Pineapple Research Station, Vazhakulam is a Research Station under the Central Zone of Kerala Agricultural University at Vazhakulam in Ernakulam district of Kerala, India. Established in 1995, this centre has developed scientific technology for the commercial cultivation of high yielding varieties of pineapple, such as pure cropping, intercropping in rubber and coconut plantations and in reclaimed paddy fields.
The centre undertakes basic and applied research and development activities in pineapple, passion fruit, banana and other fruit crops of Kerala. The research and development projects are mainly in Participatory technology development (PTD) mode and funded by various agencies such as KAU, State and central governments, ICAR, SHM, NHM, KSCSTE, etc. Technology is developed for organic production. Tissue culture protocols for various varieties of pineapple are available. GI indication of Vazhakulam Pineapple is registered. Participatory technology process and product development in association with sister institutions, Nadukkara Agro Processing Factory and Pineapple Farmers' Association for the stake holders is a steady and continuing process at the centre.
The station undertakes large scale production of Tissue culture Plants of different varieties of Pineapple, Passion fruit and Banana and Seedlings and Rooted cuttings of Passion fruit. They are available for sale at the centre.
Technology transfer is effectively carried out through personal discussions, field visits, phones, egovernance, emails, website, Pineapple & Passion fruit WhatsApp Groups, posts, radio, TVs, news papers, periodicals, publications, pineapple fests, seminars. trainings, etc. Publications such as leaflets, palmlets, books, CDs, DVDs, etc covering various aspects of cultivation and utilization of the mandatory crops of the station are also being undertaken. Pineapple and Passion fruit whatsApp groups help the members to interact with specialists, solve queries and share their experiences. In order to become its member you only need to give your whatsApp number.
This research station, with the assistance of SHM, produces tissue culture plantlets of high yielding varieties of pineapple like MD2, Mauritius and Kew.
Besides pineapple, since Vazhakulam and neighbouring areas are well-known for other fruit crops like banana, mango, jackfruit, papaya, passion fruit, rambutan, mangosteen, etc, and there is no research station in the district catering to the needs of these farmers, Pineapple Research Station, Vazhakulam aims to be Tropical Fruit Crops Research Station (TFCRS) in the near future.
The centre has adequate facilities to undertake research and development projects, student project works and conduct trainings for fresh graduates and unemployed youths for gaining hands-on experience and scientific leadership work culture founded on professional competence, punctuality, integrity and accountability for developing high performing teams and building up a good career. Meritorious students from other universities can do their project work in Biotechnology, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Food Technology, Information Technology, etc. at this centre on payment basis subject to the terms and conditions issued by Kerala Agricultural University from time to time. They will get excellent opportunities to become well-versed with scientific research methodologies and protocols in the field. They will be encouraged to work in the well equipped laboratories of the station for gaining first hand research experience and fulfil career dreams. Success is our way of life.
With the objective of developing and promoting local self help groups (SHGs), short term trainings on Tissue culture, pineapple cultivation, preservation, processing, value addition, etc are offered to unemployed youths. Fee based training programs on payment basis subject to the terms and conditions issued by Kerala Agricultural University from time to time are available for UG and PG candidates in Biotechnology, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Food Technology, Information Technology, etc. for gaining hands-on experience and building up a good career. They can work in the well equipped laboratories of the station along with the R & D Team of the centre for gaining first hand experience. They can acquaint with the operation of various equipment like Gel documentation, ELISA Reader & washer, PCR, Colourimeter, UV-Transilluminator, Flame photometer, Centrifuge, Microscopes, Electrophoresis, Shakers, ovens, Precision Weighing balances, Deep freezer, BOD, Laminar Air Flow, still, etc. They will get excellent opportunities to become well-versed with scientific research methodologies and protocols in their field. They will be provided ample opportunities at the station to develop their expertise, skills and efficiency and build high performing teams for executing ambitious tasks.
Pineapple Research Station over the years
Guidelines and action plan for comprehensive development of pineapple sector
