കാർഷിക കോളേജ്, പടന്നക്കാട്

The College of Agriculture, Padannakkad (CoAP), a constituent college of Kerala Agricultural University, was established at Regional Agricultural Research Station (RARS), Pilicode on 1st July, 1994 with the main focus of addressing agricultural issues of Malabar region, particularly the northern districts of Kerala, and later shifted to the Padannakkad campus in 1999, and currently has 18 functional departments. 

The college presently offers undergraduate, B.Sc. (Hons.) Ag. Degree and a range of MSc courses in Agriculture, accredited by recognised bodies. B.Sc.Hon.(Ag.) programme started in 1994 with a student intake capacity of 50.  However, this has been increased to 100 numbers since 2018.  

From the academic year 2011-12, the college has also started offering Post Graduate Programmes in Agronomy, Soil Science and Agricultural Entomology.  Recently, the departments of Plant Biotechnology and Plant Pathology have also started post-graduate programmes.

Admission to the under-graduate course is based on national entrance exam NEET.  Admission to M.Sc. (Ag) courses is carried out through discipline-wise entrance examination conducted by KAU. The students include a fair share of out -of -state candidates as well, nominated by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep. 

Location

• The college is situated in the Northern Zone of Kerala, in Kasaragod district
• It is by the side of NH 66, about 9 kms south of Kanhangad town and 1 km north of Nileshwar town
• The nearest railway station is Nileshwar
• It lies between 12^o15’ and 12^o15’30” North latitude and  75^o07’ East longitude It is at an altitude of 5 to 8 m above sea level
   

Teaching

The first batch of B.Sc. (Ag) students successfully completed the course in May 1999.  The college is currently in its Silver Jubilee year.

At present the annual intake capacity of students is 100. Semester system of education as per the revised course curriculum by the Kerala Agricultural University is followed in the college.

The curriculum gives much emphasis for practical experience through work experience, field training, study tour etc. The minimum prescribed duration for B.Sc (Ag) programme is 8 semesters spread over four years. The maximum time limit permitted to complete the programme is 16 semesters including discontinuance, if any. The last semester is set apart exclusively for field training,Rural Agricultural Work Experience(RAWE) Programme.

The evaluation of students is based on their performance in theory and practical examinations, assignments, regular classworks and seminars. Both internal and external evaluation systems are followed.

To complete the course requirements successfully, the student should obtain an OGPA (Overall Grade Point Average) of 7.0/10.

Research

Several research scheme proposals have been submitted to the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and other agencies for financial assistance. Emphasis is given to problem-oriented research, which result in improving the crop production and productivity for the benefit of the farmers. 

Extension

In addition to the regular field trips and training as part of the academic requirements, various other extension activities are undertaken in the college. Agro-clinics and village adoption programme are certain specific extension activities carried out in the college for the effective transfer of technology. Besides, agricultural entrepreneurship development training is also given to the students.

Library

The college library provides textbooks, reference books and important periodicals in all subjects taught in the college. It is advised that the students should have their own collection of important textbooks. The library is provided with Internet facility and is linked with the University Central Library at Thrissur through VSAT.