Introduction

The School of Agriculture under Ponnaiyah Ramajayam Institute of Science and Technology (PRIST) was established at Vallam, Thanjavur in the year 2016.

The School is intended to impart high quality education so as to produce not just agricultural graduates but agro technocrats with practical and conceptual skills. With precise and deliberate course modules, which provides education, research and training along with first hand field experiences, the students would sure be transformed as skilled human resources.

The department has spacious laboratories such as Plant Pathology, Microbiology, Agricultural Entomology, Agricultural Botany and Genetics, Agronomy, Horticulture, Economics lab and Audio – Visual lab. All the laboratories are fully equipped with latest, modern and sophisticated equipment.

The Department having young as well as experienced and dynamic members on the faculty, is involved in providing quality education at the undergraduate level. The faculty members are from varied disciplines like Plant Pathology, Microbiology, Soil Science, Plant Genetics and Veterinary, Agricultural Entomology, Agronomy, Agricultural Extension, Horticulture and Economics.

Vision:

  • To provide facilities for imparting quality education in agriculture.
  • To carry out Cauvery delta region specific research to overcome the challenges faced by farmers in agriculture and allied sciences.
  • To disseminate appropriate technologies to farming community in order to enhance productivity and profitability.

Mission:

  • Committed to produce high quality, globally competent agriculture graduates with sense of service and dedication.
  • Strive to develop innovative technologies to meet the challenges in agriculture and conserve the environment.
  • Dissemination of appropriate technologies to promote commercial agriculture and thereby improving the standard of living of farming community.

Programme Offered

Full Time Program

At present, School of Agriculture is offering B.Sc., Agriculture, an undergraduate degree program of four-year duration (eight semesters).

Programme Outcomes – POs

At the end of the programme, the graduate should be able to:

  • Recognize the importance of agriculture in providing food, fibre and income as well as nation building.
  • Understand scientific methods of cultivation of field crops and horticultural crops along with animal production.
  • Establish agro based start-ups for the upliftment of rural community
  • Initiate rural enterprises thereby providing jobs for the jobless.
  • Carry out basic and applied research geared towards augmentation of crop and animal production
  • Transfer of agro technologies to the farming community via public and private sector stakeholders.
  • Pursue advanced courses and trainings in International and National institutions

More information on the procedure for admission may be found at www.prist.ac.in.

Research

Seed Money:

  • 2018-2019 – Dr.V.Shanthi – Rs.15000 – In vitro bioassay of selected oil formulation against chilli thrips Scirtothrips dorsalis hood
  • 2018-2019 – Dr. A.Sathyavelu –  Rs.15000 – Agro- economic viability and sustainability of organic farming system
  • 2018-2019 – Dr. K.Kumarakuru – Rs.15000 – Identification of novel land races for genetic improvement of rice under water regime
  • 2016-2017 – Dr. K.Ashokkumar – Rs.25000 – Evaluation of folate concentration in rice and wheat

Publications (Journals / Book / Book Chapters)

Books / Book Chapters

Book Chapter –

2017-2018 – 01: ISBN 978-1-73040-765-9 – Dictionary of life science by Dr. K. Ashokkumar

Awards / Honors & Fellowship

  • 2017-2018   Dr.K.C.Sivabalan received the “Best Researcher Award” from PRIST Deemed to be University.
  • 2019-2020  Ms. A.Sowbika received the “Best teacher Award” from PRIST Deemed to be University.

Activities / Events - Upcoming and Past Events

  • On Thursday, August 29, 2024, the training program titled ‘Managing Feed Costs and Production Efficiency in Poultry Farming’ took place. The program began at 10:00 am and concluded at 2:45 pm. Dr. R. Arunkumar, the Head of the Department (i/c), supported orgaizing the Workshop, which was conducted by Ms. M. Nuthana Priya, Assistant Professor in the Department of Horticulture at the School of Agriculture. The Workshop’s resource person, Mr. S. Misa Heal from Jeslin Poultry Farm, was honoured after invoking Mother Tamil and lighting of the  lamp. The training session officially started at 10:30 am following a special address and guest introduction by Dr. R. Arunkumar. The Workshop was attended by participants from the School of Agriculture. Read More
  • On August 25, 2024, Pasumai Vikatan and the School of Agriculture at PRIST University co-hosted a Farmers’ Meeting with the theme ‘Laabam Kozhikkum Velinattu Thozhilnutpangal (Eyarkai Iduporul Thayarippu Payirchi)’ [‘Profitable Foreign Technologies (Natural Ingredient Product Training)’]. Mr.Illanchezhiyan, President, Tamil Nadu Senior Agricultural Scientists Association (TASAA) – the Co-host of the event – delivered a special address emphasizing the importance and need for organic farming in the future. Dr. A. Udayakumar, the principal speaker, former Dean of the School of Agriculture at PRIST, addressed topics such as the organic foundation of nutrients and effective micro-organisms (EM) , offering insights on enhancing productivity. Dr. Udayakumar also provided guidance on maintaining a safe, hazard-free environment and promoting healthy agriculture. The event was attended by 94 farmers from Thanjavur, Thiruvarur, Mayiladuthurai, Trichy, Pudukkottai, Madurai,  Sivakasi, Dharmapuri, Coimbatore, Thirupur, Salem, Erode, Theni, Dindigul, Perambalur, Villupuram and Chennai districts.. Read More
  • A one-day training programme on ‘Cutting-edge Techniques in Biofertilizers (Soil Probiotics) for Greener Agriculture’ was held at the School of Agriculture on Friday, August 9, 2024. Dr. S. Abirami, Director, Seyon Biotech, Thanjavur, was the Chief Resource Person. The Hon. Vice Chancellor delivered the felicitation address. Dr. R. Arunkumar, Head i/c of the Department, explained the objectives of the Workshop. The team led by Ms. T. Vinotha, Assistant Professor, Department of Agricultural Extension, School of Agriculture had made the necessary arrangements for the Workshop. Participants in the Workshop included students and faculty from the Department of Microbiology, School of Agriculture, and School of Arts and Science. The bio-fertilizers training program was designed to improve participants’ comprehension and hands-on knowledge regarding the application of bio-fertilizers in sustainable farming. The presenter eloquently discussed the various kinds of bio-fertilizers. Read More
  • On August 2, 2024, the School of Agriculture at Ponnaiyah Ramajayam Institute of Science and Technology held a one-day training program in the department of Entomology. The major goal is to learn about natural farming approaches that can improve soil health and crop output.  Dr. P.Manikandan, Scientist at the MS Swaminathan Research Foundation, Pudukottai, delivered a lecture on ‘Natural farming techniques: Enhancing soil health and crop yield’. During the workshop, he explained natural farming practices and demonstrated many types of extracts such as Beejamirth, Jeevamirth, Ghanajeevamirth, Neemastra, Chilli-garlic extract, Fish amino acid, Agniastra, Bhramastra, Dashapoorani, MFO combination, IMO. Read More
  • An ‘one-day’ training session on commercial beekeeping took place on July 10, 2024 at the Agricultural Entomology department of the School of Agriculture, PRIST University. Dr. K. Bharathidasan, an entrepreneur from Viswajith Bee Farm in Ariyalur, gave a presentation on commercial beekeeping. He also demonstrated the technique with various display materials related to the subject topic. Read More
  • On July 19, 2024, the School of Agriculture, PRIST University, hosted a one-day training program on ‘Dairy Animals Identification and Health Management Tools.’ Dr. P. Selvaganapathy, a veterinary doctor, served as the resource person, providing an in-depth presentation on dairy animals and demonstrating the equipment used in the dairy industry. Read More
  • During Agronomy class hours, B.Sc. (Hon.) Agriculture students engage in regular farm activities such as seed sowing, irrigation, transplanting and weeding, following the instructions and methodologies provided by their course instructors. Read More
  • On June 6, 2024, the Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding at the School of Agriculture, PRIST Deemed to be University, conducted practical sessions on dry fruit technology. During these class hours, the course instructor demonstrated the techniques and provided detailed explanations about dry fruit technology to final-year students as part of their experiential learning courses. Read More
  • Industrial visits are a vital component of the educational journey for agriculture college students. They provide practical knowledge, industry insights, and networking opportunities that enhance the overall learning experience. Read More
  • Guest Lecture on “Entrepreneurship Development”, 12thDecember 2022.
  • National Level seminar on “Organic Farming for sustainable agriculture”, 28thMarch 2019.
  • Special Seminar on “Fungal disease of crop plants and their management”, 3rdJuly 2018.
  • Guest Lecture on “Actions are our future”, 16thAugust 2018.
  • Seminar on “Biofertilizers, biopesticides and micronutrient mixtures and advanced techniques of seed treatment such as seed shell production (SSP)”, 8thDecember 2018.
  • Workshop on “Mushroom cultivation”, 2-03-2017.

BEST PRACTICES ADOPTED

  • Curriculum Innovation
    • Study tours to regions of Cauvery delta enabling students Realtime farming experience
    • On-farm training programme (Rural Agricultural Work Experience and Industrial Tie-up Programme)
  • Innovation in Continuous Internal Assessment
    • Group assignments on real time applications
    • Technical writing of Research Papers
    • Mini Project
  • Facilities for advanced Learners
    • Extra credit courses
    • Peer tutoring
    • Group assignments on Special topics
  • Support for slow learners 
    • Special Coaching classes
    • Tutorial classes
    • Unit Test
    • Academic Counseling
    • Special Counseling
    • Remedial Classes
    • Supplementary Exam
  • Faculty Industry Connect

Contact Details

Dean, School of Agriculture,

Ponnaiyah Ramajayam Institute of Science and Technology (PRIST), Vallam, Thanjavur -613403.

Email:

deanagri@prist.ac.in

.