THRISSUR: The Academic Council of Kerala Agricultural University (KAU) on Wednesday cleared the proposal to start a Directorate of Open and Distance Education.
KAU ViceChancellor K R Viswambharan said the distance education programmes would benefit the rural youth who could not use the facility of regular stream of study. "Lessons in practical farming and scientific agricultural practices will be imparted through the distance education programme. There will be courses beneficial to all categories connected with agriculture," Viswambharan said.
Entrance test
The Academic Council decided to recommend a separate entrance examination involving aptitude test for admission to agriculture and allied courses. This decision was taken to enable students with the right attitude and aptitude to take up agricultural studies so that they will be dedicated proponents of the agricultural science.
New courses
Postgraduate programme in Agronomy, Plant Pathology, Horticulture, Soil Science, Entomology, Plant Breeding Genetics, Plant Physiology, Agricultural Microbiology, Agricultural Extension and Agricultural Economics will be started at the College of Agriculture, Padannakkad.
A certificate course in Plant Protection will be started in the College of Agriculture, Vellayani.
A new MBA programme in International Business Management and doctoral programme in Fishery Resource Management will be started at the College of Fisheries, Panangad. The Council also decided to amend the regulations of the MSc integrated courses in order to solve the problems being faced by the students in tune with an assurance given at last General Council meeting.
P K Asokan, director (Academic), informed the Academic Council that two seats in BTech (Dairy Technology) course have been reserved for students sponsored by the Government of Meghalaya according to its request.