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Kumaraguru Institute of Agriculture(Affi liated to Tamil Nadu Agricultural

University, Coimbatore)Nachimuthupuram - 638 315,

Erode District, Tamil Nadu, India

Editorial BoardChief EditorDr. Ravi Kumar Theodore,Dean i/c

EditorDr. K. Senthil Kumar,Assistant Professor (Plant Breeding and Genetics)

Associate EditorsProf. V. Subramanian, Guest Faculty (English)Dr. R. Nisha, Assistant Professor (Agrl. Extension)Mr. M. Sureshkrishnan, Assistant Professor (Forestry)

Vol. 1 Issue : 1Jan to Mar 2019

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NEWSLETTERJAN TO MAR 2019

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RICEFIELDDAY

Thiru.M.Balasubramaniam, Managing Director, Sakthi Group of Companies, Coimbatore presided over the Field Day. In his Presidential Address he pointed out that Field Days serve as a good platform for Farmers, Scientists, Extension Offi cers and Administrators to meet and interact. He also suggested that in future, students of KIA can carry out fi eld trials in interested farmers’ fi elds.

Dr.V.Ravi, Director, TRRI, Aduthurai in his special address highlighted the special features of the new Rice Culture AD 07073 viz., High yielding

Kumaraguru Institute of Agriculture (KIA), Nachimuthupuram in association with Tamil Nadu Rice Research Institute (TRRI), Aduthurai, Thanjavur district and State Department of Agriculture, Erode District conducted a Rice Field Day on 08.01.2019 in this Institute. The aim of the Field Day was to showcase the new Rice Culture AD 07073 (later released as ADT 53 by TNAU, Coimbatore) developed by TRRI, Aduthurai. The programme was attended by over 350 farmers of Anthiyur, TN Palayam, Bhavani, Ammapettai and Gobichettipalayam blocks as part of the Rice Field Day an exhibition was also conducted.

potential (Average yield of 6.31 tonnes per hectare), Short duration (110 days), Non-lodging, Moderately resistant to pests and diseases and with good cooking quality. He also pointed out that the new Rice culture is superior in several characteristics when compared to ADT 43 Rice variety.

Dr.K.Ganesamurthy, Director, Centre for Plant Breeding and Genetics (CPBG), TNAU, Coimbatore, in his special address informed that the new Rice Culture is suitable for Kuruvai, Samba, Navarai and Late Samba seasons. He urged the farmers that it is the responsibility to make this rice culture a success in this region.

Dr.K.Ramaraju, Director of Research, TNAU, Coimbatore in his special address expressed the importance of Field Surveillance for monitoring pest activity in farmer fi elds, which is the fi rst step in plant protection. He strongly advised the farmers to adopt recommended pesticides, with recommended dosage and recommended methods of application.

Th.V.Gunasekaran, Joint Director of Agriculture, Erode District in his special

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SEMINAR PARTICIPATIOND.Vinudipthi of IV year participated in the National Seminar on “Current Trends and Challenges in Sustainable Agriculture” held at Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Educational and Research Institute, Periyanaickenpalayam on Feb. 21 & 22, 2019, and won the Best Poster Presentation Award under Organic Farming category.

IMPORTANT VISITORSDr. Bakshi Ram, Director,Sugarcane Breeding Institute, Coimbatore

Dr. S. Babu, Dean, VAIAL, VIT, Vellore

Dr. K. Ramaraju, Director of Research, TNAU

Dr. K. Ganesamurthy, Director (CPBG), TNAU

Dr. V. Ravi, Director (TRRI), Aduthurai

Dr. A. John De Britto, COE,Karunya Institute of Technology & Sciences, Coimbatore

Dr. N. Saraswathi, Professor & Head,Dept. of Biotechnology, KCT, Coimbatore

Mr. C.R.Abuvarajan, Asst. General Manager, NABARD, Erode

NATIONAL SERVICE SCHEME (NSS)NSS students of KIA were engaged in regular NSS activities in the Campus premises. The Volunteers assisted in the establishment of Butterfl y Park in North Farm, and Permanent Manurial Experimental plot at South Farm.

TALENTIA 2019KIA students participated in the TALENTIA 2019 organized by the Agricultural College and Research Institute and Community Science College, Madurai during Mar. 15 & 16, 2019. C. Hariharan of IV year won the fi rst prize in Short Film. S. G. Shandeep and M. Aravind of IV yearw won Second prize in Trailer Time. C. Hariharan of IV year won the Best Director Award in TALENTIA 2019.

EXTENSION ACTIVITIESFarmers training on Horticulture under Tamil Nadu Irrigated Agriculture Modernization Project-Micro Irrigation05.03.2019ADH, Bhavani Block, Erode District15 Farmers

Farmers training on Horticulture under Tamil Nadu Irrigated Agriculture Modernization Project-Micro Irrigation08.03.2019ADH, Anthiyur Block, Erode District 20 Farmers

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Farming powered by Artifi cial Intelligence” were conducted for the students. The winners of the National Science Day Competitions were presented with the “YOUNG SCIENTIST OF THE YEAR AWARD 2019”. The event was organised by the Science and Technology and Entrepreneurship Clubs of KIA.

SIICA TOURNAMENTIn the SIICA (Sakthi Institutions’ Inter Collegiate Athletic Association) Tournament organized by Mahalingam College of Engineering and Technology (MCET), Pollachi during Feb. 23-26, 2019. M. Ashokarajan of IV year secured fi rst place in Javelin Throw, P.V. Santhya of III year secured third place in Javelin Throw.

MOTIVATIONAL LECTURES ORGANIZED• Dr. P. Sampath, Post Doctoral Researcher,

Canada delivered a lecture on “How to prepare for Study / Work in abroad” on 03.01.2019 for the benefi t of IV year students.

• Dr. V. B. Muthukumar, Assistant Professor, Texas University, USA gave a lecture on

RESEARCHBiotechnological valorization of molasses distillery spent wash through production of single cell oil and simultaneous removal of Nutrients (DST Project)A potential oil accumulating fungi (Oleaginous) was identifi ed as Aspergillus terrus DESF1 using Molecular Methods. Dilution of CDSW was performed with Raw Distillery Spent Wash (RDSW) and best dilution ratio for higher oil yield by Aspergillus terrus DESF1 was determined. Low cost carbon sources such as cane juice and molasses were found to be better carbon sources for oil and biomass production.

Developing Protocol for producing CO (BN) 5 seedlings through Tissue Culture method (ABTIL Project)Cumbu Napier Hybrid CO (BN) 5 setts were obtained from TNAU, Coimbatore and planted in KIA, which were utilised for meristem culture. Through meristem culture, single shoots were derived which will be used for shoot multiplication.

EXTRA CURRICULAR &CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

“Opportunities in Higher Education and Placements (Agriculture) in Foreign countries“ on 10.01.2019.

• Mr. M. Balasubramanian, CEO, Chemical Cotex Industries Ltd., Tanzania delivered a lecture on “Higher Studies at IRMA and other career related prospects” on 22.01.2019.

Mr. M. Balasubramanian delivering motivational lecture to IV year students.

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address stated that the pest and disease incidence can be controlled by selecting crop varieties that are appropriate for the region. He expressed confi dence that this new rice culture will be highly suitable for farmers of Erode region.

The third year students of KIA shared their experiences in cultivating the Rice Culture AD 07073 during their Crop Production Course. They also explained the cost of cultivation particulars to the farmers.

Leading farmers, Th. Nanjappan (Vellankovil), Th. Sennimalai (Valayapalayam) and Th.Venkatachalam (Pappangkattur) expressed their feedback on the new Rice culture. Seed Mini Kits of the new Rice Culture were distributed to the farmers.

TRRI Scientists, Dr.N.K. Prabhakaran, Professor and Head, Agricultural Research

Station, Bhavanisagar, Th.G.Muniasamy, Correspondent, KIA, Senior General Manager and Offi cials of Sakthi Sugars Ltd., Appakudal, Principal and Heads of Departments of Sakthi Polytechnic College, Assistant Directors of Agriculture of Thalavadi, Bhavani, Anthiyur, TN Palayam and Gobichettipalayam, Extension Offi cials of State Department of Agriculture, Scientists and Students of KIA participated in the Rice Field Day.

Dr. Ravi Kumar Theodore, Dean i/c, KIA welcomed the gathering. Th. A. Balasubramanian, Executive Offi cer, KIA proposed a vote of thanks.

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KVKTKONGU NAATU VELAAN & KAALNADAI THIRUVIZHA 2019

Under the aegis of Vanavarayar Foundation, the KVKT 2019 was organized in a grand manner for three days from Feb. 8–10, 2019 at Jamin Samathur village, Pollachi, Coimbatore district. KIA played a major role in this Thiruvizha by creating a Model Village in an half an acre area. The Model Village was inaugurated by Thavathiru Kumaragurupara Swamigal in the presence of Th. Shankar Vanavarayar, Joint Correspondent, Kumaraguru College of Technology (KCT), Coimbatore. Stalls and exhibits were arranged in such a way to create awareness on new farm technologies and self-employment opportunities in agriculture.

Live demonstrations on Rice variety CO-52, Hydroponics method of fodder cultivation, Vertical Farming, IFS (fi sh + poultry + a slated fl oor goat rearing unit + rabbit + Japanese quail) etc., were organized. To encourage self-employment, live demonstrations on biofertilizers production, vermicomposting, coir pith composting, silkworm rearing, spirulina production, bio-control agents production and preparation of value added products, from minor millets were also conducted.

Successful entrepreneurs such as Aiswaryam Organics, M.M.Spirulina, Emerald Bio fertilizers, Guru Associates, Dharmapuri Farmers Producers Organisation and SRK Food Products and the NGO Nilgiris Adivasi Welfare Association (NAWA) also displayed their products in the Model Village.In addition, a Quiz Programme was conducted for the farmers and the winners were presented with vegetable seed packets.Around one lakh visitors including farmers, students and general public participated and were benefi tted by KVKT 2019.

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PONGAL VIZHA 2019Pongal Vizha was celebrated on 11.01.2019 with all the Students and Staff . Games such as pot breaking, tug of war, lucky corner etc., were conducted and prizes were given.

VISIT OFJOINT CORRESPONDENT, KCTShri Shankar Vanavarayar, Joint Correspondent (JC),Kumaraguru College of Technology (KCT), Coimbatore visited KIA on 11.03.2019 and had interactions with faculty and students. JC during his remarks expressed his desire that KIA should grow into a unique institution not merely engaged in imparting knowledge, but also strive for serving the interests of the farming community in this region, as visualized by the Founder Chairman Arutchelvar Dr.N. Mahalingam. JC also participated in the sowing operation of Vamban 8 black gram seeds along with III year B.Sc (Agri.) students undergoing their crop production course, and encouraged them.

While interacting with the student volunteers of KVKT 2019 he appreciated their eff orts and requested them to carry forward the experiences gained at KVKT 2019.

WORKSHOP ON SOFT SKILLS DEVELOPMENTA three-day Workshop on Soft Skills Development was conducted for the fi nal year students from Jan. 25–27, 2019. Students were trained on reasoning, quantitative aptitude, resume preparation, group discussion, personal interview and communication skills. Mr. C. Praveen (Innovative Services, Coimbatore), Mr. R. Prabakaran (Six Phrase, Coimbatore) and Mr. M. Vignesh (Face, Coimbatore) acted as resource persons during the workshop.

NATIONAL SCIENCE DAY CELEBRATIONS 2019The National Science Day was celebrated in this Institute on 7.03.2019. Dr. K. Vanitha, Assoc. Professor (Computer Science), GRD College of Arts and Science, Coimbatore participated as Special Guest and delivered special lecture on “Role of Robotics, IoT and AI in Agriculture”. Dr. Ravi Kumar Theodore, Dean i/c presided over the function. Messrs. K. Prithivirajan, N. Harish, A. Manikandan and J. Sudharsanam students of Dept. of ECE, Sri Sairam Engineering College, Chennai demonstrated the “Agribot – A Seeding Robot”. Five competitions viz., Technology Demonstration, Problem Solver, Business Model, Quiz and Showpiece on “Vertical