-The Hindu Kalpetta (Kerala): A study conducted by scientists of Kerala Agricultural University (KAU) found that heavy and unscientific application of chemical fertilizers without regular application of lime was the major reason for the spread of yellowing disease in pepper vines. The study was led by K.M. Sreekumar, Associate Professor, Department of Entomology, Agriculture College, Padnnakkad. Sugandhi project It was conducted under the four-year Sugandhi project, organised jointly by the Indian Institute of Spices...

-The Hindu Kochi: The task of mechanising agriculture operations in the marshy fields of coastal Kerala will soon become a reality. As part of its efforts to revive the traditional practice of Pokkali farming, the Kerala Agriculture University has developed a machine that enables mechanised transplantation of paddy seedlings in Pokkali fields. Along with this, the varsity has also developed a combined harvester for Pokkali fields, which is being fine-tuned after on-field...

-The Hindu   Kudumbasree members undergo Food Security Army training   Thrissur (Kerala): The smile on Sheeba Satheesh's face says it all. While working in farms, she had been diffident. "I have been an agriculture worker for four years, but lacked skills," she said.   The Food Security Army (FSA) training has inspired confidence in her. She and several colleagues in the Kudumbasree movement were a part of the FSA training conducted in the district recently. Says Celina...

-Down to Earth A Kerala village grows organic pokkali rice after 25 years Harvest of pokkali rice in Kerala's Ezhupunna village, which began on October 27 and lasted three weeks, was nothing short of a local event. After all, the indigenous, saline and flood-resistant rice variety was cultivated in the village after 25 years. People in the village had to wage a long battle to be able to cultivate the crop once...

-Down to Earth Serotype DENV 2 has returned after a gap of a few years, which could be a reason for higher number of cases this year More than 2,916 people have already been reported affected by dengue this year in Delhi. This has been the highest since 2010 when more than 3,782 cases were reported. Small puddles of water created by intermittent rains are the main reason behind this surge as...