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Laboratory and field facilities are available for carrying out various research programmes in crop improvement and evaluation through selection, hybridisation and biotechnological approaches. A full fledged bio technology laboratory is established at the head office Kochi, which can produce about 5 lakhs tissue culture plantlets per annum. Soil testing laboratories are present in the main
and sub centers for undertaking analytical services and giving fertilizer recommendations to planters.
The institute also has facility to detect various pest and disease problems and to recommend suitable control measures. Also it has the facility to produce bio agents for the management of various diseases and pests. Training is being arranged for planters on several aspects of spice cultivation.
Besides undertaking own research programmes, the institute also collaborate with other National Research Institutes for carrying out research on specific problems.
A farm having 64 ha area is attached to the main institute at Myladumpara. The farm is used for undertaking various field trials, for commercial production and as demonstrations plots. Presently only 25 ha is the cultivated area. Research farm is headed by a Farm Manager, supported by Junior Technical Assistants, Junior Clerk and Mechanic-cum-Electrician. There are about 77 labourers including 34 permanent and 43 temporary workers employed to carry out various agricultural operations. In each regional station also a farm is available for commercial cultivation as well as laying out field experiments.
The institute is having the following research divisions for carrying out various laboratory and field experiments both in the main and regional stations. The main Institute is having a Sr. Scientist, Scientists and Junior Scientists in the major divisions such as Agronomy and Soil Science, Crop Improvement and Biotechnology, Plant Pathology and Entomology. In the regional stations one Sr. Scientist heads the station and atleast one Scientist or Junior Scientist is present in each division. Although specefic programmes are identified for each scientist, the main project is implemented as a team work of the main and regional stations.
Soil testing and fertilizer advisory service
Plantation visit and on the spot study of pests and disease problems
Recommendation for pest and disease control
Supply of planting materials of high yielding and improved varieties
Supply of bio contol agents for controlling specific diseases and pests
Conducting spice clinics, planters’ meets and group discussions
