Impact

Since its inception in the year 1995-96 CARD- KVK Pathanamthitta, Kerala organized 2968 on and off campus training programmes in the disciplines of crop production, horticulture, plant protection, livestock production and management, home science, agricultural engineering and agricultural extension. Of the total 60506 farmers participated, 42% were male and 58% were female beneficiaries. SC/ST beneficiaries contribute 45% of the total participants. In addition, KVK organized 57 nos. of seminars, 7 nos. of ex-trainees meet. During the period KVK conducted 59 nos. of OFT and 70 nos. of FLD on various disciplines for the technology assessment, refinement and dissemination.

During the 10th five year plan ( April 2002-march 2007)CARD- KVK Pathanamthitta, Kerala organized 1219 on and off campus training programmes in the disciplines of crop production, horticulture, plant protection, livestock production and management, home science, agricultural engineering and agricultural extension. Total of 16909 farmers participated of which 42% were male and 58% were female beneficiaries. SC/ST beneficiaries contribute 45% of the total participants. In addition, KVK organized 56 nos. of seminars, 7 nos. of ex-trainees meet and 32 nos. of field days and 3167 nos. of free consultancy services (through phone or filed visits) to benefit the agricultural development in the district. During the Plan period KVK conducted 24 nos. of OFT and 23 nos. of FLD on various disciplines for the technology assessment, refinement and dissemination. The outcome has been seriously attempted for wider dissemination and large scale adoption in collaboration with Dept. of Agriculture and other Development Agencies in the district.

The major impact of the KVK interventions since the year 2004 -2005 is briefly outlined; Impact on Diversification of Agriculture

1. Introduction of watermelon as a remunerative short duration crop
   
   Conversion of paddy fields into current fallows is one of the major problems identified in Pathanamthitta District. Viewing that cultivation of watermelon could be one of the profitable enterprises during summer season in fallow paddy lands KVK introduced watermelon cultivation in current fallows. For introduction of watermelon in current fallows (unutilized paddy fields) and popularizing watermelon cultivation KVK conducted 2 nos. of FLDs 1 OFT and 35 nos. of training programme benefiting 923 no of farmers. As a result of these programmes 256 acres of current fallows were brought under cultivation of watermelon with a production of 2195 tons which has a worth of Rs. 1,75,60,000 Women SHGs are also involved in watermelon cultivation as an income generating activity during summer season. About 500 farmers started cultivation of watermelon. The watermelon cultivation gave better remuneration to the farmers with a benefit cost ratio of 3.6:1. The multimode approach developed by CARD-KVK is a model worth adoptable in other areas for newly introduced crop.
   
   

2. Integrated crop management in paddy
   
   Integrated crop management in paddy (ICM) is a modification of SRI to counteract the limitations of SRI especially in high water lodging area. In this method 14-18 days old seedlings raised in modified mat nursery by sowing seeds treated with Azospriullum isolated from Kuttanad paddy lands. 2 seedlings each planted at a distance of 20 cm to cover a hectare of land with hills of 2.5 lakh, instead of 1.6 lakh in SRI. The system increased yield by 91.1% and 64.7% in comparison to traditional and SRI respectively. Ion ICM, other than modification in the age of seedlings, number and spacing to SRI; the various technological component in rice cultivation such as Integrated nutrient management using straight fertilizers, biofertilizers and LCC marker; bio-intensive pest management practices using trichocard and Pseudomonas; and Integrated weed management practices are integrated according to farmers’ interest and local conditions. KVK demonstrated success of ICM in the district during 2007-2008 and now being widely practiced and over 100 acres of land covered under ICM during 2008-2009. ICM is mostly practiced for the revival of fallow paddy land in the district and the average yield is recorded to be 6.5 tones/ha. The use of Uma and Jyoti varieties are common in ICM fields. This practice is much successful and recommended for transplanted areas of the district now.
   
   

3. Increased area and production of banana cultivation
   
   

   Banana cultivation has been recognized as one of the best remunerative crop suited for Kerala and for the district. There are number of local varieties such as Nendran, Palayamkodan, Poovan, Njalipoovan, Kannan, Koompillakannan, Red banana and other varieties like Robusta are cultivated in the district. Among these Nendran is the variety largely cultivated throughout the year. Pest incidence (namely Pseudo stem weevil, Rhizome weevil, Bunchy top, Sigatokka leaf spot), Unavailability of quality disease free planting materials, low productivity, fluctuation in the market price, unawareness among the growers on the pest and nutrient management, etc were the some of the major issues realized on problem analysis at the beginning of the Plan period in Koipram, Mallappally, Konni, Kulanada and Ranni block, the major banana growing tracts of the District. KVK interventions focused on increase in production, productivity and regulation of cultivation to ensure best market price for the growers. KVK organized 26 nos. of training (on and off campus) to benefit 617 no. of farmers on the pest and nutrient management, selection of disease free suckers and pre-planting treatments, high density planting, cultivation of tissue culture banana, water conservation methods etc., who further acted as a source of technology dissemination to other growers. KVK conducted 3 FLDs on different varieties of banana and disease control, 5 OFTs on tissue culture banana, high density planting, water conservation techniques and pest and disease management. Regulating planting season for nendran from November to August enabled farmers to fetch the best price during Onam. For red banana and poojakadali planting season is from July to November for Sabarimala season. In addition KVK supported growers with technical advisory services over phone and filed visits and farmers discussions organized in the field. The intervention of KVK resulted on total increase in the area under cultivation from 5147 ha to 7019 ha showing increase of cultivated area by 36.3 %, while 53 % increase in production (62,793 tones to 96,431tonnes). The productivity of banana during this period enhanced from 12.2 tones / ha to 14.1 tones/ha.
   
   

4. Bio-agents for eco friendly and cost effective pest management
   
   

   Success of bio-control of plant pathogens and pest are primarily determined by method of application, efficiency of the applied agents and also potential /quality of the product used. The eco friendly pest management is also more relevant in the context of ever increasing trend of indiscriminate pesticide use. During the plan period KVK intervention was mainly on the bio-control of Spices (namely pepper, ginger, turmeric, and betel vine), paddy and vegetables (mainly vegetable cowpea, amaranthus, cucurbitatious vegetables). Bio-intensive pest management is also important component in the organic cultivation. During the plan period KVK conducted 79 numbers of trainings for 1962 participants (farmers, extension functionaries, and rural youths) on bio intensive pest management in various crops grown in the district. KVK plant protection lab supplied 2378 kg of bio-control agents (Trichoderma Sp. and Pseudomonas fluorescence) to farmers directly and through Department of Agriculture. It is estimated that various intervention of KVK including in the supply of bio control agents and inputs could bring an area of 605 ha under bio intensive pest management practices in various crops in the district.
   
   

5. The Impact on the spread of crop varieties and inputs introduced to the district through KVK intervention
   
   

   S. No.	Crop and variety/ inputs	Area covered	Locations
   1	Banana
   a	Tissue culture nendran variety	50 ha	Parakkodu block (Kodumon panchayath) Mallappally block ( Mallappally panchayath) Ranni block ( Vakayar panchayath) Koipuram block (Koipuram panchayath)
   b	High density planting in banana	50 ha	All blocks in the District
   c	Pooja kadali ( the local variety with potential medicinal and religious importance and have much demad during Sabarimala season	10ha	Ayroor panchayath (Koipuram block) Kozhencherry panchayath in (Elanthoor block)
   d	Red banana	10 ha	Ranni block
   2	Ginger
   a	Varada	20 ha	Elanthoor block( Naranganam, Kozhencherry and Koipuram panchayaths), Ranni (Naranammoozhy panchayath) and Pandalam ( Pandalam Thekkekara panchayath ) Block
   b	Rajatha
   c	Mahima
   3	Bio- control Agents
   I	Trichocard
   a	against leaf roller and stem borer in Paddy	150ha	Pulikeezhu, Elanthoor, Mallappally   and Pandalam  block
   II	Pseudomonas fluorescence
   a	against sheath blight in Paddy	350ha	Pulikeezhu, Elanthoor, Konny   and Pandalam  block
   b	against leaf spot  in betel vine	5ha	Parakkodu block ( Valliikodu, Kodumon panchayaths ) Elanthoor block( Elanthoor Panchayath) and Pandalam block ( Pandalam Panchayath)
   III	Trichoderma  Sp.
   a	vegetable cow pea	50ha	Elanthoor block (Aramula, Elanthoor) Parakkodu block ( Vallikodu panchayath ) and Mallappally block ( Puramattom Panchayath) Koipuram block(Koipuram panchayath) and Pulikeezhu block( Kuttoor panchayath)
   b	Ginger	50ha	Pandalam block (Pandalam thekkekara) Koipuram block (Mallapuzhaserry panchayath), Mallappally block ( Puramuttom Panchayath) and Konni block ( Thannithodu panchayath)
   4	Elephant foot yam
   a	Gajendra (CTCRI)	20ha	Koipuram block (Koipuram panchayath), Parakkodu block ( Kodumon panchayaths), Elanthoor block ( Naranganam panchayath)



6. Rainwater harvesting methods
   
   Flood in monsoon and acute water scarcity in summer month is a common phenomenon in the district like any other part of the Kerala state. In order to create awareness on the need for water conservation and to popularize different conservation measures, particularly rain water harvesting methods, KVK organized 80 trainings benefiting 1866 participants. 5 seminars and 5 trainings for extension functionaries were conducted during the 10th plan period. KVK acted as major technical advisory sources for the various agencies and supported CARD the host organization of KVK in the implementation of three major projects (two watershed projects in Naranamoozhy and Kolinchy watersheds and CAPART supported project at Tiruvalla) During the period 400 rainwater harvesting tanks of 5000 to 50000 liter capacity were constructed which could store a total of 4000000 liter roof water. KVK also collaborated with three tier panchayats and other organizations for implanting land and water conservation programmes in the watershed, suggesting location specific suitable land conservation measures such as rain pits, trenches contour bunds, bunch terracing, farm pond, retaining well, check dams, recharge pits and ground water recharge through open wells etc with resultant coverage of over 5000 ha ( in and around watersheds.). KVK trained rural youth play a major role in the construction of tanks in various water harvesting project in the district with an average income of Rs. 5000/month.
   
   
7. Drought Mitigation Though Water Harvesting in Ranni Panchayat
   
   CARD-KVK identified water scarcity as one of the major problems, during PRA conducted in Ranni and took up the issue of water scarcity as thrust area. At that time people where in the belief that water scarcity should be managed by Government. They were totally unaware of the reason behind the water scarcity. KVK initiated seminars, training programmes, video shows, training to extension persons in the field of rainwater harvesting and developed three groups of rural youth for the implementation of rainwater harvesting projects. These rural youths were trained by the KVK in different aspects of rainwater harvesting and ferrocement tank construction. Different rainwater harvesting units like farm pond, surface ferrocement tank, subsurface ferrocement tank, recharge pit, road side water conservation structure, gully control structures, power saving rainwater harvesting unit, quarry pond, contour bounds, bench terracing, vegetative conservation of soil and water, contour trenches, retaining wall and check dams were established in KVK for demonstration. By all these means 40,00,000 litres of rain water was harvested in tanks relieving 400 families from the perils of water scarcity. The total savings on drinking water alone adds up to Rs 8,00,000/month. Soil and water conservation structures implemented for 5000 ha substantially control soil erosion. The KVK trained groups of rural youths has a monthly average income of Rs. 5000/-through the construction of rainwater harvesting tanks and act
   
   

   Sl. No	Year	Activity
   1.	2002-03	training on rain water harvesting
   2.	2003-04	Seminar on water conservation
   		Training on Rainwater harvesting
   		Extension functionary training  on Rainwater harvesting & water conservation
   3.	2004-05	Seminar ,video show
   		Training on Rainwater harvesting
   		Extension functionary training  on Rainwater harvesting & water conservation
   		Skill development training on ferrocemnt tank construction
   		Exhibition
   4.	2005-06	Training on Rainwater harvesting
   		Demonstration
   5.	2006-07	Training
   		Demonstration
   6	2007-08	Training
   		Demonstration
   		Exposure visit of farmers to KVK to see rain harvesting and water conservation models established
   7	2008-09	Training
   		Demonstration
   		Exposure visit of farmers to KVK to see rain harvesting and water conservation models established

   Drought Mitigation Efforts of KVK was organized in collaboration with different agencies particularly with CARD, World vision and 3three tier panchayats.

8. Planting materials and vegetable seed production at KVK farm
   

   During the period 2004-2008 KVK produced and supplied 95,375 numbers of seedlings of fruits, medicinal plants, timber, spices, ornamental plants and plantation crops and 144.7 Kg of vegetable seeds. The distribution of planting materials from KVK is estimated to cover an area of 441 ha, of which Coconut and spices serve as major plants. The cucurbitaceous vegetables like bitter gourd, snake gourd, cucumber, pumpkin, water melon, and other vegetables like amaranthus, vegetable cowpea, and ivy gourd are the major vegetables grown in the district. The vegetables are mostly grown in summer season making use of paddy fallows. KVK has conducted 42 numbers of trainings on cultivation of various vegetable with major focus on organic farming benefiting 1133 no. of farmers. NCOF supported project implemented by KVK in the period was the major intervention to train and demonstrate, and give exposure to the farmers on organic vegetable cultivation. The participants were from SHGs, harithasangams (Farmers group of Agrl. Department) and progressive farmers. During the period KVK also organized 7 no. of FLDs on organic vegetable cultivation, use of pheromone trap and hormones, bio agents, high yielding varieties of vegetables and OFTs on INM and IPM in vegetables. Seeds produced and distributed from KVK to farmers is estimated to cover an area of about 30 ha both on homestead and at lager scale cultivation. During the period KVK intervention alone is estimated to contribute about 550 tones of vegetable production worth Rs. 50 lakhs.

   2004-2008
   	Quantity produced (Kg/No.)	Farmers  benefitted	Area covered (ha)
   Fruit plants	9607	3535	77.47
   Coconut seedlings	21224	1559	135.18
   Timber plants	8732	799	87.32
   Spice plants	8074	1273	3.22
   Medicinal plants	10475	1124	67.14
   Ornamental	37263	1503	40.46
   Vegetable seeds	144.7	11258	30.00
   Grand Total		21051	440.79

1. Back yard Poultry rearing for additional income
   
   Promotion of back yard poultry by training the farmers and supply of quality layer chicks was the major animal husbandry intervention of the KVK during 10th plan period in the district. KVK organized 15 number of trainings on poultry rearing to the farmers, farm women and rural youths. This is in addition to collaborative programmes and field advisory services. For promoting backyard poultry rearing as an additional source of income during the plan period KVK conducted FLD on backyard poultry rearing and OFT on enhancement of egg production. The training programme and other advisory services benefited 437 no of beneficiaries. During the plan period KVK established model chicks’ production unit (with support from CARD, the host organization) which now produce and supply 750 of 60 days old layer chicks to farmers every month. As such during the plan period KVK distributed 9050 no. of poultry chicks in the district to benefit 900 numbers of rural families, contributing additional 13 lakh eggs production in the district valued Rs. 25 lakhs. In the absence of Govt hatchery in the district KVK has been striving to distribute the high yielding varieties of poultry such as Grama Sree, Grama Priya, Kalinga Brown hatched from its small scale hatchery unit. Recently KVK has the credit of introducing Caveri variety from CPDO, Bangalore which is a potential and promising layer suitable for homesteads in the district and in the state.
   
   
2. Rabbit rearing as an income generating activity
   
   Rabbit rearing was introduced by KVK as an income generating activity for rural youth and women. During the plan period 32 trainings were conducted benefitting 534 participants. KVK established a model rabbit rearing unit with exotic breeding stock of New Zealand white, Soviet Chinchilla and Gray Giant from where quality breeding stock to the farmers are supplied. During the plan period KVK distributed 655 no. of rabbit bunnies (218 nos. of male and 437 nos. of female) to initiate 218 nos. of smaller units. It is estimated that from the breeding stock supplied to produce a minimum of 20,000 nos. of bunnies (taking into account of mortalities and other unfavorable conditions) worth Rs. 30 lakhs. This impact contribute to 13% additional population of rabbit of the state (as per 2003 Kerala livestock sensus, total population of rabbit in the state is 1.47lakhs).
   
   
3. Rabbit Growers consortium
   
   CARD -KVK has been promoting rabbit rearing as a sustainable lively hood option for the rural families in the district since 2000. The KVK has established model demonstration units with exotic breeding stocks of New Zealand White, Soviet Chinchilla, and Gray Giant from where the quality bunnies are distributed to the farmers. In February 2007, KVK organized ex-trainees meet of the farmers who was trained from KVK and rearing rabbits. During the meeting the small growers expressed difficulty in marketing the rabbits and raised concerns on processing of fur and meet. The idea of formation of a rabbit grower’s consortium was conceived to tackle these problems and finally the rabbit growers’ consortium was registered on 1st August 2007 under 1955 Travancore–Kochi Literature, scientific and Charitable Societies act. The consortium which functions under the advice of KVK has objectives of Training the farmers on the Scientific Rabbit rearing, production and distribution of quality feed to members, production of quality breeding stock and distribution, linking the farmers with the financial institutions/banks, train the farmers on the scientific processing of meet and fur and support the farmers on the marketing of their produce.
   
   

1. Coconut climbing task force
   
   The district has 22794 ha area under coconut cultivation. The major problem identified in the district is unavailability of traditional labour force to climb the coconut palm. KVK has been conducting demonstrations and trainings on the coconut climber developed by Kerala Agricultural University. KVK formed task force of young unemployed youth trained by KVK on mechanized coconut climbing and they started taking coconut climbing as self employment option. Mr. Yeshudas is one among such youth who earns on an average Rs 750 /day who even has to be booked in advance.
   
   
2. Training programme for gardeners on Modern Technological advances in horticulture with special emphasis to nursery management and landscaping
   
   In the recent years there is a trend to have a landscaped garden around the houses and buildings. Consequently, there has been a larger demand for skilled person on land scaping and garden designing who is in short supply. KVK made an assessment of this opportunity to provide an alternative employment option to rural youth. Making advantage of NHM Human Resource Development programme, KVK conducted two trainings of the 6 months duration vocational training on Modern Technological advances in horticulture with special emphasis to nursery management and landscaping. The first training conducted during the period 29th June 2007 to 31st December 2007 consisted of 50 trainees of whom 20 were SC, 9 were ST, 7 were OBC, 3 were OEC and 11 were of general category. The training covered different topics such as nursery management, Land scaping and ornamental gardening, propagation techniques, vegetable seed and seedling production techniques, etc. The programme provides self employment opportunity to the trained youth. Twelve of the trainees got employment as gardeners and landscaping assistants in various institutions. 2nd training conducted during 11th Feb 2009 to 12th August 2009.consisted of 25 participants comprising 7 males and 18 females. Out of which 7 belonged to SC category and 1 belonged to ST category. The trainees are eligible to be registered with Govt. employment exchange in Kerala and are also selected for various institutions. The trainees organized in different group now take up landscaping and nursery management assignments in and around district.

FARMER FIELD SCHOOL KVK impart need based technological skill to farmers by means of hands on Practice. it is basically a field based learning experience for the full cropping season .In this regard KVK have been conducting farmers filed school , which is a school without wall and the students are the farmers. Despite the experts from KVK and other institutions, the farmers are also act as teachers sharing their expertise. The major programmes covered under the school with regard to selected crops are on identification of different pest and diseases, beneficial insects, use of various bio-control agents, pheromone traps and bio- intensive pest management practices , cost effective nutrient management practices indigenous technical knowledge in good Agriculture practices, etc.. During the period KVK conducted farmers field school in collaboration with various agencies as mentioned below



S.No	Collaborating agency	Location	Crop	Year	Number of participants
1	Central Integrated Pest Management Centre, Kochi (CIPMC)	Neervilakum padasekharam, Aranmula	Paddy	2004-2005	30
2	Central Integrated Pest Management Centre, Kochi (CIPMC)	Ayroor Panchayath	Banana	2005-2006	30
3	Central Integrated Pest Management Centre, Kochi (CIPMC)	Ayroor Panchayath	Vegetable	2005-2006	30
4	Central Integrated Pest Management Centre, Kochi (CIPMC)	Kaviyoor- punja, (Mundiyapally) Kaviyoor panchayath	Paddy	2006-2007	30
5	ICAR	Naranganam panchayath	banana	2008-2009	25
5	ATMA. Pathanamthitta District	Mallappally panchayath	Vegetable	2008-2009	25
6	ATMA. Pathanamthitta	Kutoor panchayath	Paddy	2008-2009	30
7	ATMA. Pathanamthitta	Pandalam thekkekara	paddy	2008-2009	30

The above programmes evidently promoted area ,production and productivity of the above crops with cost effective practices due to skill upgradation among the farmers The impact of KVK mandatory activities due to skill development is briefly mentioned below’

1. Dissemination of vermicomposting technology as an alternative source of Organic manure.
   
   With the ever increasing cost of labour and inputs in the last decade, the district have witnessed drastic decline in cattle population with resultant shortage for the Farm Yard Manure. This is more pronounced with the families having very low extent of land and who has to resort to outside source for the organic manure which is costly. Most of the families in the district go for homestead garden and would have organic waste mainly from banana. KVK identified banana waste as a potential source of compost material .As also in the last 10 years there have been 12 % increase in banana cultivation in the district – a potential source of organic waste for alternative manure production. In this direction vermicompost production using banana waste was the one of the major collaborative programme KVK had initiated during 10th Plan Period. KVK alone had organised 32 nos. of training programmes were 758 no of farmers participated. In addition, KVK also supported Agricultural department to organize over 25 trainings benefiting additional 400-450 beneficiaries. During the period total 878 vermicompost units were recorded to be initiated by the farmers (mostly single individual units).KVK alone supplied 4,29,141 nos. of earthworms of Eudrilus eugenia and Eisenia foetida to the farmers to start units. Vermicompost units are set up mostly in homesteads and produce around 1200 Kg. to 2000 Kg. of compost annually per one unit making use of the organic waste in their homesteads. During this 5 year farmers were able to produce 7,024 tons of vermicompost. In addition, to the secondary sales of worms for fresh units and also vermiwash which worth over Rs. 3.5 crores vermicomposting programme could convert about 17,560 tons of banana and other organic waste in to potential organic compost.
   
   Success story
   
   Myladumpara Kairali Rubber Swasraya Sangam is a SHG formed by the RPS (Rubber Producers Society) in Myladumpara in Malayalapuzha Panchayath. There are 20 members in the group which was formed in 2004. The group has been primarily engaged in the production of rubber poly bag plants. It was in the year 2005; the group first got linked with KVK activities particularly by gaining training on mushroom cultivation.
   
   The group was facing problem rather acute shortage of organic manure for their rubber nursery. It was then the group contacted KVK at the initiative of Krishi Bhavan in Malayalappuzha. Subsequently training for the group was organized by KVK and the KVK supported the group to formulate a project proposal under SGSRY Scheme, for bio conversion of organic waste through vermicomposting technology. The total outlay of the vermicompost unit was RS 60000/- of which Rs20000 was granted as assistance under SGSRY scheme. The established unit consist of 5 tanks each of the size 6 x2x 0.5mt and with total capacity to accommodate 30 tones of organic waste with expected production of 8-10 tones at an interval of 60-65 days with an annual production of 40-50 MT. Once the unit was established at the technical guidance of KVK, from KVK vermicompost unit 5000 earth worms –Eiscinia foeitida was supplied which was sufficient for 5 tanks.
   
   Unlike normal method of vermicompost production, they have adopted KVK refined methodology which is labour efficient and more economical. Unlike recommended method, KVK advices to go for organic waste pre digestion in the tank itself. Initially they started compost production in 3 tanks and harvested in 90 days to produce 5 tons of compost. The SHG sold about 1.5 tones of compost in the name of MRPS organic manure. The vermicompost sold @ Rs7/- per kg. The compost is sold in a packet of 50 kg and 2kg.The unit is fully functional and income earned is now utilized for loan repayment. In a cycle of 60-65 days for composting requires labour as low as 10-12 numbers. The project generates additional income to the group. The group is planning for the diversification of their activity by enriching the organic manure with neem cake; bone meal coir pith etc. The group has already established linkage with different Govt. and other marketing agencies to channelize their products
   
   
2. Promotion of mushroom cultivation (oyster and milky)
   
   KVK introduced mushroom cultivation as an income generating activity for rural youth. For popularizing this technology KVK conducted 2 FLDs and 2 OFTs and 161 training programmes benefiting 3471 farmers during the plan period. With the technical support of KVK , 274 units were started with a production of 23,850 Kg mushroom with an income of about 19 lakh rupees. There are about 35 units now running successfully with an average net income ranging from Rs. 6,000 - 12,000/-. For production of mushroom KVK supplied 6625 Kg spawn during the plan period.
   
   Success story
   
   Mr. Vijayan Pillai’s mushroom farm has three mushroom growing rooms, one bed preparation area, separate straw keeping area and one store. The beds are kept in the tubular hanging system using plastic ropes. 8 beds are kept in each tubular column. Mr. Vijayan Pillai uses paddy straw as substrate for milky mushroom cultivation. The current monthly production of Mr.Vijayan Pillai’s farm is 100kg. The produce is attractively packed and sold @ Rs 100/kg in leading bakeries of Chengannoor and Tiruvalla. Mr. Pillai’s farm has an average cost of production of Rs 6000/cycle. The farm has a total turnover of Rs 80000/yr with a net profit of Rs 32000/-. Mr. Vijayan Pillai regularly visits the KVK and updates his knowledge in the newer aspects of cultivation, cost reduction and pest management. By adopting mushroom cultivation, Mr. Vijayan Pillai was able to find employment during periods of no work for his mini truck Inspired from his cultivation his friends also started cultivating mushroom in small scale in their homes with the technical guidance of the KVK. His new role as an entrepreneur gave Mr. Vijayan Pillai a better social acceptance and improved his standard of living in a substantial way.
   
   
3. Preservation and value addition of under exploited fruits
   
   For popularizing the value addition technologies of locally available fruits and vegetables KVK conducted 14 vocational trainings, 127short duration courses,67sponsered trainings, 3 OFTs, 2 FLDs, 1ex- trainee meet, published 3 booklets, developed a display unit for value added fruits and vegetables at KVK , conducted 1 externally funded collaborative research project, and give project guidance. In total 4277 farmers, farm women, rural youths from self help groups, women cell, three tier panchayats, voluntary organizations, state departments were benefited out of this programme. In collaboration with the state Department of Agriculture KVK made an effort to gather the’ Women in Agriculture’ group of Krishi Bhavans (30 groups consists of 25 women members each) and conducted intensive location specific modules for the beneficiaries during 2004-’05 to 2006-’07. Intensive training cum interactive demonstrations, exposure visits and project guidance given in value added products and marketing. In addition to this explored the possibilities of local level promotion of traditional food products through the interaction with selected women in Agriculture group. Marketing facilitated for the selected 12 groups through “eco-shop” initiated by themselves at district head quarters in collaboration with department of Agriculture. In addition to this they are supplying processed eco products to other shops and retail outlets. As the results of these programmes 127 home scale fruit processing units were initiated in the project area during this period. It was recorded that food processing offers an average increase of income of Rs.1050/- to Rs.1700/- per month. In total an average of 23,770 Kgs of locally available fruits and vegetables worth Rs. 2,37,700 were effectively utilized by the home scale entrepreneurs of the district.
   
   Success story of women empowerment
   
   Smt. Ajithamaniamma C.K, Nithin Nivas Thazhom P.O, Malayalapuzha a Self Help Group member of Kudumbasree has set an example about how to run home scale food processing unit following Good Manufacturing Practice. In the year 2007-2008, she had under gone the IGNOU training on “Awareness Programme on Value added products from fruits and Vegetables” conducted by the KVK. She also attended training sessions on quality control and marketing at KVK. She started a home scale processing unit of under exploited locally available fruits and vegetables.KVK rendered necessary technical help especially in GMP, labeling and marketing.
   She is maintaining proper records for processing and post –production works and uses KVK designed Thanima brand label for the products, KVK issues the entrepreneurs the labels based on the quality assessment of the product. To ensure total quality of the product KVK extended its processing lab facility to the entrepreneur so that direct monitoring of processing of product and quality is assured.
   
   Many other groups are coming forward to follow GMP after the success of Smt. Ajithamaniamma. Now she is taking classes and conducting demonstrations for interested women groups. In a week, she is working 4days for processing related activities. Smt. Ajithamaniamma directly employed one women staff for the help in minor activities, sales, purchase, etc. The net profit received by her per month through selling of processed products is of Rs.3000/.