The correct answer is: a) Kerala Agricultural University.
Kerala Agricultural University (KAU) is a public university located in Thrissur, Kerala, India. It was established in 1971 by the Government of Kerala. The university offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs in agriculture, horticulture, forestry, fisheries, and allied sciences. It has 13 constituent colleges and 12 research stations.
The university plays a major role in horticultural research in Kerala. It has a number of research stations that are engaged in research on various aspects of horticulture, including crop improvement, pest management, and post-harvest management. The university also has a number of extension centers that are involved in disseminating the results of research to farmers and other stakeholders.
The other options are incorrect because:
- b) Indian Institute of Horticultural Research is a national research institute located in Bangalore, Karnataka. It is not involved in horticultural research in Kerala.
- c) CPCRI is a central research institute located in Kasaragod, Kerala. It is involved in research on various crops, including fruits, vegetables, and spices. However, it does not play a major role in horticultural research in Kerala.
- d) ICAR is an autonomous body under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India. It is not involved in horticultural research in Kerala.