Training Service Scheme, Vellayani has organized a workshop on “Greener Cities,
Healthier Lives: Urban Agriculture Unleashed” in collaboration with French Institute of India
& Alliance Francaise de Trivandrum on 18/10/2023 at College of Agriculture, Vellayani for the
students and faculties under the chairmanship of Dr. K.N Anith , ADR (SZ), RARS, Vellayani.
Ms. Marie Fiers, Member of, French Association of Urban Agriculture, France was the chief
guest. Dr. Roy Stephen, Dean of Faculty, Faculty of Agriculture, KAU inaugurated the workshop
and he specified the importance of new techniques and technologies for developing Urban
Agriculture. Dr.Anith, in his presidential speech, spoke about the recycling of household waste
including wastewater for urban agriculture. Ms. Margot Michaud, Director, Alliance Francaise
de, Trivandrum extended future collaboration with CoA, Vellayani. Dr. Thomas George ,GC
Member, Prof.& Head, PRR &AL, CoA, Vellayani and Dr.G.S.Sreedaya ,Associate Professor &
Head, TSS, Vellayani & ADE (SZ) talked during the inaugural session.
During the technical session, Chief guest Ms. Marie Fiers presented various agricultural
practices prevailing in France. She also explained three categories of urban agriculture ie.
community gardens, participatory urban farming and specialized urban farms. Various aspects of
mushroom cultivation, hydroponics, microgreens, sheep, poultry and livestock were also dealt.
Dr. V. S. Santhosh Mithra, Principal Scientist, ICAR-Central Tuber Crops Research Institute,
Trivandrum, spoke regarding urban smart farming innovations for sustainable agriculture and e-
crop, an automated crop management system developed by CTCRI, Sreekaryam under his
guidance. Dr. Salini V S ,Consultant Scientist and Urban Ecologist, Institute for Rural
Development, Thiruvananthapuram explained the multidimensional approach in the urban
agroecosystem in Thiruvananthapuram city. Sri. Sujith S V ,Kerala State Awardee farmer 2023-
Best vegetable farmer, shared his journey from the cooperative world to the best Harithamithra
Award Winner.
Dr. Chinchu V S, Assistant Professor, TSS, Vellayani gave the vote of thanks. The
programme was attended by 83 students and 10 faculty members. Certificates of participation
were awarded to the participants.
