Sat Feb 01 15:14:37 UTC 2025: ## Kerala Agricultural University Celebrates 54th Foundation Day with Major Announcements
**Thrissur, Kerala –** The Kerala Agricultural University (KAU) celebrated its 54th Foundation Day on Saturday with the inauguration of several new initiatives aimed at boosting agricultural production and modernizing its operations. Agriculture Minister P. Prasad, who inaugurated the event, emphasized the critical importance of keeping agricultural land in the hands of farmers to ensure food security. He announced a new law to be introduced in the current legislative session to facilitate this.
The Minister highlighted the pressing need for research into addressing global challenges like rising food demand, dwindling arable land, and greenhouse gas emissions. He also stressed the need to reduce post-harvest losses, currently estimated at over ₹1,500 crore annually. The government’s push for secondary agriculture was underscored by the launch of the “One Value-Added Product from Every Krishi Bhavan” scheme.
The university marked the occasion by releasing 15 new crop varieties and 16 innovative technologies designed to improve efficiency and value-added production. Renowned rice farmer and traditional seed preserver Cheruvayal Raman was conferred the title of ‘Professor of Practice.’
Significant technological advancements were also unveiled, including a 500-kilowatt solar power project across KAU campuses, a new Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system costing ₹1.6 crore, a student feedback portal, an academic administrative audit portal, and an upgraded Farm Extension Manager app. A new WhatsApp-website chatbot was also launched to improve communication with students, staff, farmers, and pensioners.
The university also published several new resources, including a Malayalam edition of its statutes, a revised academic handbook, and multiple farmer handbooks. Several infrastructural projects were inaugurated, including a mushroom seed production center and the foundation stone laying for a new Climate Change and Environmental Science College academic block. A Mondelez India-sponsored scholarship programme for cocoa research was also announced.
Finally, several awards were presented to recognize excellence in teaching, research, knowledge extension, and overall contribution to the university. The event showcased KAU’s commitment to innovation, modernization, and its crucial role in ensuring Kerala’s agricultural future.
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