Annual ‘Kodava Namme’ At Balugodu From Nov. 16 To 19

Madikeri:

‘Kodava Namme,’ the annual cultural and sports festival organised by the Federation of Kodava Samajas will be held from Nov. 16 to 19 at Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa Cultural Centre at Balugodu in Virajpet, Kodagu.

The four-day festival will begin with the inauguration of the hockey tournament, said Federation President Kallichanda Vishnu Cariappa. Speaking to reporters at a press conference in Madikeri on Monday, he said that the hockey match will be held between different Kodava Samajas and four matches will be played on the first day on Nov. 16. 

On Nov. 17, there will be another four matches and the first semifinal will be played on Nov. 18 and the second semifinal will be played at 2 pm on Nov. 18. After the first semifinal, respects will be paid to the war memorial constructed by the Kodava Samajas and Maj. Gen (Retd.) Bachamanda Cariappa will be the chief guest. 

This apart, events like tug-of-war, shot put, coconut shooting will be held for both men and women. On Nov. 19, different Kodava Samajas will present cultural programmes in five different venues within the Balugodu campus. The finals of the hockey match will be held on Nov. 19 followed by prize distribution. 

Mysuru-Kodagu MP Pratap Simha, Virajpet MLA A.S. Ponnanna, Madikeri MLA Dr. Manthar Gowda and MLC Suja Kushalappa will be present as guests. 

Federation Secretary Vaterira Shankari Poovaiah, Convener Kambiranda Kittu Kalappa, Food Committee President Kumbera Manukumar, Sports Committee President Thambukuthira Madhu Mandanna, Technical Committee Director Achakalira Palangappa, member Pattada Manu Ramachandra, Cultural Committee Convener Boliyangada Dadu Poovaiah were present.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / November 15th, 2023

Ancient microcontinent discovered in Coorg block

A team of scientists from four research institutions have reported the discovery of an ancient microcontinent in India.

Based on extensive investigations in the Coorg block comprising parts of Kerala and Karnataka, the scientists have confirmed the existence of a 3.1 billion-year-old exotic microcontinent that could have broken off from Madagascar or Africa and drifted across the ocean to get wedged into the Indian landmass.

Based on the geological formations that characterise the block, the researchers assume that it could have been part of the earliest ‘Ur’ supercontinent formed through microcontinent amalgamation.

The age data of the rock samples collected by the researchers showed that the peak of continental building in the exotic Coorg block occurred around 3.1 billion years ago. The studies indicated that the crust building might have also involved partial recycling of basement rocks as old as 3.8 billion years.

The team comprising M. Santosh from India, now working at the China University of Geosciences, Beijing, Q.Y. Yang from the same university, E. Shaji from the Department of Geology, University of Kerala, T. Tsunogae from Tsukuba University, Japan, and Ram Mohan and M. Satyanarayanan from the National Geophysical Research Institute, Hyderabad, has published the discovery in Gondwana Research , an international journal on earth science with particular focus on the origin and evolution of continents.

According to the paper, the Coorg block, a continental fragment sandwiched between the Dharwar craton (a craton is a piece of a continent that has been stable for over a billion years) in the North and several younger crustal blocks to the South, is composed dominantly of a suite of arc magmatic rocks.

“Considering the age of the rocks from the periphery of the Coorg block, the microcontinent could have got wedged with peninsular India around 1.2 billion years back in time,” says Dr. Santosh, the lead author.

“This exotic microcontinent could have come from any of the cores of the earliest supercontinent Ur. The possible sources are Madagascar or Africa.”

The study revealed that the Coorg block was unaffected by major tectonothermal (geological episodes that shape rock formations) events in the rest of southern India.

The team relied on Uranium-Lead dating and Lutetium-Hafnium analyses of zircons separated from the different rock types. They also carried out petrological and mineralogical studies and geochemical analyses of the rocks.

The study is significant in understanding the supercontinent cycle, the amalgamation of continents into large land masses and their disruption.

“The Early Earth was dominated by island arcs in an oceanic realm analogous to the modern Pacific region. The formation and collision of arcs gave rise to the birth of microcontinents,” explains Dr. Shaji.

The landmass arrangement on earth today is the culmination of a long history of continental movement. The Indian subcontinent is believed to be one among the several landmasses that emerged from the break up of the Gondwana supercontinent about 180 million years ago. The Coorg block covers an area of over 3,000 sq km and includes the whole of Kasaragod district in Kerala and parts of Kodagu district in Karnataka.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India> Kerala / by T Nandakumar / November 12th, 2023

I Am Committed To Kodagu’s Growth, Says A.S. Ponnanna, Virajpet MLA

Mysore/Mysuru:

Ajjikuttira S. Ponnanna, Virajpet (Kodagu) MLA and legal advisor to the Chief Minister, said that he was committed to the comprehensive development of Kodagu, making it his responsibility.

He was speaking at the felicitation function organised in his honour and also in honour of Dr. Kalyatanda B. Ganapathy, recipient of Hon. Doctorate from the University of Mysore and Founder-Editor of Star of Mysore and Mysuru Mithra, at Kodava Samaja auditorium in Vijayanagar I Stage last evening. The event was organised by Kodava Samaja Cultural and Sports Club, Mysuru.

Outlining his vision for the district’s progress, Ponnanna emphasised that in addition to his Virajpet Constituency, he would strive to work for the overall development of the entire district. The MLA stressed the importance of collaborative efforts, involving all sections of the people including those from the grassroots level. Ponnanna underscored the importance of people’s mandate and the positive response from the government to achieve progress of the district within the democratic framework.

Seeking the co-operation of the Kodava community and other communities residing in Kodagu, as well as those with roots in the district, the MLA pledged to do his best for the district. He highlighted the historical role played by the people of Kodagu in being self-reliant in the matters of community service and infrastructure. He gave the example of many Kodava people donating their lands for constructing public buildings like schools and hospitals and also public water tanks and roads.

He said that 90 percent of the land where government buildings stand today in Kodagu were donated by the elders and ancestors. In fact, Kodavas never depended on the government and were self-reliant in all aspects. The community must continue self-reliance and be a model to the society, he said.

“People of Kodagu have elected me keeping aside all their political affiliations and many of my admirers have supported me forgetting my party affiliation. I am indebted to them and I am participating in all the events organised by associations and community organisations as I want to develop a non-political relationship with the people of Kodagu. Love and trust is important and it is beyond politics and politics is not permanent. I am here to gain your trust,” A.S. Ponnanna said.

“When I came here to canvass during my election, I had made a couple of promises. I am committed to fulfil those promises by making honest efforts,” he said.

The day-long event included the 19th Annual General Body Meeting (AGM) of Kodava Samaja Cultural and Sports Club in the morning, presided over by Club President Kuttimada D. Muthappa. The evening programme featured cultural activities, felicitation ceremony, ramp walk, dance and singing by members and a presentation by Kodava Knights Symphony.

On the occasion, former Presidents of Kodava Samaja Poyyetira S. Ganapathy, Kattera A. Kariappa and Balliamanda M Nanaiah were felicitated for their remarkable work in infrastructural development of the Samaja. Kariappa, however, could not attend as he is indisposed.

Former Presidents of Kodava Samaja Cultural and Sports Club Machimada P. Nanaiah, Mullengada A. Kuttappa, Mechanda M. Karumbaiah and Puchimada K. Somaiah were also felicitated for their commendable work ever since the Club was  established in 2002.

Chemira Thanisha Changappa, who received 16 gold medals in M.Tech. Urban Regional Planning, during the Convocation of the University of Mysore on Oct. 18, was also felicitated by the Club.

Kodava Samaja President Ponjanda A. Ganapathy, Vice-President Machimada P. Nanaiah, President of Kodagu Sahakara Sangha A.C. Nanjamma (Chambanda), President of Shree Kaveri Kodagu Mahila Sangha Ponjanda Lovely Appaiah, Sree Cauvery Educational Institutions Chairman Meriyanda Naveen Chandra, Kodava Samaja Cultural and Sports Club Hon. Secretary Mechanda S. Bopanna, Vice-President Mederira K. Prakash, Joint Secretary Nagachettira Niran Uthappa, Treasurer Aramanamada M. Ponnanna, Club Committee Members Kottangada A. Pemmaiah, Mundottira C. Kaveen Kushalappa, Mandira T. Ramesh Poonacha, Kottangada Pradeep and Alameda Ponnanna, Corporator Maletira U. Subbaiah, Executive Director of Academy Newspapers Private Limited (publishers of Star of Mysore and Mysuru Mithra) Kalyatanda Ralie Ganapathy, former Vice-Chancellor of Central University, Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh Prof. Kambeyanda C. Belliappa, Sri Bhagavathy Kodava Souhardha Sahakara Sangha President Palandira Somanna, Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa Fans Association President Nayakanda M. Thimmaiah and others were present.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / November 13th, 2023

Hi-Tech Monitoring System For Precise Cauvery Water Data

Telemetric Water Monitoring System installed at Koppa-Kushalnagar Cauvery River Bridge

Kushalnagar:

Amid the ongoing dispute between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu over the sharing of Cauvery River water, a state-of-the-art Telemetric Water Monitoring System, equipped with velocity and level sensors, has been successfully installed on a bridge across the Cauvery River at Koppa-Kushalnagar on the Kodagu-Mysuru border.

This sensor-based monitoring system offers automated and    real-time data 24×7, providing precise information regarding the river’s inflow, water level, and velocity.

The system comprises two sensors: one for monitoring the speed of the water flow (velocity sensor) and another for measuring the depth of the river water (depth sensor).

The installation has been carried out by the Water Resources Development Organisation, a Central Government agency operating under the National Hydrology Project. This organisation has an Irrigation Investigation Sub-Division Office in Mysuru that is overseeing the implementation of this sensor-based water monitoring system. Each system costs Rs. 30 lakh and is imported.

A similar system has already been deployed at Bannur, where the Cauvery River flows and approvals are pending for installing two more systems on Lakshmanatheertha River (near Hunsur) and Lokapavani River in Mandya (a tributary of Cauvery).

This state-of-the-art sensor-based system provides real-time data every 15 minutes to over 15 agencies in Karnataka and at the national level, including the India Meteorological Department, Cauvery Neeravari Nigam Limited and the Karnataka State Natural Disaster Monitoring Centre.

Additionally, the data can be utilised by regulatory authorities such as the Cauvery Water Monitoring Authority (CWMA) and the Cauvery Water Regulation Committee (CWRC) to determine the water allocation between the Southern States.

Speaking to the Star of Mysore this morning, Santhosh Kumar, Assistant Executive Engineer of the Irrigation Investigation SubDivision Office, mentioned that in the past, water flow data collection was a laborious manual process.

The system measures various parameters related to river level and flow, including water height from the stream bed (stream stage), river velocity (measured by a radar-based surface velocity sensor mounted above the river), and river depth and width. The collected data is then transmitted and made available for viewing and downloading.

This system is designed to monitor water levels in rivers, lakes and streams, predict the potential for flooding and issue alerts accordingly. It not only measures water levels but also assesses water velocity, improving the accuracy of risk predictions, Santhosh explained.

The system operates using solar energy and has been installed by Sun Technologies, Chennai, which is responsible for data transmission, system installation and maintenance for five years.

It may be recalled here that a Telemetric Water Gauge has already been installed at the Krishna Raja Sagar (KRS) Dam in Mandya district and at Harangi Dam in Kodagu to provide sensor-based real-time data on reservoir storage levels, inflow and outflow. These installations are part of an Online Monitoring System for the Cauvery Basin, utilising Telemetry-based Real-time Data Acquisition and Transmission.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / November 08th, 2023

D.Litt Conferred On Founder Of National Academy School

Mysore/Mysuru: 

Appaneravanda Shanthi Achapa, Founder and Chairperson of National Academy School (CBSE), Athur near Gonikoppa, Kodagu, has been conferred the Doctor of Letters (D.Litt) degree by the University of Central America for her ‘accomplishments in the public life in promoting education for establishing a just and equitable society.’

She has the credit of introducing the first Play School called Little Birds Play School in Kodagu in the year 1988, starting Teeny Weeny Kindergarten section in the year 1997 and National Academy School in 2001.

Shanthi Achapa has created an educational environment that stands as a strong pillar of society. Her helpful nature has led hundreds and thousands of people over the years to approach her with their concerns and also redeem solutions to their concerns and problems.

Promoting women empowerment and empowering children with special needs as a crux to her life agenda, she has nurtured a generation of strong and empowered individuals. Her social activities and charity initiatives have been appreciated by many people over the years.

For the past 40 years, she has contributed her services, both financial and professional, to charity work in Mysuru and Bengaluru. Her caring nature and her strong will to help various sections of society have led her to initiate various social and socio-economic activities to uplift people in need.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / November 09th, 2023

Unravel the Culinary Secret of Kodava Cuisine at Four Seasons Hotel Bengaluru

Bengaluru is about to witness a distinctive and unforgettable gastronomic experience as Four Seasons Hotel Bengaluru announces an exploration of the remarkable cuisine of Coorg on the 15th and 16th of November, at CUR8, the hotel’s signature restaurant. This two-day pop-up at Four Seasons is the third in a series of unique partnership with Chef Pin; showcasing the incredible culinary talents of home chefs. In this latest pop up, home chef Radhica Muthappa brings to the forefront the lesser known, yet incredibly rich and vibrant Kodava Cuisine.

Coorg, nestled in the lush greenery of south west of Karnataka, is not only known for its breathtaking landscapes but also for its distinct and flavourful cuisine. Coorgi cuisine, often referred to as Kodava cuisine, reflects the culture and traditions of the people of Kodagu, known for their warm hospitality and love for robust and earthy flavours.

At the heart of this culinary celebration is Radhica Muthappa, a passionate home chef who has mastered the art of this cuisine and is set to bring her love for the Kodava culture to the table, creating dishes that pay homage to the region’s rich culinary heritage. Her journey as a chef has been a remarkable one with a background in working at The Park Hotel in Chennai and now running a couple of cloud kitchens from her home in Bangalore. She has honed her skills over the years, and her expertise in Coorgi cuisine ensures an authentic and unforgettable dining experience.

The culinary delights of this micro-cuisine that have long remained undiscovered by many, are a beautiful blend of indigenous spices, aromatic herbs, and local produce from Coorg, creating dishes that are hearty, delectable, and deeply rooted in tradition. Savor Radhica Muthappa’s flavourful masterpieces including dishes like ‘Coorg Meatball (Kaima Undey) Curry’ and her signature dish, ‘Pandi Curry with Kadambattu’ and embark on a journey with Four Seasons Hotel Bengaluru into the heart of this regional culinary treasure, celebrating the indigenous ingredients, authentic recipes, and a commitment to quality and innovation.

In an age where the world has become a global village, there is something incredibly special about exploring micro cuisines like Coorgi Cuisine. Guests can interact with the home chef and learn about the cuisine and the culture of the state in the sophisticated atmosphere of CUR8, where stylish decor and attentive service create the perfect setting for a memorable dining experience.

This pop up at Four Seasons Hotel Bengaluru is a gateway to understanding the Kodava way of life, making this event an exploration of both food and culture.

Date: November 15th and 16th, 2023

Venue: CUR8, Four Seasons Hotel Bengaluru

source: http://www.hospibuz.com / Hospibuz.com / Home> Buzzing News> Hotel News / September 11th, 2023

Coffee Board Launches Soil Testing Centre At Gonikoppal

Mysuru:

Thousands of farmers in South Kodagu now look forward to better yield as Gonikoppal gets a new digital soil testing centre. The Coffee Board launched the testing centre last week following demands of farmers and growers.

Earlier, farmers of Virajpet taluk had to travel 50 to 70 kms to give soil for testing centres at Chettalli and Koodige and both the centres are in Somwarpet Taluk. Farmers in Virajpet were deprived of a testing centre.

Coffee Board Senior Liaison Officer said it took two hours to find the potential of hydrogen (PH) value of soil and five hours to find nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (NPK) in soil.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / December 28th, 2017

Breaking barriers: Married women shine in Kodagu’s cricket tournament

Kodagu, a tiny district in Karnataka, has produced thousands of sportspersons and soldiers for the nation.

Madikeri: 

For years, cricket enthusiasts in Kodagu — a tiny district in Karnataka — were enthralled by men playing cricket tournaments. However, the game got a lot more exciting as married women’s cricket matches have now taken the spotlight.

In a remarkable event, a married women’s cricket tournament was held on Sunday, November 5, in Chetalli village of Madikeri taluk. The women participants showcased their cricketing prowess at the district-level match, and the atmosphere was electrifying.

In an intense competition, Team Maldare emerged victorious, claiming the title, while Team Master Blaster secured the second spot. These married women, donning cricket uniforms, put aside their daily chores and responsibilities to celebrate the game they love. With cricket bats in hand, they skillfully hit sixes and fours, proving that they were no less than their male counterparts on the field. 

The event came alive even further by various food stalls set up by other women and mesmerising dance performances by the cheer team, which left the Chettalli High School ground brimming with excitement.

Historic moment

The Chettalli High School ground witnessed a unique and historic moment, as the 2nd married women’s open knockout cricket tournament was organised by the Chettalli’s Club. A total of 15 married women’s teams, all above 25 years of age, enthusiastically participated in this 6-over tournament.

In the much-anticipated final, Team Master Blaster won the toss and chose to bat, setting a target of 23 runs in the scheduled four overs. Team Maldare chased down this modest total in just 2.3 overs, securing their victory. 

Pushpa Kuttanna, a retired principal of K M Cariappa College, lit the ceremonial lamp, emphasising the vital role women play in society. She commended the efforts of the Chettalli’s Club for organising the tournament exclusively for married women, who often balance family life and responsibilities. This marked a historic moment as the first-ever married women’s cricket tournament in the country.

‘Women can excel in any field’

Aichettira Sunitha Machaiyya, the president of the club, stated that it was established in Chetalli in 2010 with the goal of empowering women. Monthly programmes have been organised, and following the success of the tournament last year, they were inspired to host another tournament.

The winners, Team Maldare, received a cash prize of Rs 21,000 along with a trophy, while Team Master Blaster claimed the second prize of Rs 11,000 and a trophy. Kokeri women’s team secured the third prize, earning Rs 6,000 and a trophy.

Individual awards were also presented, with Bharti of Team Master Blaster named the best bowler, Sujitha of Team Maldare recognized as the best batter, and Anjana of Team Sambhrama awarded the highest run-scorer.  

This historic event not only showcased the passion and talent of married women in cricket but also highlighted the importance of gender equality in sports, proving that women can excel in any field they choose. 

Guinness record 

Kodagu, a tiny district, has produced thousands of sportspersons and soldiers for the nation. The annual Kodava family hockey tournament, started in the year 1997, has secured place in Guinness book of World Records as the largest family hockey tournament in the world. 

source: http://www.siasat.com / The Siasat Daily / Home> News> Bangalore / by News Desk / November 07th, 2023

Life of writer Appachha for students mooted

‘Bhakta Ratnakara Keerthane’, restored work of renowned Kodava writer, released.

Life of writer Appachha for students mooted
Dignitaries release Appaneravanda Appachha’s ‘Bhakta Ratnakara Keerthane’ in Madikeri on Saturday. DH photo

Writer Bacharaniyanda Appanna has said that a chapter on the life of Kodava writer Appaneravanda Appachha should be included in school syllabus.

At a book release programme organised by Karnataka Kodava Sahitya Academy here, Appanna said Appachha laid foundation for literary activities in Kodagu.

Lauding the initiative of the academy to document the achievements of the writer in the form of a book, Appanna said such initiatives will bust the myth that the district still lags behind in literary field. Though most of the works are being  brought out in Kodava, lack of adequate publicity has become an impediment in reaching literary lovers, he observed.

Study materials

Lauding Appachha as ‘Kalidasa of Kodagu’, Appanna said it is evident with most of the poems, plays and also theatre songs penned. The available study materials will help younger generation in getting a glimpse of the writer and his achievements, he noted.

Appachha’s works date back to over a century and he has written four plays in Kodava. One among them, ‘Bhakta Ratnakara Keerthane’, was facing extinction, but for the timely initiative of the academy. The work has got a new lease of life, he said.

Registrar of Kodava Cultural Study Centre, Mangaluru University, Kodeera Lokesh said, “Though the love for the land among locals is on the decline, there are very few who feel proud and also patriotic, speaking in awe about the contribution to defence forces in the country.”

The youths should take initiative in studying culture and tradition of the land. The academy is playing a key role in conserving the culture, by judiciously using funds provided from the government, he added.

Additional Deputy Commissioner M Sathish Kumar stressed on documentation of history related to Kodagu for history lovers. The available historical documents in the record room at deputy commissioner’s office can be digitised for the benefit of next generation, he suggested.

Works released

Researcher Biddanda Rekha Chinnappa’s book on ‘Swatantrya Poorva Kodagina Rajakeeya Parisiti (Politics in Kodagu During Pre-Independence Era), researcher Kambeyanda Deena Bojanna’s ‘Kodagina Mand Mane Kymada Mandgala Srimantha Parampare (The Rich History of Traditional Kodava Houses), Macchamada Gopi Seethamma’s ‘Neethi Joppe’ and journalist Ithichanda Ramesh Utthappa’s ‘Appaneravanda Appaccha Kavi Jeevanacharitre (Biography of the Writer) and  Sirigandha Srinivasmurthy’s CD on ‘Kodava Bhashikara Samagra Dakaleekarana’ were released. Akademy chairman Biddatanda S Thammaiah, Madikeri Urban Development Authority Chairman Chummi Devaiah, writer Nagesh Kalur, deputy director (retd) S I Bhavikatti were present.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> Amp> Story> Content> 627810 / by DHNS / August 13th, 2017

Measuring Coorg in coffee spoons: Review of Kavery Nambisan’s book, ‘Cherry Red, Cherry Black: The Story of Coffee in India’

Kavery Nambisan traces the history and geography of the brew in India in her book ‘Cherry Red, Cherry Black: The Story of Coffee in India’.

At the Nellikad Coffee Estate in Pollybetta, Coorg | Photo Credit: Special arrangement

When did coffee arrive in India? How did Coorg, a rice-growing area initially, take to growing coffee in large quantities? Where does India stand as a coffee planter and exporter? Kavery Nambisan writes the history of one of the country’s most popular beverages in her new book, Cherry Red, Cherry Black: The Story of Coffee in India. In an interview, she says the history of coffee in India is closely interwoven with global history.

The story goes that an Indian merchant who went on a pilgrimage to Mecca is said to have brought some coffee seeds back with him in the early 17th century, and thus began the backyard cultivation of coffee in parts of then Mysore province, mainly Chikmagalur, Hassan and Coorg. The British saw its potential and expanded the growth of the cash crop. Having worked in the industry — she tried at her hand at berry picking when she was 15 and realised what a tough thing it is — Nambisan also outlines the challenges the industry faces.

Author Kavery Nambisan | Photo Credit: Special arrangement

You say history has everything to do with the story of coffee in India. Why?

The history of coffee is closely interwoven with global history, particularly from the 18th to the 20th century. It is believed that the stimulant effects were first discovered in Abyssinia when a goatherd noted how his goats frolicked non-stop after eating coffee berries growing in the wild. This led to its cultivation and coffee became something of an energy drink of those days. Its popularity spread to many parts of Arabia and from there to parts of Europe. An Indian merchant who went on a pilgrimage to Mecca is said to have brought some coffee beans back with him and so started the back-yard cultivation of coffee in parts of the Mysore Province, mainly, Chikmagalur, Hassan and Coorg.

By the mid-19th century the British had recognised the potential for growing coffee (and tea) on a large scale. They cut down thousands of acres of forests in these regions for this purpose. The British government which got revenue from its production and export, played a key role in regulating the sale of coffee. The two World Wars challenged the prospects of export and profits while competition from other coffee-growing countries ensured that our own plantations had to work on improving quantity and quality.

Wasn’t Coorg a rice-growing area before the prospect of expanding coffee growth brought the British to the region in large numbers?

The people of Coorg were hunter-peasants right up to the early 19th century when it was annexed by the British. Livelihood was closely tied to paddy cultivation which in turn was dependent on the monsoons. Paddy is a labour-intensive crop and needs workers prepared to work in difficult weather conditions. So the local tribespeople worked in the fields for daily wages. Coffee growing was initially very challenging, and disease often destroyed the crops. But with effective planning, research on the cause of disease, treatment and plant selection, it turned out to be very profitable.

Though the first coffee estate was set up near Mercara, why did coffee growth proliferate in southern Coorg? And what was the variety grown there?

North Coorg where coffee was initially grown receives heavy rainfall which can damage the blossoms and the young berries. Moreover, the area is mostly hilly and so coffee is grown on steep terrain. Within a few decades of cultivation, hundreds of acres of coffee plantations were thus destroyed. Many plantations closed down and some of the British planters went back to England. In Southern Coorg on the other hand, the land is gently sloping, or flat and the rains are not so severe. It is better suited for coffee cultivation. The two varieties of coffee grown are Robusta and Arabica.

A coffee picker with a sack of harvested beans | Photo Credit: GRJGM

Please share your experience of plucking coffee berries when you were 15. How tough was it?

That was foolish bravado on my part. Perhaps also, the fact that I was of an age when I romanticised manual labour. Coffee plucking itself appears easy when a skilled worker does it. Actually, It is hard work. There are nettled shrubs and creepers that get in the way, abrading palms and scratching the arms and shins. The many insects that creep, crawl and fly will often sting. Dried coffee twigs can poke the eyes for good measure when the picker crouches beneath the bushes to pluck the berries. I was not able to pick as much as I thought I could. But the workers? They talked and laughed all day and plucked enough berries to fill a few sacks each.

Was the rapport between the local Kodavas and the British a happy one? What did they learn from each other?

I guess you could say it was a good rapport. You need to go back in history in order to understand why. Coorg (or Kodagu) was ruled by the Haleri kings for 250 years before the British annexed Coorg in 1834. Coorg was better off under the British. They got schools, dispensaries, apothecaries, etc. Importantly, there was more peace and harmony which came with better administration. Within a few decades, many of the Kodavas became literate. The British found them to be hard-working, honest and trustworthy.

___________________________

Cherry Red, Cherry Black: The Story of Coffee in India

 Kavery Nambisan Bloomsbury

 ₹699

_________________________

What are some of the concerns about the modern coffee industry?

There are several concerns: Coffee plantations are the result of the felling of large areas of forest land, particularly in and around the Western Ghats. It is also a crop that uses pesticides and chemical fertilizers which denude the soil of its health and vigour. Organically grown coffee is a possibility, but economically it is not viable in large plantations. The climate catastrophes experienced in the last few years has led to destruction and loss of lives. We need to look at alternate ways of producing coffee so the end result is not deleterious to the environment. There are many individuals, groups and a few corporates who are experimenting with new methods. Coffee growing is no longer as lucrative as it once was and there is a need for innovation and the use of methods that are not harmful to the ecosystem.

A farmer in Coorg picks riped coffee beans for pulping | Photo Credit: Sampath Kumar G.P.

From Steeping to the French Press there are many ways to make coffee and you describe them in the book, which is your favourite way to make and drink coffee?

I have been a coffee drinker all my life, naturally. I cannot start the day without coffee. I like it strong, hot and full flavoured. I use a mix of Robusta and Arabica beans, roasted at a mill nearby and powdered at home. I have three methods that I use to make coffee, depending on my mood. The Moka pot coffee, filter coffee or the simple brew, in which you heat fresh water and when it comes to boil, add the coffee powder, cover and let it steep for 2 minutes, strain and serve with hot milk and jaggery.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Books / by Sandipta Datta / December 09th, 2022