School of Agriculture | Prist Deemed to be University

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.

PROGRAM EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVE

Imparting subject-related knowledge along with developing a connection between practical solutions and theory
Encourage personal growth among students and boost their self-confidence, which will give them opportunities to be an integral part of the agro-industry
Making the agriculture-related subjects interesting through scientific and experimental evidence.
Develop problem-solving skills through practical applications and research

PROGRAM SPECIFIC OUTCOME

Understand the impact of the professional agricultural solutions in societal and environmental contexts, and demonstrate the knowledge of, and need for sustainable development
To demonstrate researchbased knowledge of the legal and ethical environment impacting agriculture organizations and exhibit an understanding and appreciation of the ethical implications of decisions
To demonstrate an understanding of and appreciation for the importance of the impact of globalization and diversity in modern agriculture organizations. Understanding of globalization, and NGO working
To demonstrate an ability to engage in critical thinking by analyzing situations and constructing and selecting viable solutions to solve problems. Ability to work effectively with others. To develop analytical ability and team work spirit
To understand and analyze the current events and issues that are occurring in agriculture and how they affect futuristic agriculture
Enable to recognize and examine the relationships between inputs and outputs in their agricultural field to make effective and profitable decisions. To understand mechanics of agripreneurship.
Understand how all aspects of agriculture combine and are used by scientists, marketers, producers and understand how employer characteristics and decisionmaking at various levels enhance the success of an agricultural enterprise. To understand components of agri business and economics of market.
Able to demonstrate critical thinking and problem solving skills as they apply to a variety of animal and or plant production systems .To understand problem solving skills in crop production and animal husbandry.
Knowledge of Weather codes and Symbols, Reading and Recording of weather and climatic data. To get trained for climatologically records, Soil data, and Plant nutrition.
To develop critical and self-critical opinion and approach aiming at solving the most important practical problems in the field of plant protection by applying gained competencies and in accordance with high standards of academic integrity (ethics and moral) both in the profession and in society as a whole. To develop competence to work in Government, public and private sectors.
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding in the horticulture section: The breadth and depth of the profession of horticulture. Basic horticulture biology: taxonomy, anatomy, morphology, and physiology. The characteristics of the environment and their influence on plant growth and development. Current applications of horticultural principles and practices: propagation, pest management, production, maintenance, and business practices. Comprehensive knowledge of horticultural production.
This programme will also help students to enhance their employability for jobs in different sectors

PROGRAME OUTCOME

Graduates will acquire detailed basic and applied knowledge on crop cultivation, crop improvement, seed production, management of abiotic-stress, reclamation, plant protection, farm machinery, renewable energy, livestock production and allied socioeconomic aspects concerned with field and horticultural crops and necessary skills and hands on experience for entrepreneurship venture, cost of cultivation, higher studies and research in all frontier areas of agriculture.
Graduates will be able to develop expertise in the various techniques and illustrate efficiency in identifying symptoms & pests, farm budgeting, weather analysis, irrigation and nutrient management.
Graduates will be successful professionals in agro-industries with problem solving skills, critical thinking, market intelligence and decision-making and will be able to organize, facilitate and participate effectively and demonstrate innovativeness and creativity.
Graduates will function as an effective member or leader in diverse teams of knowledge dissemination regarding various farming techniques and commercial aspects of agriculture.
Graduates will learn appropriate traditional/Indigenous/organic and modern techniques and understand the current problems which are necessary for future goals in agriculture. Further, they will have absolute idea about energy flow, waste management, environment related enforcements and eco system management.
Graduates will gain accurate and relevant analytical skills of problems and will have capacity to interpret information, analyze data and draw appropriate statistical conclusions, respond and adapt to changing situations and to understand the ethical standards.

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

SOME RECENT PUBLICATIONS :

Ashokkumar, K., Sivakumar, P. and Saradhadevi, M. 2018. Identification and determination of naturally occurring folates in grains of rice (Oryza sativa) by UPLC-MS/MS analysis. Natural product research, 32(14): 1733-1737.

Niroja, D. and Kannan, R. 2019. Studies on the insecticidal and IGR activity of red algal seaweeds of Rameswaram coast on a polyphagous pest, Spodoptera litura (Fab.). Journal of Entomological Research, 43(4):451 – 456.
Niroja, D. and Kannan, R. 2020 Anti-insect properties of a potential marine algae Sargassum wightii against S. litura (Fab.). Pestology, 44(2): 17-20.
Niroja, D. and Kannan, R. 2020. Larvicidal and insect growth regulatory activities of methanol extract of sargassum cinereum j. agardh against spodoptera litura Fabricius. Journal of Interdisciplinary Cycle Research, 12(2): 100-110.
Niroja, D. and Kannan, R. 2022. Bioactivity of marine brown algae Padina gymnospora (Kutzing) Sounder on Spodoptera litura (Fabricius). International Journal of Entomology Research, 7(3): 1-5.
Kavikuilan, K. and Kanagarajan, R. 2022. Assessment of rice leaf folder, Cnaphalocrocis medinalis (Guenee) damage on different rice accessions under field conditions. International Journal of Entomology Research, 7(7): 55-61.
Kavikuilan, K. and Kanagarajan, R. 2023. Physical screening of resistance on selected rice accessions against rice leaf folder – Cnaphalocrocis medinalis Guenee (Pyralidae: Lepidoptera) under screen house condition. Uttar Pradesh Journal of Zoology, 44(21): 260-265.
Sharmitha, K., Arivukkarasu, K., Sundari, A. and Muthukumaran, N. 2023. Evaluation of new herbicides for weed management in irrigated blackgram. Indian Journal of Natural Science, 14(78): 57401-57405.
Sharmitha, K., Arivukkarasu, K., Sundari, A. and Muthukumaran, N. 2023. Efficacy of herbicides on weed dynamics, growth and yield attributes of irrigated blackgram. Indial Journal of Applied and Pure biology, 38(1): 26-30.

Saradha Devi, M., Ashokkumar, M. and Annapoorani, S. 2017 Phytofabrication and encapsulated of silver nanoparticles from Gloriosa superb. Materials letters, 188:198-200.
Manaye, A., Shanthi, V. and Wedajo, G. 2017. Micro-Propagation of Cassava (Manihot Esculenta Crantz) Using Bulla Flour (Ensete Ventricosum (Welw.), Cheesman) as an Alternative Source of Agar in Plant Tissue Culture Media. International Journal of Research Studies in Science, Engineering and Technology, 4(2), 2017: 23-34.
Kumarakuru, K. and Sundaramoorthy Haripriya. 2018. Assessment of Nutritional status and Dietary pattern of fishermen in coastal area of Puducherry. Asian journal of Multidimensional Research,7 (2): 279-286.
Kumarakuru, K. Chagamkoteshwara Reddy and Sundaramoorthy Haripriya. 2018. Physicochemical, morphology and functional characterization of fish protein isolates from four fish species. Journal of food science and technology. 55 (12): 4928-4936
Anu P. Mani and Anburani, A. Organic nutrient management technique for enhancing growth and physiological parameters in radish (raphanus sativus l.). Journal of Phytology, 10: 40-42.
Vibithabala, B., Gopal, O. and Sivakumar U. 2019. Effect of Klebsiellaoxytoca and Acinetobacter on the growth of rice genotypes under moisture stress. International Journal of Agricultural Sciences, 11(7):8255-8259.
Vibithabala, B., Gopal, N.O. and Sivakumar, U. 2019. Assessment of endophytic guard cell bacterial strains Klebsiellaoxytoca and Acinetobactersp of rice for abiotic stress tolerance. International Journal of Microbiology Research, 11(5): 1580-1583.
V., Balakrishnan. T., Srinivasaperumal, A.P. and J.U. Janusia. 2019. Market Orientation and Market Perception of Coconut Growers Tiruppur District of Tamil Nadu. Pramana Research Journal, 9 (5): 60-63.
Janusia, J.U. and Balamurugan, V. 2020. Communication behaviour of coconut growers in tiruppur district of tamil nadu. Plant Archives, 20 (1)
Kumarakuru, P.Vasanthakumari, V.Meyyappan and K.Sundar. 2020. Impact of thermal process on quality characteristics of instant squid mix. American journal of food technology. 15(1).

PATENTS

S.No.

INVENTOR(S) &PATENT TITLE

APPLICATION NUMBER& DATE FILLED

FILED(F)

/PUBLISED(P)

/GRANTED(G)

PROF.N.ILANCHEZHIAN, DR. B. CHANDRASEKARAN,. DR. BAKRUDEEN ALI AHMED, DR. T.T.M. KANNAN

201941033031/30. 08.2019

SPONSORED RESEARCH PROJECTS:

S.No.	PROJECT TITLE	FACULTY	SPONSORING AGENCY
1.	Integrated farming communities with advanced IoT and automation for sustainable agriculture	Dr.A.Sathyavelu	R.K.Township
2.	Dedicated areas for organic farming practices and certification	Dr.B.Guna	R.K.Township
3.	Integrated farms combining crops and livestock for sustainable farming	Dr.D. Jayakumar	R.K.Township
4.	Sites showcasing sustainable permaculture practices	Dr.M.Priyanga	R.K.Township
5.	Centers promoting sustainable pest control methods	Dr.K.Kumarakuru	R.K.Township
6.	Preserving agricultural heritage and traditional practices	Dr.A.Udayakumar	R.K.Township
7.	Projects focusing on creating green belts and biodiversity conservation	Dr. B. Chandrasekaran	R.K.Township
8.	Development of a range of multigrain nutrient dense carb based bakery and confectionery recipe	Dr.A.Udayakumar	Sri Chendhoor & Co
9.	Certifications and Standards for Sustainable Shrimp Farming and Export	Dr.D.R.Sudha	Royal Marine impex
10.	Research and development of robotics for farming applications	Dr.D. Niroja	R.K.Township
11.	Financial services tailored for agricultural needs	Dr.R.Senthilkumar	R.K.Township
12.	Innovative Aquaculture Techniques for Climate Resilience	Mr. S.R.Raajmohan	Royal Marine impex
13.	Marine Renewable Energy: Offshore Wind Farms and Tidal Power	Dr.B.Chandrasekaran	Royal Marine impex
14.	The Role of Marine Protected Areas in Ocean Health	Dr.A.Sathyavelu	Royal Marine impex
15.	Microplastic Pollution: Sources, Distribution, and Mitigation	Ms. C.K. Akshaya	Royal Marine impex
16.	Coral Reef Restoration: Techniques and Long-term Success	Dr.B.Guna	Royal Marine impex
17.	Impact of Climate Change on Marine Species Migration Patterns	Dr.D.R.Sudha	Royal Marine impex
18.	Developing Biodegradable Materials to Replace Ocean Plastics	Dr.P.Selvaraj	Royal Marine impex
19.	Cultural Differences and Their Impact on International Business Negotiations	Ms. K. Shalini	Bismi Imports and Exports
20.	Economic Impacts of Import/Export Activities on Local Economies	Mr. S. Tamil Covane	Bismi Imports and Exports
21.	Global Trade Dynamics: Analyzing Emerging Markets and Their Impact on Export Strategies	Mrs. G. Banumathi	Bismi Imports and Exports
22.	Sustainable Fishing Practices and Their Impact on Marine Ecosystems	Dr.K. Shiva	Royal Marine impex
23.	Innovations in Food Preservation Techniques to Reduce Post-Harvest Losses	Dr.A.Sathyavelu	Sri Chendhoor & Co
24.	Optimization of Nutritional Content in Fortified Food Products	Prof.N.Ilanchezhian	Sri Chendhoor & Co
25.	Development of Smart Sensors for Real-Time Quality Monitoring in Food Processing	Dr.K. Shiva	Sri Chendhoor & Co
26.	Sustainable Aquaculture Practices for Enhancing Fish Production	Dr.B.Chandrasekaran	Royal Marine impex
27.	Investigation of Marine Algae as an Alternative Feed Source in Aquaculture	Dr.P.Selvaraj	Royal Marine impex
28.	Assessment of the Impact of Climate Change on Coastal Fisheries	Dr.K.Kumarakuru	Royal Marine impex
29.	Development of Advanced Fishery Management Tools Using Remote Sensing	Dr.B.Guna	Royal Marine impex
30.	Design of Multi-Functional Tractors for Small-Scale Farming	Dr.D.R.Sudha	Suhas Engineering
31.	Innovations in Autonomous Weed Control Systems Using AI and Robotics	Dr.K.Ashokkumar	Suhas Engineering
32.	Assessment of Drone Technology for Pest and Disease Management in Crops	Dr. V. Shanthi	Suhas Engineering

SEED MONEY GRENTED BY PRIST:

S.No.	PROJECT TITLE	FACULTY	GRANT IN Rs.
1.	In vitro bioassay of selected oil formulation against chilli thrips Scirtothrips dorsalishood	Dr.V.Shanthi	15,000
2.	Agro- economic viability and sustainability of organic farming system	Dr. A.Sathyavelu	15,000
3.	Identification of novel land races for genetic improvement of rice under water regime	Dr. K.Kumarakuru	15,000
4.	Evaluation of folate concentration in rice and wheat	Dr. K.Ashokkumar	25,000

School of Agriculture

Awards

2017-2018 Dr.K.C.Sivabalan received the “Best Researcher Award” from PRIST Deemed to be University
2018-2019 Prof. N.Ilanchezhian received the “Uzhavarulagam Award” from Uzhavarulagam Magazine for research
2019-2020 Ms.A.Sowbika received the “Best Teacher Award” from PRIST Deemed to be University (Already uploaded in web page)
2021-2022 Dr.B.Vibitha Bala received the “Best Researcher Award” from PRIST Deemed to be University
2021-2022 Ms.C.K.Akshaya received the “Best Researcher Award” from PRIST Deemed to be University
2024 – Kavikuilan received the Best Oral Presentation award from JSA College of Agriculture and Technology (Affiliated to Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore-3) on 17^thFebruary, 2024.

On Friday, January 31, 2025, the training program titled ‘Drones for Agriculture’ 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 Mr. Aravindan. The Workshop was attended by participants from the School of Agriculture. Read More
- 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”, 12^thDecember 2022.
- National Level seminar on “Organic Farming for sustainable agriculture”, 28^thMarch 2019.
- Special Seminar on “Fungal disease of crop plants and their management”, 3^rdJuly 2018.
- Guest Lecture on “Actions are our future”, 16^thAugust 2018.
- Seminar on “Biofertilizers, biopesticides and micronutrient mixtures and advanced techniques of seed treatment such as seed shell production (SSP)”, 8^thDecember 2018.
- Workshop on “Mushroom cultivation”, 2-03-2017.
- RAWE Students Activities in 2025.Read More

: Field preparation by 3rd year students in agronomy class for the course of practical Crop production-I (Kharif crops)

: Students were involved vermi-compost application to the nursery beds

: Students were involved rice transplanting in agronomy class for the course of practical Crop production-I (Kharif crops)

: 2nd year students were engaged on bed preparation for sunflower seed sowing (Field crops-II)

: Weeding in Maize field on field crop-II course (Cafeteria preparation)

: Weeding in sunflower field

: The workshop’s resource person, Dr.K.Bharathidasan from viswajith bee farm, explaining about bee products to the students

: The resource person, Dr.K.Bharathidasan from viswajith bee farm, explaining about bee hive

: Preparation of dry fruit processing

: Preparation of dry fruit processing

: Preparation of dry fruit processing

: Preparation of dry fruit processing

: The workshop’s resource person, Dr.P.Manikandan from MSSRF, explaining about natural farming practices and demonstrated many types of extracts.

: The workshop’s resource person, Dr.P.Manikandan from MSSRF, explaining about natural farming practices and demonstrated many types of extracts.

: The workshop’s resource person, Dr.P.Manikandan from MSSRF, explaining about natural farming practices and demonstrated many types of extracts.

: The workshop’s resource person, Dr.P.Manikandan from MSSRF, explaining about natural farming practices and demonstrated many types of extracts.

: The workshop’s resource person, Dr.P.Manikandan from MSSRF, honored by our hon’ble Vice chancellor Dr.T.V.Christy

: The resource person Dr.P.Manikandan from MSSRF, lighting the lamp.

: The resource person Dr.S.Abirami, Director, Seyon Biotech, lighting the lamp.

: The chief person lighting lamp on farmers meeting on the title of ‘Laabam Kozhikkum Velinattu Thozhilnutpangal (Eyarkai Iduporul Thayarippu Payirchi)’ [‘Profitable Foreign Technologies (Natural Ingredient Product Training)’].