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MARIAN AGRI NURSERY

Marian Agri Nursery, the Incubation Centre under Dept. of Botany was established in the academic year 2018-19 with an intention to encourage gardening and family farming to ensure quality organic food for healthy lifestyle and also improving the quality of environment. The Centre was officially inaugurated by Sri. V.S. Sunil Kumar, Hon’ble Minister of Agriculture on 19/07/2019. The seeds and seedlings of different varieties of ornamental and vegetable plants developed at the Centre by the students of Botany Department under the guidance of faculty are distributed to the staff, students and local community. Vegetables seeds, plants, organic fertilizers are sold to the public. Guidance on plant maintenance and nutrition is provided to the customers. The centre initiated Black gold project which is involved with collection of organic waste from neighbourhood flats and upgrading them to organic manure.

The centre also steered Organic vegetable and herbal garden initiative for households in Thrissur District and Urban Forestry Program- Planting and nurturing trees in urban area of Thrissur District which were effective projects for a greener environment

As part of Wetland day celebrations, sale of water plants was conducted on 18/2/2022. As part of World Environment Day Celebrations, tree saplings raised at Marian Agri Nursery were distributed to schools and college on 3/6/ 2022, vegetable seedlings were distributed to teachers, non-teaching staff and students on 7/6/2022. As a part of World Nature Conservation day celebrations, saplings of endangered plants was planted at Marian sports ground on 29/07/22.

MCAR- Incubation Initiatives

MCAR-Research Support Services provides research assistance for students of the College and neighboring institutions. MCAR–Internship Program offers internship. MCAR initiative for sustainable agriculture developed novel inexpensive products like SMCNPK18-Bacterial consortium to enhance soil fertility after the deluge, MECSMC11-Microbially treated compost to lessen water requisite of plant, GEMS14-Flowering agent, VERMITOL-Advanced bio fertilizer using earth worm are other outcomes. UBA Projects on improvement of Soil fertility was conducted at Mulankunnathukavu. The MCAR, Research division of the College was awarded Best Production Unit Award. International patent was received by Dr Kayeen Vadakken for drug against Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

MIRTC : Marian Innovation Research And Technology Centre

MIRTC started functioning from 2015 under the initiative of Department of Biochemistry. The Centre aims to enhance the research aptitude among students. Students are mentored on different research projects from inside and outside the college. Research discussions and development of products were carried out in the Centre. Easy to carry Emergency Water Purification Cartridge, Master Bin, Multipurpose Compost Bin, Biogenic Wound Healing Material, Herbal Mosquito Repellent were developed in public interest and has won laurels in the State Level Yuva Mastermind Competition under the Malayala Manorama Daily.

The centre developed innovative pots for planting plants. Dr Deepa G Muricken, was consultant to control pests in Mango Plantations in Muthalamada, Palakkad District. Kerala start up mission Research incubation programme selected her proposal : smart heal-wound dressing material and sanctioned Rs. 300000.

NISARGA

Nisarga Incubation Centre is an initiative of Bhoomithrasena Club to develop and promote an eco-friendly life style among students. The Centre mainly focuses on the making of paper files and paper pens to reduce the use of plastic files and pen. The Centre was established in 2017-18 with a workshop for the Club members on the making of paper files and pen by IMMOWSE Training Centre (Govt. approved training centre for self-employment Programmes, Kolazhy, Thrissur). Training workshop were also conducted in 2018-19. In 2019-20, senior members of the Club conducted the training programme on the making of paper files for newly joined club members. Club members also decided to use only paper or other eco-friendly files in the campus for the submission of practical record sheets.

UDHYAMMITHRA CENTRE

In tune to the vision and mission of the College, the Entrepreneurship Development Club of the College registered with District Industries Centre, Thrissur and in association with Dept. of Economics has taken efforts for promoting entrepreneurship among the student community. The thrust is to encourage students for social entrepreneurship so as to serve the community and conserve the environment.

Udhyammithra Centre was launched in 2018 to promote the entrepreneurial and other skills of students, enable better living standards upholding the commitment to serve the society. As an initiative, Hands on Training were given to students in cloth bag making. Later cloth bags were produced by the students in the Extension Centre of the College and in the Marian Incubation Centre and Business Unit. Bags were also made using old cloths, curtains, shirts and pants which enables upcycling. Bags produced by students are marketed among the public under the brand name Bhumika Bags- Bags for Greener tomorrow. Training was conducted in Production of Liquid Toilet Cleaner as a cheaper substitute for branded products and was marketed among the stakeholders under the brand name Clean Wiz.

Shoppers stop initiative started for students to market their products. The centre also produced innovative ecofriendly cloth bags and conducted awareness programs.

SAMPOORNA- Mushroom Cultivation

The Department of Microbiology has been conducting training for students on the cultivation techniques of mushrooms, especially Oyster mushroom species like Pleurotus florida (P.florida) and Pleurotus sajor –caju (P.sajor-caju) since 2009. The motto of this training programme is “To earn while learn”. The major objective of this programme is to motivate students to generate an income to meet their academic expenses. This programme also aims at developing the entrepreneurship skills of students and to encourage them to set up small scale cultivation units by themselves.

The training programme was of good demand and as per the request of students it was introduced into curriculum as “Certificate Programme on Mushroom Cultivation Techniques” for IV Semester UG Microbiology in 2010. A well-equipped mushroom cultivation room was set up in 2014 for this purpose. Submerged cultivation of mycelia of these mushrooms were also performed in the cultivation unit and in the campus students conducted the sale of spawn and mushroom cultivated by them. 134 students were benefited by this course. Through this programme good awareness was created among the community on the nutritional and pharmacological potential of edible mushrooms and also about the importance of including this health promoting food in our normal diet. Many students cultivated mushrooms in their household and a few started small production units at home Around 10 MSc dissertations on the medicinal and pharmacological properties of Pleurotus spp cultivated in the unit was done and the research was published and presented in National Journals and Seminars respectively. In 2018, to extend the service to public, the Incubation Centre “Sampoorna” was started.

On 15/12/ 2021, Students were given training on spawn preparation. Free Hands-on Training programme on “സൗജന്യ ചിപ്പിക്കൂൺ കൃഷി പരിശീലനം” was conducted for members of “Udayam”, Kudumbasree workers, Division 12, Chembukkavu Unit, Thrissur on 21/12/2021.

Jeevani - Azolla Cultivation Centre

Azolla Cultivation for food, feed and green manure was implemented in Kolazhy Panchayath as a UBA funded Project awarded to Dr Mabel Merlen Jacob, Department of Microbiology. Training to students, production and sale of Azolla as fodder and food was conducted.

FISH CULTURE –Incubation Centre ALANKARA - Ornamental Fish Culture Unit

Alankara ornamental Fish Culture Unit was inaugurated by Dr. Sr. Rani George, then Principal on 14/9/2010 as a part of UGC Add-on Course on Fish Farming to promote entrepreneurship skills. In the outdoor unit there are six tanks, where live bearers are kept. Fishes cultured include ornamental fishes like Platy, Guppy, Sword Tail, Black Molly, Angel, Fighter fish and Gold Fish.

Currently the students maintain fresh water aquarium as a part of the Skill Enhancement Course on Applied Aquaculture. By maintaining an aquarium, the students learn the behavior of the fishes, their survival capacity, mode of feeding and compatibility with other species. Today there is great demand in the world market for ornamental fishes. By knowing the different ornamental fishes and their life style the students become competent in the trade too. Regularly competitions are conducted to mend the creativity.

As a Centre of knowledge transfer, exhibitions, training and awareness classes on ornamental and food fish culture are given to neighboring school students. Breeding and culture of ornamental fish, Training in aquarium manufacture, aquarium setting, sale of fish, start up kits and accessories are also done to promote entrepreneurship and to inculcate passion for ornamental fish keeping. Exhibitions, competitions and sale are regularly conducted.

1. SAMRIDHI- Food Fish Culture Unit

A fish culture unit was established attempting culture of food fish for food security and nutritional and socio economic benefits. The Samridhi Fish Culture Unit was established in January 2019 with the support of seed money from the PTA. The unit was inaugurated by our Principal Dr. Sr. Magie Jose on 18th March 2019. Fish culture at St. Mary’s is bonded up with waste management. The amount of food waste generated daily is enormous and through fish culture an attempt is done to promote food waste management and self-sufficiency. The water used in the unit is renewed at intervals to maintain water quality and is used to water the vegetable garden as it is nutrient rich and augments organic farming.

The first harvest was done after 5 months of culture. 33kg of fish was harvested. The harvested fish were sold. The tank was reset after cleaning. After sufficient plankton developed new fish hatchlings were introduced. The unit also serves as a demonstrative unit. Guidance is given to women from locality on backyard culture or terrace culture in small units as it can provide sufficient fish for a family and an earning too. The department through this venture envisages training in food fish culture and higher production and availability of unadulterated fish for the stakeholders and the local community. Annually after harvest new fish hatchlings are introduced and fish is cultured. Exhibitions, competitions and sale are regularly conducted.

SHALABHA - Centre for Butterfly Gardening

Butterfly gardening is an important way of restoring habitats through the generation of ecosystems. Shalabha Centre for Butterfly Gardening, an initiative of Department of Zoology and Botany intends popularising conservation of butterflies. More than 100 types of butterfly host plants and nectar plants are cultured in the Shalabha Butterfly Garden.

The centre organized several programs for spreading the pulse of conservation to educational institutions in Thrissur district. Exhibitions are conducted to create awareness in students about different types of butterfly plants and their rearing. Hands-on Training programs and awareness class are provided to students and teachers on butterfly gardening.

Through the Shalabha Centre more than 1000 butterfly plants were distributed to more than 30 institutions to start a butterfly garden. This mass initiative Campaign was to raise the silhouette of school gardens to butterfly gardens which act as a natural, sustainable resource that offer curricular, social and emotional benefits to pupils. Best Butterfly garden awards were presented to the best three schools. A butterfly garden has been established in the State Museum and Zoo for the popularization of butterfly conservation. This program is aimed at creating public awareness. Establishment of the garden in a place of public importance will spread the idea of conservation to numerous students and the public for the good of numerous species. The centre digitized the butterfly garden to enhance learning through an Audio-Visual experience. Also centre conducted Butterfly gardening course and extension classes on butterfly conservation.

HARITHAM

Chemistry Department trains students in production and sale of eco-friendly products like paper bags, sanitizers and Herbal Soap through Haritham. It instills entrepreneurial skills in the students by and equip them with practical knowledge needed to start a small scale venture in future. A certificate course on Chemistry in action was conducted. Through this course students were provided training in production of organic soap, ointments, etc

AMITY CENTRE

Department of Vocational Studies initiated Amity, through which students undertake brochures-making, posters, flyer, video editing, documentary production for College and other organizations. The primary aim is to facilitate a platform for a potential entrepreneur to start a business venture with minimum risks. College Library Website, Real Time Software and web application for departmental activities were also developed. Various mobile apps, IOT systems and websites are also developed by students. Department of Vocational Studies is proud to start an incubation center to enable its students get firsthand experience in entrepreneurship, promote innovation driven activities in the institute

GO GREEN

The Department of Management Studies introduced an incubation center in the academic 2019-20, “Go Green Incubation Center”. The purpose of the center is to boost ecofriendly environment in the campus. The center started functioning by introducing paper files and recycle products. The products were made by the students of department of management studies. Customized paper files were made and sold to the different departments and students of the college.

MTIC :Marian Technology Incubation Centre

Marian technology incubation centre of Computer Science Department ensures Computer Skill to the local community and vulnerable sections of the society. computer literacy workshops are conducted for special school students, guest ministerial staff, parents and others sections of the society.

ENG Incubation Centre

An intiative of the Department of English was established to create a space to explore and exhibit technology enhanced skills and writing flair of the students and teachers of the Department. The incubation centre activities include development of e-content, designing of posters, content writing, editing and translation works for various programmes and events of the college and neighbouring instituitions.

Marian community employment generation programme

Through Sakthikaranam Skill training was provided to women between age of 20-45

Rural Entrepreneurship Development cell

Rural Entrepreneurship Development cell was set up by Mahatma Gandhi National council of Rural education under the Ministry of human Resource development to promote resilient rural India through higher education interventions. The cell started functioning in the college in 2021.

The cell conducted an Exhibition cum sale of "CHRISTMAS WREATHS” in connection with Christmas celebration on 21/12/2022. Organized a talk on “How Banks can help in your journey to be an Agripreneur’’ by Jerry Jose, Relationship Manager Agribusiness, Federal Bank on 27-01-2023

Institution innovation council

Institution Innovation Council has been established in the college as per the direction of Ministry of Education, Govt. Of India to serve the purpose of systematically fostering the culture of Innovation in all Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) across the country. IIC focus on creating a complete ecosystem in the campus which will foster the culture of Innovation from ideas generation to pre-incubation, incubation and graduating from the incubator as successful start-ups. Expert talk on "Process of Innovation Development & Technology Readiness Level (TRL)" & "Commercialisation of Lab Technologies & Tech-Transfer, Workshop on Design Thinking, Critical thinking and Innovation Design, National Energy Conservation Day(India) etc.. were some of the highlights of activities of 21-22.

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