Department of Agricultural Meteorology

Genesis:

The Department of Agricultural Meteorology is a statutory Department and established in 1988. Two-year - postgraduate Programme “M.Sc. (Agri.) Agricultural Meteorology” was commenced during the academic year 1994-95 with an intake capacity of two students, including one reserved for ICAR. Later, the intake capacity has enhanced to four from 2018-19 onwards (three state and one ICAR). During 2022-23, the intake capacity has enhanced to five (three state and two ICAR). So far, thirty one students were awarded the PG Degree from this Department. Twenty-five students qualified in the NET, conducted by ICAR so far. The faculty are committed in guiding research scholars in diverse fields such as crop weather relationship studies of different crops, statistical and crop simulation models, climate change studies, microclimate modification, temperature stress studies on crops, remote sensing and GIS. A national seminar, AGMET 2020 on the topic “Agrometeorological interventions for enhancing farmer’s income” was organized by Agricultural Meteorology department in collaboration with Agrometeorological Association, Thrissur chapter - Anand during 20th-22nd January 2020. Around 400 delegates participated and 350 research paper were presented.

 

Vision/ Objective: To impart and maintain quality in education, research and extension activities in the field of Agricultural Meteorology

 

Mandate

·          To impart teaching in Agricultural Meteorology at the Graduate level

·          To undertake Post Graduate Programme in Agricultural Meteorology

·          To initiate and augment agromet database

·          To carry out research on basic and applied aspects of agroclimatology, including climate change impacts

·          To study the influence of weather on insect pest and diseases of major crops

·          To disseminate weekly agromet advisory bulletin based on Medium Range Weather Forecast

·          To provide short term training in basic meteorological observations and applied meteorological aspects to agricultural service personnel and farmers

 

Facilities

·          Principal Agromet Observatory: The principal Agrometeorological Observatory was established on 18.10.1979 under the Department. The observations (Rainfall, Maximum and Minimum temperature, Dry and wet bulb temperature, Sunshine hours, Wind speed and direction, Relative humidity, Soil temperature, Evaporation, Dew etc.) are taken in four times a day viz. 0700 hrs LMT, 0830 hrs IST,1400 hrs LMT and 1730 hrs IST. The complete set of weather data is available from 1983 onwards.

·          Agromet Lab: The lab maintains agromet instruments for the research and education

·          Class room: With audio-visual aids

 

Faculty strength:

Sl. No.	Name	Designation
1	Dr. B. Ajithkumar	Associate Professor and Head
2	Dr. P. Lincy Davis	Assistant Professor
3	Mr. Arjun Vysakh	Assistant Professor

 

Achievements /Major Accomplishments:

·         Agro climatic resources characterization of Kerala : Rainfall data from 1983 to 2021 was collected and pentad averages were calculated to study the climate variability and found that, a significant decreasing trend has been observed in rainfall during the month of June, while a

·         significant increasing trend in the month of August and September. Different indices like LGP, SPI, MAI were used for characterizing drought & flood events. Flood affected area during 2018 and drought affected area during 2015, 2016, and 2017 in Thrissur were delineated using remote sensing and GIS.

·         Crop weather relationship in rice showed that an increase in maximum temperature decrease the duration of rice varieties, there by affecting the yield. Increased rainfall during 50% flowering to physiological maturity decreased the rice yield. The genetic coefficients calibrated for the rice varieties viz. Jyothi, Kanchana and Jaya using DSSAT-CERES-Rice model was used to predict future yield under RCP 4.5 and 8.5. It was found that there is a chance of shift in date of planting in Kerala in future during the kharif season. Forecasting models for rice yield were developed using different statistical models as well as crop simulation models. Effect of mulches on ginger and turmeric was studied and found that the yield was higher in paddy straw mulch compared to green leaves and coconut leaves. Yield prediction model was developed in turmeric and ginger using PCA and the future yield was predicted under RCP 4.5 and 8.5. Genetic coefficient for groundnut variety TNAU CO-6 was developed using DSSAT- CROPGRO model for predicting the yield.

·         Verification of the rainfall forecast has shown that, usable forecast was found to be higher in southwest monsoon season compared to other seasons. Approximately 46,287 and 20,831 numbers of Agromet SMS were disseminated weekly in Thrissur and Ernakulum districts respectively.

·         Weather based ITKs’ were collected from Malappuram, Kozhikode, Kasaragod & Kannur and two High range districts viz. Idukki & Wayanad. They were validated and many have found scientifically valid.

·         Water requirement in rice in Palakkad district was estimated using remote sensing & GIS.

·         A mobile App ASK “Agromet Services for Kerala” was developed for the effective dissemination of Agromet Advisory Bulletins for entire Kerala.

 

Sl. No.	Name of the awardee	Year	Name of Awarding Agency	Type of Agency (State/National/International)
1	Dr. B. Ajithkumar	2019	Directorate of Environment and Climate Change (DoECC)	State
2	Dr. B. Ajithkumar	2019	Association of Agrometeorologists	National
3	Dr. P. Lincy Davis	2020	Association of Agrometeorologists	National
4	Dr. B. Ajithkumar	2020	Association of Agrometeorologists	National
5	Dr. B. Ajithkumar & Dr. P. Lincy Davis	2020	Association of Agrometeorologists	National
6	Dr. B. Ajithkumar & Mr. Arjun Vysakh	2020	Association of Agrometeorologists	National
7	Dr. B. Ajithkumar & Dr. P. Lincy Davis & Mr. Arjun Vysakh	2021	Association of Agrometeorologists	National
8	B. Ajithkumar & Dr. P. Lincy Davis	2021	Association of Agrometeorologists	National
9	Dr. P. Lincy Davis & B. Ajithkumar	2021	Association of Agrometeorologists	National
10	Dr. B. Ajithkumar	2021	Association of Agrometeorologists	National
11	Mr. Arjun Vysakh & Dr. B. Ajithkumar	2022	Association of Agrometeorologists	National
12	Dr. B. Ajithkumar & Dr. P. Lincy Davis & Mr. Arjun Vysakh	2022	Association of Agrometeorologists	National
13	Dr. B. Ajithkumar & Dr. P. Lincy Davis & Mr. Arjun Vysakh	2022	Association of Agrometeorologists	National
14	Dr. B. Ajithkumar & Dr. P. Lincy Davis & Mr. Arjun Vysakh	2022	Association of Agrometeorologists	National
15	Dr. B. Ajithkumar & Dr. P. Lincy Davis & Mr. Arjun Vysakh	2022	Association of Agrometeorologists	National
16	Dr. B. Ajithkumar	2022	Association of Agrometeorologists	National
17	Dr. B. Ajithkumar & Dr. P. Lincy Davis & Mr. Arjun Vysakh	2023	Association of Agrometeorologists	National
18	Dr. B. Ajithkumar & Dr. P. Lincy Davis & Mr. Arjun Vysakh	2023	Association of Agrometeorologists	National
19	Dr. B. Ajithkumar & Dr. P. Lincy Davis	2024	Indian Society of Agrophysics	National

 

Research Papers

1.        Ajithkumar, B., Savani, M. B., 2007. Phasic development model for cauliflower (Brassica oleracea) using thermal indices. Journal of Agrometeorology. 9(2): 231-235

2.        Ajithkumar, B., Savani, M. B. and Dakhore, K, K. 2008. Periodical changes and diurnal variations of stomatal conductance and leaf temperature in cauliflower. Journal of Agro meteorology. 10 (1) : 86-88

3.        A.L. Nihalani, B. Ajithkumar, K. K. Dakhore and M. B. Savani. 2008. Testing of BRASSICA model on mustard GM-2 under South Gujarat. Journal of Agrometeorology (Special Issue – Part 2): 455-456.

4.        C. Laly John and B. Ajithkumar. (2015). Probability models for weekly rainfall at Thrissur. Journal of Tropical Agriculture 53(1): 56-62.

5.        B.Ajithkumar, G. Subramanyam and Arjun Vysakh. (2015). Rainfall analysis for crop planning in Thrissur district of Kerala. Green Farming 6(3): 650-652.

6.        B. Ajithkumar and P. P. Sreekala. (2015). Rainfall variability over Kerala. Journal of Agrometeorology. 17(2): 273-275

7.        Karthika, V.P. and Ajithkumar B. (2015). Influence of Weather on the Incidence of Pests, Diseases and Physiological Disorders in Cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var. botrytis) 25^th Swadeshi Science Congress (Proceedings): 19-25.

8.        Naziya, B. Ajithkumar, Laly John C. and K. V. Ajayan. (2015). Weather induced changes on yield and yield components of rice in central zone of Kerala. Journal of Agricultural Physics 15(1): 74-81.

9.        Arjun Vysakh, B. Ajithkumar, Naziya and Laly John C. (2016). Response of rice (O. sativa) to changing weather conditions. Green Farming. 7(5):1232-1235.

10.    V. P. Karthika, B. Ajithkumar, and Laly John C. (2016). A fundamental study to identify the suitable cropping period for cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var. botrytis) and to assess the impact of various weather parameters on its cultivation in central Kerala. Res. J. of Agric. Sci. 7):783-786.

11.    Arjun Vysakh, B. Ajithkumar and A. V. M. Subbarao. (2016). Evaluation of CERES rice model for the selected rice varieties of Kerala. J. of. Agrometeorology. 18(1):120-123.

12.    Arjun Vysakh, B. Ajithkumar and J. Venkata Satish. (2017). Effects of dates of planting on crop water requirement of rice in Kerala. J. of. Agrometeorology Agmet 2016 Special Issue. 51-54.

13.    B. Ajithkumar, P. P. Sreekala, M. A. S. Chandran and V.M. Sandeep. (2017).Temporal and spatial variability of drought in Kerala. Contemporary Res. in India. 7(1):11-17.

14.    B. Ajithkumar, Arjun Vysakh and P. P. Sreekala. (2017). Effect of El Nino on Rainfall and thermal regime of Kerala. Contemporary Res. in India. 7(2):279-285.

15.    Jasti Venkata Satish, B. Ajithkumar, Laly John C. and Arjun Vysakh. (2017). Heat units requirement for different rice varieties in the central zone of Kerala. Contemporary. Res. in India. 7(3):1-6.

16.    Sushna K and B Ajithkumar. (2017). Influence of Weather Parameters on Growth of Black Pepper (Piper nigrum L.). Contemporary. Res. in India. 7(2):169-173.

17.    Sushna K and B Ajithkumar. (2018). Influence of Weather Parameters on the productivity of Black Pepper. Res.J.of Agric.Sci. 9(1):09-13.

18.    B. Ajithkumar and Arjun Vysakh. (2018). Trends in seasonal and annual rainfall and rainy days (1991-2012) over Kerala. Contemporary Res.in India. 8(2): 64-69.

19.    Arjun Vysakh and B. Ajithkumar. (2018). Length of growing period: A comparative study with normal and drought years in Kerala. J. of Agric. Meteorology. 20 (Special Issue): 216-220.

20.    S. Navyashree and B. Ajithkumar. (2018). Assessment of agricultural and meteorological drought and agricultural planning using incomplete gamma distribution in Kerala. J. of Agric. Meteorology. 20 (Special Issue): 262-265.

21.    Athira Ravindran, B. Ajithkumar, Arjun Vysakh and S. Navyashree. (2018). Crop weather calendar for paddy: A useful tool for crop planning. J. of Agric. Meteorology. 20 (Special Issue): 213-215.

22.    B. Ajithkumar and Arjun Vysakh. (2018). Validation and assessment of agro advisories issued based on medium range weather forecast for Thrissur district of Kerala. Int. J. Agric. Sci. 10(15): 6824-6828.

23.    B. Ajithkumar and Arjun Vysakh. (2018). Impact of El Nino on crop productivity in Kerala. Res. J. of Agric. Sci. 9(5):1041-1045.

24.    G. Subramanyam, K. M. Sunil and B. Ajithkumar. (2018). Climate change impact on summer rice production in central agro-climatic zone of Kerala under different RCP’s. J. Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry. 7(1): 1724-1728.

25.    G. Subramanyam, K. M. Sunil, B. Ajithkumar, Ashok Reddy and B. Subba Reddy (2018). Effect of Weather Parameters on Rice Yield and Yield Components J. Agric. Res. Technol., 43 (2): 262-266.

26.    G. Subramanyam, K. M. Sunil, B. Ajithkumar and Ajayan K. V. (2019). Climate Change Impact on Kharif Rice Production in Central Agro-Climatic Zone of Kerala under Different Representative Concentration Pathways. Environ. and Ecol. 37 (1): 143—148.

27.    Venkata Satish J. and B. Ajithkumar. (2019). Evaluation of rice varieties using CERES – Rice model in central part of Thrissur. Int. J. Agric. Sci. 11(12): 8665-8667.

28.    Arjun Vysakh and B. Ajithkumar. (2019). Drought analysis using Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) in Kerala. J. of Agric. Meteorology. 21 (Special Issue-1): 159-164.

29.    Aswathi K. P., B. Ajithkumar and Vinu K. S. (2019). Diurnal variation of rainfall over Central Zone of Kerala using self recording rain gauge. J. of Agric. Meteorology. 21 (Special Issue-1): 235-237.

30.    Anunayana T. John, B. Ajithkumar, P. Lincy Davis, Laly John. C. and Dr. Anitha S. (2019). Determination of ideal planting time and establishment method in finger millet (Eleusine coracana L.) in central zone of Kerala. Contemporary. Res. in India. 9(2): 2231-2137.

31.    B. Ajithkumar and Arjun Vysakh. (2020). Crop Planning Using Initial and Conditional Probability at the Central Zone of Kerala. Res. J. Agric. Sci. 11(3): 693-696.

32.    Stella Jes Varghese, Sajani Surendran, B. Ajithkumar, Kavirajan Rajendran and Akio Kitoh. (2020) Future changes in rice yield over Kerala using climate change scenario from resolution global climate model projection. J. of. Earth Syst. Sci.: 129-192.

33.    Vinu K. S, Shajeesh Jan P, B. Ajithkumar and Arjun Vysakh. (2020). Influence of weather on groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) yield, growth and development in central zone of Kerala. J. Pharmaco. Phytochem., 9(2), pp.1157-1160.

34.    Harithalekshmi V. and B. Ajithkumar. (2020). Weather related yield constraints and optimum date of planting for rainfed rice (Oryza sativa) in central zone of Kerala. J. Pharmaco. Phytochem., 9(5): 606-610.

35.    Jasti Venkata Satish and B. Ajithkumar. (2020). Assessment of rice (Oryza sativa L.) productivity under different climate change scenarios. Journal of Agrometeorology Volume 22 special issue : 51-59

36.    Haritharaj S. and B. Ajithkumar. (2020). Crop planning based on water balance approach in Kerala. Journal of Agrometeorology Volume 22 special issue : 248-250

37.    K. P. Aswathi, K. Ajith and B. Ajithkumar. (2021). Effect of High Temperature on Yield and Yield Attributes in Rice. Res. J. of Agric. Sci. 12(1):109-112.

38.    Ajithkumar B., Lincy Davis P., and Aswathi K. P. (2021). Influence of weather parameters on incidence of cowpea pod borer in central zone of Kerala. J. Pharmaco. Phytochem., 10(1): 2476-2482.

39.    Vinu K.S., Ajithkumar B., Arjun Vysakh., Harithalekshmi. V. and Aswathi. K. P. (2021). Influence of weather parameters on the growth and yield of cowpea in central zone of Kerala. J. Pharmaco. Phytochem., 10(1): 620-622.

40.    Harithalekshmi. V., Ajithkumar B., Lincy Davis P., Laly John C., and Latha A. (2021). Growing season weather impacts on rice phenology development in the central zone of Kerala. J. Pharmaco. Phytochem., 10(1): 2406-2410.

41.    Harithalekshmi. V., Ajithkumar B., and Arjun Vysakh. (2021). Rice yield forecasting using principal component regression and composite weather variables. J. Pharmaco. Phytochem., 10(2): 595-600.

42.    Harithalekshmi. V. and Ajithkumar B. (2021). Intercomparison of seven Temperature-Humidity Index (THI) equations for assessing the impact of heat stress in relation to milk production to find out best THI for central zone of Kerala. MAUSAM. 72, 3: 681-684.

43.    K. Anusha, K. Surendra Gopal and B. Ajithkumar (2022). Funneliformis mosseae enhanced growth, tuber yield and P-uptake of Solenostemon rotundifolius under acidic and lateritic soil of Kerala. Journal of Tropical Agriculture 59 (2) Short Communication: 236-244

44.    Smitha M.S., Asna, A.C., Jalaja S. Menon., Unnikrishnan, T. and Ajithkumar, B. (2022). Forewarning models of tea mosquito bug {Helopeltis antonii (Signoret)} in cashew. J. of Agric. Meteorology. 24 (2): 276-279.

45.    Aswathi K. P., B. Ajithkumar, Arjun Vysakh and Retheesh P. K. (2022). Assessment of high rainfall events and drought over Kerala for planning agricultural operations. J. of Agric. Meteorology. 24 (3) Short Communication: 316-317.

46.    Aswathi K. P., K. Ajith, B. Ajithkumar and Abida, P. S. (2022). Impact  of  climate  change  on  rice  yield  under  projected  scenarios  in  central  zone  of  Kerala. J. of Agric. Meteorology. 24 (3): 280-285.

47.    K. S. Vinu, P. Shajeesh Jan, B. Ajithkumar and Arjun Vysakh (2022). Simulating groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) phenophase and yield in Kerala with DSSAT- CROPGRO model. Journal of Tropical Agriculture 60(1) Short Communication: 130-135.

48.    K. R. Riya, B. Ajithkumar, Davis P. Lincy, John C. Laly and A. Latha (2022). Impact of Dates of Planting on Rice Growth and Yield during Karif Season. J. Agric. Res. Technol., 47 (1): 099-103.

49.    Aswathi, K. P., Ajith, K., Ajithkumar, B. and Aneena, E. R. (2022). Quality Deterioration of Rice Grains under High Temperature Stress. The Indian Journal of Nutrition and Dietetics. 59(4): 424-435.

50.    Chinnu Raju., K. Ajith., B. Ajithkumar., S. Anitha and V. Divya Vijayan. (2022). Rice area mapping in Palakkad district of Kerala using Sentinel-2 data and Geographic information system technique. Journal of Applied and Natural Science. 14(4): 1360-1366.

51.    B. Ajithkumar and K. R. Riya. (2022). Temperature variation in Kerala: Present and Future. International Journal of Environment and Climate Change, 12 (12): 1185-1195.

52.    U. Jeevan, U. Sreelatha, C. Narayanankutty, P. Prameela, B. Ajithkumar and H.C. Vikram. (2022). Precision farming techniques and Agro meteorological indices for African marigold cultivation in humid tropics of Kerala. Journal of Tropical Agriculture 60(2): 195-205.

53.    Stella Jes Varghese, Sajani Surendran, B. Ajithkumar, Kavirajan Rajendran and Akio Kitoh. (2022) Rice Yield Changes in Kerala due to Climate Change. Impact of Climate Change on Hydrological Cycle, Ecosystem, Fisheries and Food Security: 195-204.

54.    Riya, K.R., Ajithkumar, B., Lincy Davis, P. and Arjun Vysakh, (2022) Climate change scenarios for Kerala during the summer season. Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability, 10(1), pp.40-51.

55.    K. Anusha, B. Ajithkumar, P. Lincy Davis, A. Latha, K. C. Ayyoob and K. R. Riya. (2023). Phasic development of Rice during the present and future climatic conditions in central zone of Kerala. International Journal of Environment and Climate Change, 13 (03): 26-36.

56.    Harithalekshmi. V., B. Ajithkumar, P. Lincy Davis and Arjun Vysakh. (2023). Effect of planting dates on crop growth indices and yield of different rice varieties. Ann. Agric. Res. New Series Vol. 44 (1): 16-22.

57.    Chinnu Raju., K. Ajith., B. Ajithkumar., S. Anitha and V. Divya Vijayan. (2023). Estimating  irrigation  water  requirement  in  rice  by  integration  of  satellite  data  and  agrometeorological indices in Palakkad, Kerala. J. of Agric. Meteorology. 25 (2): 293 - 299.

58.    Harithalekshmi. V. and B. Ajithkumar (2023). Impact of Climate Change on Crop Water Requirement of Rice in Central Zone of Kerala: An Assessment using CROPWAT Model. J Krishi Vigyan Vol. 11(2): 182-186.

59.    Tomson K. S, Anil Kuruvila and Ajithkumar B. (2023). Climate risk in Wayanad district: An empirical analysis. Journal of Tropical Agriculture 61 (1): 123-126

60.    K. S. Vinu, P. Shajeesh Jan, B. Ajithkumar and Anitha S. (2023). Influence of irrigation based on IW/CPE ratio on growth and yield of Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) under different sowing dates. Ann. Agric. Res. New Series Vol. 44 (2): 223-229.

61.    B. Ajithkumar, K. S. Vinu, Lincy Davis and Arjun Vysakh (2023) Verification of Rainfall Forecast of Southwest Monsoon and Northeast Monsoon during 2018 and 2019 of Malappuram district of Kerala. J. Agric. Res. Technol., 48 (2) : 187-191

62.    K. S. Vinu, P. Shajeesh Jan and B. Ajithkumar (2023) Crop growth indices of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) affected by varied planting dates. Journal of AgriSearch.10 (4): 221-225

63.    Riya K. R. and B. Ajithkumar. (2023) Future changes in rice cultivation in the central zone of Kerala.  Ann. Agric. Res. New Series Vol. 44 (3) : 387-394

64.    Riya K.R. and B. Ajithkumar (2023) Assessing the Impact of Climate Change on Short-duration Rice Varieties in Kerala: A Study using Weather Data and Yield Prediction Model. Journal of Agricultural Physics. Vol. 23, No. 1, pp. 37-48

65.    Abin Divakaran A., P. Lincy Davis, B. Ajithkumar, Arjun Vysakh and Vinu K. S. (2024) Crop Weather Relationship of Turmeric Under Different Mulching Practices. Journal of AgriSearch, 11 (1): 26-30

66.    Navitha V. N., Mercykutty M. J., Binoo P. Bonny, B. Ajithkumar and Jaliya M. K. (2024) Mushroom Cultivation MOOC at Kerala Agricultural University: Garrett Ranking Analysis of Constraints to Enhance Online Agriculture Learning. Asian Journal of Agricultural Extension, Economics & Sociology. 42 (2) : 9-14

 

List of books/Technical Bulletins

 

1.      B. Ajithkumar, K Ajith, P. Shajeesh Jan, Lincy Davis, Arjun Vysakh, Gayathri Rajasekharan (2020) Proc. AGMET-2020- Agrometeorological interventions for enhancing farmers income

2.      Dr. B. Ajithkumar., Arjun Vysakh., Vinu, K. S., Harithalekshmi V., Aswathi K. P. (2021). Kalaavastha pravachanangal karshakaril ethikkaan ASK App. (Harithabhoomi 11 (10))

3.      Harithalekshmi V., B. Ajithkumar (2021) Ceres Vila Mathrika: Gaveshana Karyakshamatha Vardhanavinaayulla Noothana Sangethika Vidya. (Kalpadhenu KAU 41(3))

4.      Dr. B. Ajithkumar., Vinu, K. S., Harithalekshmi V., Aswathi K. P. (2021). Kaalavasthayarinju Vilayirakkuu (Kalpadhenu KAU 41 (2))

5.      B. Ajithkumar, Arjun Vysakh, K. K. Dakhore and Aswathi K. P. (2022) Agrometeorology of millets (book chapter)

6.      B. Ajithkumar, Latha A, Riya K. R, Vinu K. S, P. Lincy Davis, Arjun Vysakh, Sarath Chandran M. A., and Santanu Kumar Bal (2022) Tropical Cyclones over Kerala

7.      Vinu K. S, Shajeesh jan. P , B. Ajithkumar (2023) Nilakkadalayum Valarthaam

(Krishiyanganam 6 (10)

8.        B. Ajithkumar, P. Lincy Davis, Arjun Vysakh, Linitha Nair, Riya K. R, Vinu K. S, Sanjay Kumar M S, Sarath Chandran M. A., and Santanu Kumar Bal (2024) Mapping Flooded Areas in Thrissur district, Kerala using Geo-spatial techniques.

Academics:

List of Courses offered

Under graduate level

 

Catalogue No.	Course Title	Credit
Agmt 1101	Introductory Agro-meteorology and climate change	1+1
Bass 1208	Climate Science [B.Sc.(Hons.) Forestry]	1+1
Ssac 2104	Environmental Studies & Disaster Management	1+1

 

 Post graduate level

Catalogue No.	Course Title	Credit
AGM 501	Fundamentals of Meteorology and Climatology	2+1
AGM 502	Fundamentals of Agricultural Meteorology	2+1
AGM 503	Micrometeorology	2+1
AGM 504	Agro-meteorological measurements and instrumentation	1+2
AGM 506	Crop weather models	1+2
AGM 507	Weather modification and risk management strategies	2+0
AGM 508	Principles of remote sensing and its applications in agriculture	2+1

 

Extension services:

·         Dissemination of Agromet Advisory Bulletins to the farmers of four district viz., Thrissur,Palakkad, Ernakulam and Malappuram using medium range weather forecasting

·         Agromet Advisory bulletins for Kerala are preparing and sending to IMD and ICAR

·         Regular field visits to the farmers field

·         Conducting of farmer’s awareness programme on Climate change and Agriculture through out Kerala to educate farmers as well as to the students community

·         Installation of raingauges at different farmers’ house to educate them about rainfall variability and climate change

·         Installation and inspection of agromet instruments in other stations of KAU

·         Distribution agricultural implements viz. Coconut climbing machine, single wheel barrow, sprayers, spade, rubber baskets, felling knife etc. to SC farmers of Thrissur district under the SC-SP programme of AICRPAM and AICRPAM-NICRA projects.

 

Training, seminars and other services:

Sl. No.	Name of Faculty	Training/seminar	Location	Date
1.	Dr. B. Ajithkumar	International Symposium on Advances in Agrometeorology for Managing Climate Risks of Farmers (INAGMET-2019)	JNU, New Delhi	11-13 February 2019
2.	Dr. B. Ajithkumar	6th Capacity Enhancement Programrne(CEP)	Birsa Agricgltural University, Kanke, Ranchi	l6-25 February 2019
3.	Dr. B. Ajithkumar	Working group meeting of AICRP on Agrometeorology (AICRPAM)	ZARS, Solapur	04-06 December 2019
4.	Dr. B. Ajithkumar	Capacity Enhancement Program – 2020	AAU, Anand	02-07 March 2020
5.	Dr. B. Ajithkumar	Three days online training programme on “Climate change, impact, assessment and mitigation in Agriculture”	Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana	04–06 January 2021
6.	Dr. B. Ajithkumar	Training on Dynamic Crop Weather Calendar	CRIDA, Hyderabad	04 March 2021
7.	Dr. B. Ajithkumar	VIRTUAL NATIONAL SEMINAR ON “Strategic Reorientation for Climate Smart Agriculture (V-AGMET 2021)	Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, Punjab	17-19 March 2021
8.	Dr. B. Ajithkumar	Online Training program on “Climate Change Adaptation in Agriculture”	MANAGE, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad	23-26 March 2021
9.	Dr. B. Ajithkumar	Workshop SAFOAM (South Asia Forum on Agricultural Meteorology)	International Society for Agricultural Meteorology	13 June 2021
10.	Dr. B. Ajithkumar	International Webinar on “Statistical Techniques in Agricultural Research”	Department of Agrl. Statistics, CoA	29 June 2021
11.	Dr. B. Ajithkumar	Webinar on “Climate change and Agro-ecosystem”	AICRP on Agro meteorology and AICRPAM-NICRA, Directorate of Research, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya	08 July 2021
12.	Dr. B. Ajithkumar	Training on Dynamic crop weather Calendar V_2.0	ISSD, DGM-HQ	14 July 2021
13.	Dr. B. Ajithkumar	Training on Dynamic Crop Weather Calendar	ISSD DGM HQ	05 August 2021
14.	Dr. B. Ajithkumar	National Webinar on Use of Geospatial Techniques in Climatic Risk Mapping and Management in Agriculture	Directorate of Research, SKN Agriculture University, Jobner-303 329, Jaipur (Rajasthan)	26 August 2021
15.	Dr. B. Ajithkumar	EC meeting of Association of Agro meteorologist	Association of Agro meteorologist (AAM)	07 September 2021
16.	Dr. B. Ajithkumar	12th Annual Review Meeting on FASAL Scheme	India Meteorological Department, MoES, Govt. of India	23 September 2021
17.	Dr. B. Ajithkumar	Capacity Building Programme Committee Meeting of SAFOAM	South Asia Forum on Agricultural Meteorology (SAFOAM)	10 October 2021
18.	Dr. B. Ajithkumar	Second meeting of Executive Council (2021-22) of Association of Agro meteorologist	Association of Agro meteorologist (AAM)	12 October 2021
19.	Dr. B. Ajithkumar	Regional Seminar on “Climate extremes, economic loss and farmer resilience”	Indian Society of Agricultural Economics (ISAE), Mumbai and Department of Agricultural Economics, Kerala Agricultural University	11-12 November 2021
20.	Dr. B. Ajithkumar	International Symposium on Tropical Meteorology (INTROMET 2021) on Changing Climate: Consequences and Challenges	Cochin Chapter of the Indian Meteorological Society (IMS) and Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT)	23-26 November 2021
21.	Dr. B. Ajithkumar	One week online training program on statistical data analysis using "R" software	Science Tech Institute, Lucknow, UP	21-27 December 2021
22.	Dr. B. Ajithkumar Dr. P. Lincy Davis Mr. Arjun Vysakh	International Workshop on Advance Statistical Data Analysis using SPSS	Science Tech Institute, Lucknow	21-27 January 2022
23.	Dr. B. Ajithkumar	YIP : Orientation Programme	KDISC	11.02.2022
24.	Dr. B. Ajithkumar	AGM of Indian Society of Agrophysics	Indian Society of Agrophysics	22 February 2022
25.	Dr. P. Lincy Davis	KAU- Centre for e-Learning- Advanced Training on Moodle LMS	Centre for e-Learning, KAU	21-25 March 2022
26.	Dr. B. Ajithkumar Mr. Arjun Vysakh	National Conference on “Managing Weather & Climate risks in Agriculture-Adopting Crops to Climate Variability and Uncertainity” scheduled at SKAUST-Kashmir	Association of Agrometeorologists, Anand and Kashmir Chapter	24- 26 March 2022
27.	Dr. B. Ajithkumar Dr. P. Lincy Davis Mr. Arjun Vysakh	Agri Diksha Virtual Classroom- Capacity building session	ICAR	07April 2022
28.	Dr. B. Ajithkumar Dr. P. Lincy Davis Mr. Arjun Vysakh	Maximizing the use of “Virtual Classrooms and Agri-DIKSHA Web Education Channel” at Agricultural Universities under NAHEP - Resilient Agricultural Higher Education System (RAES)	ICAR	28 April 2022
29.	Dr. B. Ajithkumar Dr. P. Lincy Davis Mr. Arjun Vysakh	International Workshop on “Climate Proofing of Watershed Development Projects with special reference to Soil and Water Conservation Technologies in context of Climate Smart Agriculture”	ICAR-IISWC, Research Center, Udhagamandalam	02-03 May 2022
30.	Dr. B. Ajithkumar	Xth Annual Review Workshop of NICRA-AICRPAM	ICAR-Central Research Institute for Dryland Agriculture (CRIDA), Hyderabad	2-4 June 2022
31.	Dr. B. Ajithkumar	Brainstorming meeting ‘Agroclimatic Atlas of India: A revisit’	AICRP on Agrometeorology, ICAR - CRIDA, Hyderabad, Telangana	03 June 2022
32.	Dr. B. Ajithkumar	Brainstorming session on “Water Policy for Rainfed Agriculture”	Indian Society of Dryland Agriculture (ISDA) and ICAR-CRIDA, Hyderabad	04 June 2022
33.	Dr. P. Lincy Davis Mr. Arjun Vysakh	KAU- Centre for e-Learning- Training on Data Analysis using ‘R’ software	Centre for e-Learning, KAU in collaboration with Dept. of Agrl. Statistics, CoA, KAU	21-25 June 2022
34.	Dr. B. Ajithkumar	64th meeting of the Board of Studies (Agriculture)	KAU	07.07.2022
35.	Dr. B. Ajithkumar	Workshop on “Smart Vertical Farming under Climate Innovation Challenge (CIC) Project”	SAFOAM	19.07.2022
36.	Dr. B. Ajithkumar	Delivered a lecture on the topic “KAU – Agri met services for Kerala” in First Kerala State Climate Change Stakeholders Consultation Workshop (KCCSCW-1) for Identifying Weather and Climate Information requirements of user Sectors conducted by Institute for Climate Change Studies (ICCS) in collaboration with various state, national and international agencies	KERALA STATE COUNCIL FOR SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, AND ENVIRONMENT INSTITUTE OF CLIMATE CHANGE STUDIES	01-02 August 2022
37.	Dr. B. Ajithkumar	XVI Biennial Workshop and VII Capacity Building Program of AICRP on Agro-Meteorology	ICAR-AICRPAM	12-21 November 2022
38.	Dr. B. Ajithkumar	A webinar on “Climate Change and Impacts in Argentina: Impacts of Increasing Climate Variability and Climate Change in Agriculture”	International Society for Agricultural Meteorology ( INSAM)	26 November 2022
39.	Dr. B. Ajithkumar	Lectures on the topics, Microclimate modification using carbon dioxide enrichment technology and crop responses and El Nino: Effects on Indian Monsoon and crop Production in the National Training Programme on “Recent Advances in Agricultural Meteorology” at College of Agriculture, Pune	National Training Programme on “Recent Advances in Agricultural Meteorology” at College of Agriculture, Pune	December 13 2022
40.	Dr. B. Ajithkumar	Webinar  on “Crop Insurance” conducted by South Asia Forum on Agricultural Meteorology (SAFOAM)	SAFOAM	18 January 2022

 

Ongoing Projects

 

ICAR and MoES (IMD)	·         AICRP on Agrometeorology ·         AICRPAM –National Innovations on Climate Resilient Agriculture (NICRA) ·         Gramin Krishi Mausam Sewa (GKMS) ·         Forecasting Agricultural output using Space, Agrometeorology and Land based observations (FASAL)
State Plan Projects	·         Intensification of Agromet advisory services in Kerala ·         Network project on Vulnerability mapping of Kerala State ·         Impact of elevated temperature on the growth and yield of vegetables in the central zone of Kerala

 

Completed Projects

 

Name of project	Name of PI	Funding agency	Budget (Lakhs)	Period
Crop weather relation studies in banana (Nendran) under the changing climate (Central Region)	Dr. B. Ajithkumar	State Planning Board	0.87 Lakhs	2018-19
Indigenous technical knowledge of weather and climate in relation with agriculture and forecasting in northern and high range zone of Kerala	Dr. B. Ajithkumar	State Planning Board	1.6 Lakhs	2018-19
Establishment of pest and disease surveillance and forewarning units in the central zone	Dr. B. Ajithkumar	State Planning Board	1.7 Lakhs	2018-19