KAU Budget for 2026–27 focusses on climate-resilient research and digital outreach

The Budget of Kerala Agricultural University (KAU) for 2026–27 was presented by Pro-Chancellor and Agriculture Minister P. Prasad at the 152nd General Council meeting of the university on Saturday (February 21, 2026).

An allocation of ₹12.5 crore has been made in the State Budget for continuing schemes under the Directorate of Education for 2026–27, reflecting an increase of ₹2 crore over the previous year.

The allocation will support financial assistance to MSc and PhD students, the RAWE and Experiential Learning Programmes, the strengthening of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, and library development.

A sum of ₹43 crore has been earmarked for research projects. Finalisation of these projects will be based on the recommendations of the Project Selection and Monitoring Committee (PSMC), which includes representatives from the Department of Agriculture, the Kerala State Planning Board, KAU, and agricultural experts.

A new Centre of Excellence in Coconut Research will be established at Pilicode. Funds have also been allocated for the production of quality seeds, planting materials, and organic inputs, as well as for meeting the 25% State share of AICRP projects under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).

The university has prioritised research addressing the impacts of climate change on major crops, including rice, tomato, cocoa, black pepper, cashew, hybrid napier, brinjal, cardamom, and coconut. Projects integrating Artificial Intelligence and IoT in agriculture are also planned. Key research objectives include the development of high-yielding crop varieties, precision farming protocols for vegetables and banana, alternate wetting and drying systems to reduce water use in rice cultivation, and nano-products for eco-friendly plant protection. Additional priority areas include integrated farming systems suited to agro-ecological units, value-added food processing, and farm machinery tailored to the needs of small and marginal farmers.

For knowledge dissemination in 2026–27, projects worth ₹10.5 crore have been envisaged, including ongoing schemes from the previous year. The university plans to expand its digital outreach through QR codes, mobile applications, AI-based advisory bot systems, and e-learning modules.

Infrastructure development projects amounting to ₹10 crore have been proposed under the State Plan for 2026–27, comprising ₹4 crore for continuing schemes and ₹6 crore for new initiatives. Of this, ₹2 crore has been allocated for the construction of a new auditorium at the College of Agriculture, Vellayani.

E-governance project

A comprehensive e-governance project is also scheduled for implementation next year to streamline administrative and academic operations.

The total expected receipts for 2026–27 are estimated at ₹716 crore, including ₹462 crore as non-plan assistance, ₹78 crore as plan assistance, ₹42 crore from ICAR schemes, ₹17 crore from externally aided projects, ₹73 crore from the revolving fund, ₹38 crore as internal revenue, and ₹6 crore from Kerala government’s project-specific Plan assistance.

The total expenditure is projected at ₹922 crore, comprising ₹735 crore under non-plan, ₹71 crore under Plan, ₹42 crore under ICAR schemes, ₹17 crore under externally aided schemes, ₹49 crore for revolving fund operations, and ₹6 crore under government project-specific assistance. The Budget projects a deficit of ₹205 crore for the financial year 2026–27.