The KAU is the primary and the principal instrumentality of the Kerala State in providing human resources, and skills and technology, required for the sustainable development of its Agriculture, defined broadly encompassing all production activities based on land and water, including crop production, forestry and co-operatives by conducting, interfacing and integrating education, research and extension in these spheres of economic endeavour.

On the recommendation of the Kothari Commission (1964-1966), one Agricultural University was to be established in each state.

In accordance with the KAU Act of 1971, the College of Agriculture, Vellayani and the College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy were brought under Kerala Agricultural University, in addition, 21 agricultural and animal husbandry research stations were also transferred to KAU.

[citation needed] For each degree, its respective faculty also offer specialized concentrations[1] Degrees offered: Degrees offered: Degree offered: Delinked from KAU in 2010 to form separate University-KUFOS [2] The Governor of Kerala and Chancellor of Kerala Agricultural University (KAU) has accorded assent to the proposal to establish a full-fledged Faculty of Forestry at Vellanikkara.

Veterinary and Fisheries were delinked from KAU in 2010 to form separate Universities.