After landing in Kerala at 3 AM, the BF Team (Ingo, Bowy, Navya, Hannah^2, and myself) wasted no time and headed straight to our first meet-and-greet at Kerala Agricultural University’s (KAU) Vellayani Campus the next morning.
We met Dr. Roy Stephen, Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, and other esteemed faculty members. Dr. Stephen warmly welcomed us and expressed strong support for the growing collaboration between KAU and the University of Hohenheim- an exciting partnership we look forward to strengthening.
Next, we visited the Department of Soil Science & Agricultural Chemistry. Dr. Rani B., Professor and Head, shared their research on nutrient dynamics in Kerala’s laterite soils, fertilization impacts on crops, biochar production, and soil amendments. We toured their labs, exploring advanced soil nutrient analysis tools and a thermochemical waste processing unit that quickly converts organic waste into fertilizers.
The following day, we met Dr. Reji Rani, Head of the Department of Agricultural Entomology, and Dr. Amritha V.S., Professor of Honey Bees & Pollinators, along with their team. They showcased impressive projects on honey bee and pollinator conservation, including the All India Coordinated Research Project (AICRP) and KSCSTE initiatives on stingless bees. We also learned about their work on biological pest control, insect pathology, fungal biopesticides, and eco-friendly pesticides, complemented by a hands-on lab tour.
We are deeply grateful to Dr. Archana Sathyan for her warm welcome and for organizing this incredible visit. Special thanks also to her dedicated research and graduate assistants- Malavika G, Ganesh S P, Aryamol S, Anagha T P, and Mayur Urhe, for their invaluable support throughout our stay.
Despite the busy schedule, we enjoyed a relaxed evening connecting with students, visiting Kovalam Beach, and sharing a wonderful Keralan seafood dinner.
Our sincere thanks to Dr. Rani, Dr. Amritha, and their department for the generous exchange of ideas, and to Dr. Narveen Leno from the Soil Department for contributing photos (H.Y. Gan).
