Page 28 - ICAR-Accreditation-VIT-VAIAL SSR

The mini herbal garden was established in an area of 404.6 Sq.m. Plants were grouped according

to the medicinal importance. A total of thirty plant species are grown in the medicinal garden. It
is proposed to procure another set of 75 species to extend the area of the herbal garden to 1 acre.

v) Crop Cafeteria

A crop cafeteria is established in an area of 0.50 acres (30-40 crops) to demonstrate cereals,

millets, pulses, oilseeds, fibre crops, sugar crops, green manure, flowers, vegetables, etc. to
students and farmers. The released high-yielding varieties from ICAR and TNAU as well as

private hybrids are grown. It provides practical experiences based on the principle of 'Seeing is
believing and face-to-face views. The crop cafeteria is raised regularly following recommended

management practices.

vi) Integrated Farming System (IFS)
A wetland-based integrated farming system (IFS) model unit has been established on 2.5 acres

with a poultry shed above the fish pond. During the Kharif-rabi seasons, crops are grown in the

nearby fields. Additionally, several fodder crops are cultivated.

vii) Apiary
Apiary is established with 20 beehives with the Indian bee, Apis cerana indica. The average

yield of honey produced is 3-4 kg per comb per year. The apiary unit caters the needs of students

during their coursework on the management of beneficial insects and experiential learning
projects. Students are trained to handle the bee colonies for breeding, queen rearing, swarm

colony collection, colony separation, bee enemies and honey extraction. Research projects on
different bee floral sources, artificial diets for the dearth period, the impact of pesticides on bees

and value-added products of honey are being carried out by UG students. In addition, the unit
serves as a model to train farmers who are interested in beekeeping.

viii) Farm Machinery
The primary and secondary tillage implements such as mould board plough, disc plough, sub

soiler, cultivator and puddler are demonstrated for the students to know their specific functions
on field conditions. The tractor, power tiller and multi crop thresher are utilized for various farm

activities and to inculcate the benefits of farm mechanization to the students and farmers.

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