DR.A.K.SHERIEF, Ph.

D
Professor , Training Service Scheme
College Of Agriculture, Vellayani PO, Trivandrum, Kerala, India Pin:695 522
Phone: Off: (0471) 2383 254 ; Res: (0471) 6522 295; e-mail: aksherief@ygmail.com

Highlights of my CV

• Doctorate in Agriculture (Agricultural Extension)

• Holder of MSc (Ag Edu) Degree from Reading University, UK
• Involved in Teaching, Research , Extension & Training activities of the
University
• Currently working as Head, Training Service Scheme, Kerala Agrl.University
• 23 year experience in various capacities as Professor, Educational consultant,
Curriculum development, Research & vocational course design, Technical
expert & consultant, Extension officer, Farm journalist.
• Conducted/ coordinated more than 50 training progammes at University level
and 250 field level training programmes for the farmers, Agrl.officers.
• Published more than 35 articles in the National and International extension
publications as popular, feature or research forum
• Technical expert for assessing the feasibility of Agricultural projects of the
Corporation and the district plans under the Kerala Development Programme
and Peoples decentralized plan
• Course Director & Technical expert for assessing the training needs on
Teaching methodology and subject matter content of VHSE courses
• Technical expert for curriculum development and examination committee of
VHSE Agrl.courses
• Coordinator for HRD training of Agricultural Officers of the State Agricultural
department
• Visiting scientist &expert of the State level and National level training Institute
• Nodal officer, Agriclinic & Agri business centre (ACABC),KAU, Kerala State
• Course Director, SHM training programme on Organic Agricultural
management (2009-10)

SHERIEF A K

CV of Dr AK Sherief 2009 Page of 11

Dr A. K. Sherief
Professor
Training Service Scheme, College of Agriculture,
Kerala Agricultural University,
Vellayani (PO), Trivandrum
Pin: 695 522,
Tel: Off: (0471) 2383 254; Res: (0471) 6522955 Mob: 094474 29615
e-mail: aksherief@gmail.com
Education
• B.Sc., Agriculture
K.A.U., Kerala. India 1982, First Class
• M.Sc., Agricultural Extension
K.A.U., Kerala. India 1985, First Class
• M.Sc., Agricultural Education
Reading University, England. UK 1989
• Ph D., in Agricultural Extension
Annamalai University, Tamil Nadu, India 1999
• Dip.,in (T&D) Diploma in Training & Development
Indian Society for Training & Development, India 2008

Awards & Appreciations

• Awarded Commonwealth Scholarship from British Council (1988) to pursue
Masters Degree in Agricultural education from Reading University, UK
• Awarded the Senior Research Fellowship of Council of Scientific and Industrial
research (CSIR), Govt. of India for Doctoral program (1993).
• Appreciation letter from the Director of Vocational Higher Secondary Schools, Govt.
of Kerala for the innovative designing and successful conduct of State level
training program for the Agricultural Lecturers for the year 2003 & 2004
Programme Coordinator for the following training programmes of Kerala
Agricultural University.
Have conceptualized, organized, coordinated and conducted the following sponsored
training programmes

• Training programme on Lowcost agrl technology for organic farming – farmers

of Pullad, Pathanamthitta on (August 11th , 2009)
• Training coordinator of a three weeks Field Extension Training(FET)
programme of the Agricultural scientist probationers (45th Focars) , sponsored
by NAARAM, Hyderabad (March- April 09)
• Organised a two months Programme on “Agri-clinic and Agribusiness center
scheme” for agri graduates ; Sponsored programme of Ministry of Agriculture, Govt
of India, MANAGE, Hydrabad, & KAU (2008-09) - Appointed as State Nodal officer for
Kerala state . (Dec 08 to Feb 09)

CV of Dr AK Sherief 2009 Page of 11

• Course director of ICAR sponsored training “Scaling up of water productivity in
agriculture for livelihood through teaching cum-demonstration” conducting
trainers training and farmers training (Oct 2008 )( Budget Rs.2.18Lakhs)

• Course director of State Horticultural Missions Project (2008) “Organic

Agriculture: Certification & inspection : Training for 5 batches of organic farmers
selected from different region (25 farmers/batch) for 3 days . The topics will cover
Inspection and certification procedure, quality assurance for organic inputs,
sustainable agricultural practices in organic farms , Internal control system,
Participatory Guarantee system etc( Aug –Oct 09)( Budget Rs.1.5502 lakhs).

• Organised a National Symposium on “Climate Change & low carbon futures” in

association with British Council, Chennai &Association British scholars(March 2008)

• Organised five day workshop on Warehousing Act 2007 for officers & farmers in
association with MANAGE, Hyderabad (Jan 2008)

• HRD programme for Kerala Agrl.University staff members- 4 days intensive

training, KAU (2007)

• Vacation Training programme on Bioresourses for School Children – 30 days

programme – National Bio resource Development Board, Govt.of India (2006)

• Promotion of Organic farming – project of Govt. of India - Undertaken in 18

selected farmers farms in Kerala – (Feb- March 2005)

• Organic Agriculture Management – Certification& Inspection (14 days Vocational

Training programme - Feb 2005)

• Biodynamic farming (5 days Vocational Training programme Aug -2004)

• Instructional technology for Agriculture teachers ( 6 days programme Jan 2004)

sponsored by Directorate of VHSE, Govt of Kerala
Resource person for National level training course.
The following topics was handled for the researchers, scientists and teachers of State
Agricultural Universities and Indian Council of Agricultural Institutions, Govt.of India

• “Biodynamic farming method” for the winter school on Organic farming for
Sustainable Agriculture – organized by the Dept.of Agrl. Chemistry, College of
Agriculture, Vellayani from 17th Nov 04 to 7th Dec 2004

CV of Dr AK Sherief 2009 Page of 11

• “Biodynamic agriculture” for the short course on Rice-Fish integration through
organic farming for sustainability and food security- Organised by RARS, Pattambi
from 1st to 10th Dec 2004.

• “Marketing of Organic products- Opportunities& challenges in India” for the

Winter school on Market-led Extension-Dimensions and Tools: organized by the Dept.
of Agrl. Extension, College of horticulture, Vellanikkara from 1st to 21st Dec 2004

• “Prospects of Biodynamic method in the changed agricultural scenario” for the

Winter school on for the Market-led Extension-Dimensions and Tools: organized by
the Dept. of Agrl. Extension, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara from 1st to 21st
December 2004

Current Programmes of Kerala Agricultural University.

Course director of State Horticultural Missions Project (2009-10)
Organic Agricultural Management: one year programme for the supervisors
Training includes demonstration and experiments which be carried out in the farm to
show the appropriate organic farming practices to the farmers like Crop-animal
integration, Vermicomposting , city waste composting, biogas slurry utilization ,
biofertilizer application, quality control, inspection and certification procedure, farm
management etc.(Rs18.125 lakhs)

Additional Responsibilities- Government level & University level

Involved in the following committees of Government sponsored Agricultural programmes

♦ Curriculum development committee for the Distance Education programme on

organic farming of IGNOU, New Delhi (2007)

♦ Peer Group Committee member to assessing the training needs of Agricultural

Officers of State Agricultural department (2007)

♦ Research Guide for the MBA programme of IGNOU (2006-07)

♦ Technical Advisory Committee for agricultural projects of the Corporation and the
Trivandrum district, Kerala (2002-2005)

♦ Curriculum Development committee of VHSE Agrl.courses, Kerala (2004-05)

♦ Expert Committee of KAU for assessing technologies suited for Organic farming

♦ Project guide( Mentoring) for Orientation training to Elected Representatives of the

Local bodies in Kerala Under the Kerala Institute for Local administration
(KILA)(2006-07)

CV of Dr AK Sherief 2009 Page of 11

Training, Workshop, Seminar & Courses Attended
• Presented a research paper “Socio-psychological characteristics of farmers in
the adoption of organic farming practices in coconut based homesteads of
humid tropics” in the 16th IFOAM world congress, Modene, Italy. June 16-20th
2008
• Completed a training course “Appraisal, Monitoring and Evaluation of projects of
the urban and rural of Local self government in Kerala” at Center for
Development Studies, Trivandrum , May 2008
• Conducted a symposium on “Climate Change and low carbon futures” with the
sponsorship of British Council, Chennai , at College of Agriculture, Vellayani, March
2008
• Orientation workshop for the coordinators of Field Experience Training (FET) of
Agricultural Research Scientists( FOCARS-)at NAARM, Hyderabad March 6&7,2008
• Short course on “Video programme production” conducted by NAARM, Hydrabad,
from Dec 12th to 23rd ,2006
• Training on “MDP on Export procedure and documentation” conducted by Small
Industries Service Institute, Ministry of Small Scale Industries from 27th June 05 to
1st July,2005.
• Empowering Agricultural graduates through Experiential learning: A case study
of the RAWE programme of KAU paper presented in the International conference
on “Beyond Chalk and Talk: Challenges and opportunities for teaching in the Digital
Age” organized by the Bharathidasan University, Tamil Nadu. 5-6th March,2005.
• National seminar “Extension methodological issues in impact assessment of
Agricultural and Rural development programmes” organized by ISEE &UAS
,Banglore, Jan,21-23,2005
• National workshop “Agro-forestry for Attappady wastelands-potential and
prospects” organized by AHADS, Agali, Palghat Jan 8-9,2005
• UGC refresher course in Education organized by
Academic Staff Training College, Kerala University – 11th Dec,2004 to1st Jan,2005
• National training programme “Sustainable Eco friendly Tourism” organized by
IIT&TM Gwalior & K I T T s, Kerala 16th to 20th July,2004
• National workshop cum seminar “Information Technology and Agricultural
Extension” organized by , CRIDA, Hydrabad, 9-11th March,2004
• “Computer Application Programme” . UGC refresher course organized by
Academic Staff Training College, Kerala University – 4-24, November 2003
• Short course on “Organic farming for Sustainable Agriculture”
Organized by Acharya NG Ranga Agricultural University, A P,19-28th June 2003
• National Seminar on “Market Oriented Agriculture”
Organized by Annamalai University, Tamil Nadu, 7th -8th ,2002
• Short course on “Communication through Farm Advertisement” organized by
Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri,6- 16th November 2000

CV of Dr AK Sherief 2009 Page of 11

• Workshop on “Digital Presentation” IT Workshop organized KAU Library and
Information system of the Kerala Agricultural University, 27- 28th ,March 2000
• Workshop on “Organic farming” Organized by ARISE-NAVDANYA, Rishi valley,
Andra Pradesh, 26th -28th May ,1999
• Indo British Workshop On Extension for Sustainable Agriculture
Reading University& Annamalai University, Tamil Nadu, 12th -14th Feb,1996
• National Seminar on "Integrated Extension Approach for Sustainable Agriculture”
Organized by Society of Extension Education, T N, 11-13,Oct 1993
• Short course cum workshop on “Video Production Technology”
Organized by G.B.Pant University Of Agriculture& Technology, UP14-27 Jan1991
• National Workshop cum seminar on “Agricultural Journalism& Case studies”
Organized by Kerala Agricultural University, 9- 22, November 1987.

Membership In Professional Organizations

• Board Member of the International Society of Organic Agriculture
Research(ISOFAR), Germany (2008)
• Indian Society for Extension Education (ISEE), New Delhi, (1993)
• Committee member, Indian Society for Training And Development (ISTD), New
Delhi Kerala Chapter (2003)
• Executive member, Association of British Council(ABC) Scholars,
Thiruvanathapuram Chapter, Kerala (2005)
Extra curricular activities
• University player- Football (captain), Basketball & Hockey (1982-83)
• Alumni of SainikSchool, Kazhakootam, Trivandrum ,Kerala (1972 Batch)
Sd/-
A.K.Sherief
Dr A. K. Sherief
Professor
Training Service Scheme, College of Agriculture,
Kerala Agricultural University,
Vellayani (PO), Trivandrum
Pin: 695 522,
Tel: Off: (0471) 2383 254; Res: (0471) 6522955 Mob: 094474 29615
e-mail: aksherief@gmail.com

Research / Extension programme

♦ Research publications in International Journals & books
♦ Research publications in Indian Journal
♦ Popular articles for farmers in English & Malayalam
♦ Radio , TV & video programmes

CV of Dr AK Sherief 2009 Page of 11

Research Programme
Have been involved in Postgraduate Degree program of the University in the
following area
♦ Major Guide and member of PG Students , Agriculture Faculty (MSc&Phd).
♦ Major Guide for Management course of IGNOU ,Trivandrum center
♦ Involved in formulating a research program on Agriculture & Organic farming
♦ External examiner PG program of other Universities in India

Research Programme Completed

• Job satisfaction of Women Agricultural Officers of State Agricultural
Department, Govt of Kerala (IGNOU MBA project 2006-07 ).
• Organic farming practices in coconut based Homesteads in
Thiruvanathapuram district in Kerala (KAU, PG project 2005-07 )
• Impact of Rural Agricultural Work Experience programme on the BSc(Ag)
students of Agricultural college, Vellayani (KAU PG project 2004)
• Extension strategies for the major farming system in the context of the
changing agricultural situation in Kerala (KAU PG project 2001-04)
• Forecasting Manpower needs in Agriculture in Kerala (KAU PG project 2003)
• Performance and potential of gramasabhas in crop production (KAU PG
project 2002).
• Agro forestry Models for Extension and Training sponsored by
Department of Wasteland Development, Govt. of India, 2000.
• Sustainable Agriculture Appropriate to Homestead farming in Kerala – Phd
programme (CSIR project), 1999.
• Potential use of Video in Agricultural Communication – UK project, MSc (Ag
Edu)1989
Research Papers – International Journals
• Sherief, A.K. (1991) “Kerala, India: Group Farming” Report in AERDD Bulletin
32,University of Reading, UK: 14-17
• Sherief, A.K., Menon, A.G.G And C.Baskaran, (1993) “Kerala, India: Acid Test for
Training and Visit (T&V)” Report in Rural Extension Bulletin 3, University of
Reading, UK: 33-35
• Research quote in ODI-Natural Resource Perspectives No2, UK 1994: “Importance
of Various information sources to Non-Contact farmers, Kerala-India”
• Research quote in Book “Regenerating Agriculture“ by Jules N Pretty (1995),
Published by Vikas Publishing House Pvt Ltd
• Sherief, A.K.et al 2008 “Socio-psychological characteristics of farmers in the
adoption of organic farming practices in coconut based homesteads of humid
tropics” in the 16th IFOAM world congress, Modene, Italy. Vol(1) pg 767-770

Research Papers –National Journals

♦ Sherief, A.K., Menon, A.G.G And Baskaran, C. (1988) “Communication Behaviour
of Non-Contact farmers in Kerala” Agric.Res.J.Kerala: 26 (2): 246-256.
♦ Bhaskaran, S., A.K. Sherief and S.J.Menon, (1993) “Information source utilization
of farmers in improved cassava cultivation” J.Root Crops 19 (2): 136-138.

CV of Dr AK Sherief 2009 Page of 11

 ♦ Bhaskaran, S., A.K. Sherief and P.G.Ganesh, (1993) “Characteristic profile of
cassava farmers and their extent of adoption of scientific cultivation of cassava”
J.Root Crops 19 (2): 139-141.
♦ Sherief, A.K., and J. Vasantha Kumar (1997) “Sustainable Agricultural Practices
Disseminated Through Farm Magazines in Kerala” J .of Ext. Edu: 8 (2): 1690-
1694.
Research Papers presented – International conferences

• Sherief, A.K, et al 2008 “Socio-psychological characteristics of farmers in the

adoption of organic farming practices in coconut based homesteads of humid
tropics” 16th IFOAM 2008 Organic World Congress, Modena, Italy

Research Papers –National Seminars/ Workshops/ Conference

• Sherief, A.K.and J.K.J.P.Jayawardhana 2008 “Extent of adoption of organic
farming technologies in coconut based homesteads of Kerala” Paper presented
in the National Seminar on “Organic farming and Sustainable Agriculture for Food
security” Faculty of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry, Gandhigram Rural University,
Gandhigram, Tamil Nadu. Feb29th &March 1st ,2008

• Sherief, A.K.,2007 “Rebuilding security in an age of insecurity: An

Innovative training programme on bio resources for school children” Paper
presented in the 4th National Teachers’ conference NTSC 2007 Organised by
RVPSP- DST, Ministry of Science & Technology, Govt.Of India, at Rajiv Gandhi
Navodaya Vidyalaya, Deradun, Utterghand, Sept 21-25th , 2007.

• Sherief,A.K and Shifa Dhas, 2005 “impact of Rural agricultural Work Experience
(RAWE) programme on Agricultural graduates of Kerala Agricultural University “
paper presented in National seminar “ Extension methodological issues in impact
assessment of agricultural and rural development programmes” organized by
ISEE &UAS ,Banglore, Jan,21-23,2005
• Sherief, A.K., Levan, K.V., Gopakumar, S., and Santhoshkumar, A.V, 2005. “Agro-
forestry Models for Extension and Training: a case study of Manjeswar block,
Kasargod district, Kerala” paper presented in National workshop “Agro-forestry for
Attappady wastelands-potential and prospects” organized by AHADS, Agali,
Palghat Jan 8-9,2005

• Sherief, A.K. 2004 “Kissan Kerala- Model of e-Extension in Agriculture –Paper

presented in the National workshop cum seminar on Information technology and
Agricultural Extension organized by Central Research Institute for Dryland
Agriculture, Santoshnagar, Hydra bad. March 9-11,2004

• Sherief, A.K and Pillai, K.2002 “Popularizing Azolla as Organic feed for livestock
in Homestead farming” Paper in National Workshop on Homestead farming,
Kerala Agrl. University, 6-7 March, 2003.

CV of Dr AK Sherief 2009 Page of 11

 • Sherief, A.K.2002 “Potential for Organic Agriculture System in Kerala” Paper
presented in the National Seminar on Market oriented Agriculture, Organized by
Department of Agricultural Extension, Annamalai University, Tamil Nadu, Feb
7&8,2002

• Sherief, A.K.2002. “Sustainable Agriculture Appropriate to Homestead farming in

Kerala: An analysis of constraints in the adoption process”. Paper presented in
the National Seminar on Market oriented Agriculture, Organized by Department of
Agricultural Extension, Annamalai University, Tamil Nadu, Feb 7&8,2002

• Sherief, A.K., Levan, K.V., Gopakumar, S., and Shantharam, B, 2001. “Community
empowerment for effective soil and water conservation in dry areas: a case study
of Manjeswar block, Kasargod district, Kerala” paper presented in National
conference on ‘Resource Conservation and watershed Management Organized by
Indian Association of Soil and Water Conversationalists, Central soil & water
conservation research and training institute, Dera Dun May 23rd-25th, 2001

• Prakash.R, Sushama.N.P.K. and Sherief.A.K. 2000. “Entrepreneurship

development Programme in Rural Agricultural Work Experience. Organized by
Tamil nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore.

Popular Articles in National Papers/ Farm magazines

English
Topic/Subject Newspaper Date

1. Vascular streak dieback of cocoa - The Hindu 29th Oct. ‘86

2. Chinese Potato- A tasty nutritious tuber The Hindu 13th April,’88
3. Pseudo stem borer – Threat to banana The Hindu 11th May, ‘88
4. Bush pepper for small gardens - The Hindu 25th May,’88
5. Azolla–a Potential High value Animal feed Agribios News letter June 2003
6. The best fertilizer is the farmers’ shadow Spice India August2004

Popular Articles in National Papers/ Farm magazines (Malayalam)

Malayalam Articles

1. Cowpea cultivation in Garden land & paddy fields Mathrubhumi 24 Feb. ‘86
2. Fish culture in Coconut groves Malayala Manorama 8thAug.’86
3. Controlling of Mango hopper Kerala kaumudi 6th March,’87
4. Standards for pepper Malayala Manorama 20th Dec.’88
5. Hopper menace in Mango Mathrubhumi 12th Jan. ‘87
6. Blending coffee with chickory Mathrubhumi 23rd June, ‘86
7. Coleus as a nutritious vegetable Mathrubhumi 15th June,’85
8. Enriching straw with urea Kannimannu (farm magazine) Feb. ‘85

CV of Dr AK Sherief 2009 Page of 11

9. Tips for selection of chemical fertilizer Janayugam 11th July,’86
10. When to plant and what to plant now Deshabhimani 30th June, ‘86
11. Treading the pith of one straw revolution
Experience of K.V. Dayal – a organic farmer Malayala Manorama 6 th Jan.’2002
12. Azolla as animal feed Kerala Karshakan 25th June, 2001
13. Fusarium against cowpea aphid Karshakashree Sep. 2000
14. Fusarium for control of aphids Kerala Karshakan Feb. 2002
15. Experiential learning in RAWE programme - Kerala Karshakan 25th Dec. ‘2002
16. Waste recycling using biogas Kerala Karshakan 25th April, 2003
17. Biodynamic farming principles& procedures Karsha sree Feb 2004
18. Biodynamic farming principles& procedures Kerala Karshakan Feb 2004
19 Biodynamic preparations Karsha sree March 2004
20 Biodynamic preparations Kerala Karshakan March 2004
21 Biodynamic calendar Karsha sree April 2004
22 Biodynamic fertilizer application Karsha sree May 2004
23 Biodynamic as alternate agricultural method Karsha sree June 2004
24.Use of Panchgavvya in Agriculture Spice India August 2004
25 Biodynamic calendar Kerala Karshakan November 2004
26.Organic farming in Rice (SRI cultivation) Janapadam August 2005

Leaflets on Agriculture topics

• Bush jasmine as a women enterprise (1999)

• Vermicomposting for organic farming (2004)
• Use of Biogas slurry for organic farming (2005)
• Composting of coirpith waste (2006)

Radio & TV programmes

♦ Question& Answer Session of Farmers –All India Radio, Trivandrum on 23/11/03
♦ Mushroom cultivation- Doordarsan (TV) farm pogramme on 6/12/01
♦ Question& Answer Session of Farmers –All India Radio, Trivandrum on 25/11/01
♦ Interview of best Extension Worker-All India Radio, Trivandrum on 11/12/2000
♦ Discussion Agricultural credit & utilization-All India Radio, Trivandrum on 10/1/2001
♦ Interview –Pineapple production- All India Radio, Trichur on 24/4/1993
♦ Interview-Vocational Education in Kerala All India Radio, Trichur on 25/12/1992
♦ Interview- Management of Cashew plantation -All India Radio,Trivandrum on
12/8/1990
♦ Interview –Weed control for Rice -All India Radio, Trivandrum on 6/4/1990

Video programmes

Scripted and Directed the Video documentary

• “Haritha keralathinte Kashakasetram” a programme on Agricultural
college,Vellayani (2006)
• “Rebuilding security in an age of insecurity” a programme on vacation
training for school children on bio resources (2006)
• “Insearch of safe food”- Highlights of the experiment on organic farming
practices in vegetables conducted in Thiruvanathapuram district(2007)

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Publications- regular column

Sl Topic Name of Date of Publishing

No Publication
1. Biodynamic & organic practices Karshakan Farm Monthly column
Magazine (Rashtra (2006 onwards)
deepika)

(A.K Sherief)

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