual market, query handling system and weather information.
KISSAN is Karshaka Information Systems Services and Networking.
Kissan Kerala project has bagged the First Kerala State e-governance Award under the category Online Services by Government of Kerala.
KISSAN launched the country's first online Agri Video Channel in collaboration with Google’s YouTube.

Kerala State Farmer's Debt Relief Commission

Its headquarters is at Anayara, Trivandrum.
It was established in 2007.
Commission was formed according to the Kerala State Farmer's Debt Relief Commission Act 2006.
Commission provides relief to farmers who are in distress. It recommend appropriate measures for the redressal of the grievances of farmers.

State Agricultural Prices Board

It was setup in 1994. Its headquarters is at Thiruvananthapuram.
The board suggests Minimum Support Price for major crops to Kerala Government. The board advises Government and the farmers on the current and future price situation.
It organize the gathering and study of statistics on the prices of key agricultural supplies produced inside the state, demand, export and import potentials.
The board suggests improvements in market infrastructure. It analyze the rising price circumstances and to make proper recommendations.

Farm Information Bureau

It started functioning in 1969. The Bureau provides agricultural related news.
Its headquarters is at Thiruvananthapuram.
Bureau functions as a unique organization by way of providing publicity and propaganda to Department of Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, Dairy Development, Co-operation etc.
Annual publication of the bureau is Farm Guide.
Farm journal published by the Bureau is Keralakarshakan (fortnightly).
Kuttanad Below Sea Level Fanning System has a history of over 150 years. Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) under UNO included Kuttanad in the agricultural heritage system in the world.

Agriculture Related Awards

Best Farmer - Karshakothama
Woman Farmer - Karshaka thilakom
Coconut farmer - Kerakesari
Milk producer - Ksheeradhara
Farm Journalist - Karshakabharati
Agricultural Laborer - Srama Sakti
SC-ST farmer - Karshakajyoti
Agriculture Scientist - Krishi Vigyan
Young farmer - Yuvakarshaka
Farmer for soil protection - Kshonimithra
Vegetable Farmer - Haritha Mithra
Group farming samithy - Nelkathir Award
Flower Garden - Udyanashreshta
Karshakasree - Manorama award for best farmer

Agricultural Publications

Krushikkaran - First Magazine (Monthly) for agriculture in Kerala. It started in 1909.
Kerala Karshakan - Monthly
Kalpadhenu - Tri monthly
Indian Naleekera Journal Rubber - Magazine
Karshakasree - Magazine
Karshakan - Magazine
Spices India

Largest producer Districtwise

Largest producer of Coffee – Wayanad
Largest producer of Tea – Idukki
Largest producer of Ginger – Wayanad
Largest producer of Cardamom – Idukki
Largest producer of Pepper – Idukki
Largest producer of Cloves – Idukki
Tapioca – Trivandrum
Banana – Malappuram
Mango – Palakkad (Muthalamada)
Coconut – Kozhikode
Pineapple – Ernakulam (Vazhakkulam)
Groundnut – Palakkad
Sugarcane – Palakkad
Cocoa – Kottayani
Rubber – Kottayam
Cashenut – Kannur
Cotton – Palakkad (Attappady)
Pulses – Palakkad
Orange – Palakkad (Nelliyambathi)
Vettila – Malappuram
Sugandha Nellinam – Wayanad

MAJOR INSTITUTIONS IN AGRICULTURE SECTOR

KERALA AGRO INDUSTRIES CORPORATION LTD., Fort, Thiruvananthapuram
KERALA AGRO MACHINERY CORPORATION LTD., Athani PO, Ernakulam
KERALA STATE HORTICULTURAL PROD-UCTS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION, Poojappura, Thiruvananthapuram
STATE FARMING CORPORATION OF KERALA, Nellipally RC, Punalur, Kollam
TRIVANDRUM RUBBER WORKS, Thiruvananthapuram
KERALA KERAKARSHAKA SAHAKARANA FEDERATION (KERAFED), Aristo Junction, Thiruvananthapuram
THE PLANTATION CORPORATION OF KERALA, Kottayam - 686 004
OIL PALM INDIA LTD., Kottayam
KERALA STATE WAREHOUSING CORPORATION, Kochi
KERALA STATE CO-OPERATIVE RUBBER MARKETING FEDERATION LTD, Kochi
KERALA STATE CO-OPERATIVE MARKETING FEDERATION, Kochi
KERALA LAND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION, Thycadu, Thiruvananthapuram
SMALL FARMER'S AGRI BUSINESS CONSORTIUM, Thiruvananthapuram
STATE AGRICULTURAL PRICES BOARD, Thiruvananthapuram
VEGETABLE AND FRUIT PROMOTION COUNCIL, Kakkanad, Kochi
FERTILISERS AND CHEMICALS TRAVANCORE LTD. (FACT), Udyogamandal
COCONUT DEVELOPMENT BOARD, Kochi RUBBER BOARD, Kottayam
SPICES BOARD, Kochi
TROPICAL BOTANIC GARDEN AND RESEARCH INSTITUTE (TBGRI), Palode, TVPM
INDIAN INSTITUTE OF SPICES RESEARCH (IISR), Kozhikode
CENTRE FOR WATER RESOURCE DEVELOPMENTAND MANAGEMENT (CWRDM), Kozhikode
CENTRAL TUBER CROPS RESEARCH INSTITUTE (CTCRI), Thiruvananthapuram
CENTRAL PLANTATION CROPS RESEARCH INSTITUTE (CPCRI), Kasaragod
DIRECTORATE OF COCOA, ARECANUT & SPICES DEVELOPMENT, Kozhikode
THE CASHEW EXPORT PROMOTION COUNCIL OF INDIA, Kochi
REGIONAL RESEARCH LABORATORY, Pappanamcode, Thiruvananthapuram
CENTER FOR EARTH SCIENCE STUDIES Akkulam, Thiruvananthapuram
RAJEEV GANDHI CENTRE FOR BIOTECHNOLOGY, Poojappura, Thiruvananthapuram
M.S. SWAMINATHAN RESEARCH FOUNDATION, KALPETTA
COIR BOARD, Kochi

KERALA AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY (KAU)

Its head office is at Mannuthy, Thrissur.
It was established in 1972. Its Vice-Chancellor is Dr. P. Rajendran.

Institutions under KAU

Academy of climate change education and research institution is located at Vellanikkara in Thrissur
College of Dairy Science & Technology, Mannuthy, Thrissur
Kelappaji College of Agricultural Engineering and Technology located at Tavanur in Malappuram is the only agricultural engineering college in the state.

Forestry and Horticulture

College of Forestry, Vellanikkara, Thrissur
College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara Thrissur
College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Thiruvananthapuram
College of Agriculture, Padannakkad, Kasaragod
College of Forestry, KAU Campus, Thrissur
College of Agriculture, Pilicode, Nileswar Management
College of Co-Operation, Banking Management, KAU Campus, Thrissur

Research Stations

Northern Zone

Regional Agricultural Research Station, Pilicode, Kasaragod
Pepper Research Station, Panniyur, Kanhirangad, Kannur

High Range Zone

Regional Agricultural Research Station, Ambalavayal, Wayanad
Cardamom Research Station, Pampadumpara, Idukki

Central Zone

Regional Agricultural Research Station Pattambi, Palakkad
Banana Research Station, Kannara, Thrissur
Agronomic Research Station, Chalakudy, Thrissur
Cashew Research Station, Madakkathara, Thrissur
Cashew Research Station, Anakkayam, Malappuram
Aromatic and Medicinal Plants Research Station, Odakkali, Ernakulam
Pineapple Research Station, Vazhakulam, Muvattupuzha, Ernakulam
Agricultural Research Station, Mannuthy
Plant Propagation & Nursery Management Unit located at KAU Campus, Thrissur

Special Zone

Regional Agricultural Research Station, Kumarakom, Kottayam
Rice Research Station, Vyttila, Kochi
Rice Research Station, Mankombu, Alappuzha
Sugarcane Research Station, Thiruvalla
Agricultural Drainage Scheme, Karumady, Alappuzha

Onattukara

Regional Agricultural Research Station, Kayamkulam, Alappuzha

Southern Zone

Regional Agricultural Research Station, Vellayani, Thiruvananthapuram
Cropping Systems Research Centre, Karamana, Thiruvananthapuram
Coconut Research Station, Balaramapuram, Thiruvananthapuram
Farming Systems Research Station, Sadananthapuram, Kottarakkara, Kollam
Soil Conservation Research Centre, Konni, Pathanamthitta

High Yielding Variety Seeds

Rice: Varsha, Dhanu, Chingam, Kunjukunju Varna, Gourim Swetha, Basumathi, Karthika, Annapoorna, Ponn aryan
Coconut: T xD, DxT, Kerasree, Lakshaganga
Sweet Potato: Sree Arun, Sree Varun
Tapioca: Vellayani Hraswa, Sreevisalcham, Sree-jaya, Sreevijaya, Sundarivella
Sesame : Thilarani, Thilothama, Thilathara, Soma
Ginger: IISR Mahima, IISR Rejatha, Subrabha, Suruchi, Varada, Himagiri
Nut Meg: IISR Viswashree
Cardamom: PV-2
Turmeric: Sona, Varna
Cocoa: CCRP-8, CCRP-9. CCRP-10
Vegetable Cowpea: Varun, Anaswara
Amaranthus: Mohini, Arun
Pumpkin: Swarm, Ambili, Suvama, Sarass
Chilli: Anugraha
Green Chilli: Manjari, Jwala, Jwalamukhi
Tomato: Anagha
Snake Guard: Baby
Rubber: RRR1-105
Pepper: Panniyoor-1, Panniyoor-2, Panchami
Sugarcane: Thirumadhuram, CO-997
Bitter Guard: Priya, Preethi, Priyanka
Ladies finger: Sathkeerthi, Aruna, Kiran
Brinjal : Surya, Swetha
Cashew: Kanaka, Dhana, Dharasree, Sulabha, Mridula, Priyanka
Arecanut: Adakka: Mangala, Sreemangala
Cucumber: Mudikkode, Saubhagyam, Arunima

Fisheries

District in which highest number of fishermen is in Alappuzha
District in which highest number of inland based fishermen is in Ernakulam
Fishing harbours in kerala is in Vizhinjam (1987), Muthalapozhi (2000), Thankasseri (1991), Neendakara (1982), Kayamkulam (1994), Munambam (1988), Ponnani (2001), Thottappalli (2004)
Kochi and Neendakara are the major fishing harbors in the state.
There are 10 Fisheries schools opened throughout Kerala under the control of Department of Fisheries.
Largest exporting fish item is Prones.
Official fish of Kerala is Kareemeen.
Malsyafed: Apex body of fisheries co-operative socieities. It was established in 1984. The Product of Malsyfed is Nutrifish.
First fisheries co-operative society is Puthuppalli Fisheries Co- operative Society.
The headquarters of Integrated Fisheries Project is located at Kochi.
Cochin University of Science and Technology has affiliated a marine science campus at Ernakulam district.
The state is also one among the earliest to perform the Marine Fishing Regulation Act (1980).
Kerala is effectively executing the Monsoon Trawl Ban for the last so many years. Maharashtra and Gujarat are the other states which implemented trawling. The first state to ban monsoon trawling is Kerala. Trawling implemented during June-July month for about 45 days. Government excluded traditional fishermen from trawling. Kerala is the first state which introduced Bio-metric Card.
BEACON is the programme for rescuing fishermen in distress through satellite. Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, Thiruvananthapuram has developed a search-and-rescue beacon (SAR beacon) that will automatically come to the rescue of vessels in distress.

Major institutes related to fishing

Central Fisheries Research Institutes, Kochi
Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI), Kochi
Central Institute for Fisheries Technology (CIFT), Kochi
Integrated Fisheries Project (IFP), Kochi
Central Institute for Fisheries, Nautical Science and Engineering (CIFNET), Kochi
National Institute for Oceanography (NIO), Kochi
National Physical Oceanography Laboratory (NPOL), Kochi
Marine Product Export Development Agency (MPEDA), Kochi

Animal Husbandry

Institute of Animal Health and Veterinary Biologicals is a famous institute situated in Palode. It is the Sole agency engaged in the production and distribution of animal vaccine in the state.
The Kerala Legislative Assembly on 30 July 1985 passed a resolution to adopt the Indian Veterinary Council Act 1984. Kerala State Veterinary Council was constituted as per the act.
Kerala Livestock Development Board (KLDB) was established in 1976. It is engaged in cattle breeding, frozen semen production and distribution. It is the prestigious livestock project of the KLDB Ltd, Mattupetty.
Contribution of Kerala to national milk production is 2.1 %.
The growth rate of milk production in the state was 2.76 % (2012-13).
The Total milk production in the state is 27.91 lakh tones.
Kerala Co-operative Milk Marketing Federation Ltd (MILMA) was established in 1980. It is formed as a state adjunct of the National Dairy Programme 'Operation Flood'. At the apex level, KCMMF (Kerala Co-operative Milk Marketing Federation) functions from the headquarters at Thiruvananthapuram.
Smallest cattle breed in the world according to the Guinness Book of Records is Vechur Cow. The Vechur cow is a rare breed of Bos indicus cattle born in Kerala. It is named after the name of village Vechoor in Kottayam district.
Common diseases for cattle were Foot and Mouth diseases. Anthrax, hemorrhagic septicemia, Rinderpest, Infectious bovine rhinotracheitis, Tuberculosis, Para tuberculosis.

Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University

The university was established in 2010. Its location is at Pookode, Wayanad.
The first Vice-Chancellor is Dr B Ashok.
The affiliated colleges were College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences at Mannuthy, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences at Pookode and College of Dairy Science and Technology at Mannuthy.