Kerala Agricultural University Vice-Chancellor T. Sajitha Rani has highlighted the role of agricultural universities in fostering innovation, entrepreneurship and socially relevant research. The Vice-Chancellor was speaking after inaugurating the golden jubilee celebrations of the Department of Agricultural Extension Education at KAU’s College of Agriculture, Vellayani. The celebrations featured a two-day programme ‘Samanwaya - Uniting Academia’ on August 6 and 7.

Kerala State Higher Education Council Vice-Chairperson, Achuthsankar S. Nair, who was the chief guest, emphasised the need to integrate education, research, innovation and entrepreneurship through stronger institutional mechanisms. He said KAU’s initiatives offered a replicable model for higher education institutions seeking greater societal impact.

Organised in association with K-AgTech LaunchPad under the KAU–NABARD–Western Sydney University initiative, the event featured Srishti -- She Leads Startup Summit 2026 and Drishti 2026 -- The Agri Science Slam. Drishti 2026 provided students and researchers with a platform to present agricultural research and emerging technologies through creative, public-engagement formats.

The concluding day’s programme, Connecting Generations: Fraternity Meet 2026, included alumni interactions, mentorship sessions and round-table discussions. Thomas George, Dean, Faculty of Agriculture, presided over the function. Allan Thomas, Professor and Head of the department; Nagesh Kumar Anumala, Chief General Manager, NABARD; Binoo P. Bonny, Director of Extension, KAU, also spoke.