Record prices bring joy to coffee farmers

On Friday, the farm gate price of raw Robusta coffee berries in Wayanad market rises to a record ₹251 a kg, a significant increase from ₹171 a kg during the same period last year.

A farmer at Meenangadi in Wayanad district drying coffee berries. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

Robusta coffee farmers in south India are celebrating a bountiful harvest season, with prices reaching new heights. On Friday, the farm gate price of raw Robusta coffee berries in Wayanad market soared to a record ₹251 a kg, a significant increase from ₹171 a kg during the same period last year. This time in 2022, the price was even lower at ₹80 a kg.

Though the harvest is almost over, a shortfall in supply has contributed to the surge in prices, according to market sources. Many farmers are opting to hold onto their produce, anticipating even higher prices in the coming days. Concurrently, the spot price for Robusta coffee beans has risen to ₹450 a kg.

Sources say a sharp decline in Robusta coffee production in Brazil, a leading coffee producer, due to drought-like conditions is also driving up the prices. Reports indicate that Brazil’s coffee stock has plummeted to below two million bags (60 kg each) this year, down from nearly 5.5 million bags last year.

Additionally, the coffee market in Vietnam, another key Robusta producer, has been temporarily closed due to lunar holidays, further tightening supply.

The dearth of rainfall is the major concern of farmers now, especially small-scale coffee farmers, as irrigation facilities are out of their reach. Many farmers living on forest fringes are also grappling with increased wildlife crop raids, posing additional challenges.

In a related development, the price of Arabica coffee seeds has also reached an all-time high at an auction held in Bengaluru, fetching ₹605 a kg, up from ₹456 a kg during the same period last year.

According to the Coffee Board of India’s Post Blossom Estimate, the total coffee production in India for the 2023-2024 fiscal is projected at 3,74,200 tonnes, including 2,61,200 tonnes of Robusta coffee, of which Wayanad contributes 61,050 tonnes.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India> Kerala / by E M Manoj, Kalpeta / January 31st, 2025

Sky Force: Kodava people condemn misrepresentation of Squadron Leader A B Devayya in Hindi movie

Some section of Kodava community have also urged the state government to ban the movie in Karnataka.

The bronze statue of Squadron Leader Ajjamada B Devayya

Madikeri:

The issue of portraying the character of Maha Vir Chakra awardee Squadron Leader Ajjamada B Devayya, as a Tamilian in the Hindi movie ‘Sky Force’, directed by Sandeep Kewlani has drawn the ire of people from Kodagu.

The move by the filmmakers has been criticised on social media. Tweeting about Ajjamada B Devayya, the people opined that even though the movie is based on him, his character has been misrepresented. 

Some have also urged the state government to ban the movie in Karnataka.

The film was released on January 24 and is said to be inspired by the life of Ajjamada B Devayya and by his role in destroying a Pak aircraft during the Indo-Pak war in 1965. He was martyred during the fight. 

Speaking to DH, Codava Makkada Coota president and publisher Bollajira B Aiyappa said that the real name of the patriot should have been used for the lead character in the film. Even though the character’s name is changed, the identity of him being Kodava should have been shown. The change of his identity as a Tamilian has hurt the sentiments of Kodavas. Kodagu has given Field Marshals, Generals and Squadron leaders to the country, he said.

Ajjamada  B Devayya./ File Photo

“The movie makers had come to Kodagu to collect information about A B Devayya. The opening and closing credits of the movie have made a mention about the story being based on A B Devayya’s life, he said.

He further stated that a book has been published about Ajjamada B Devayya – ‘1965 ra Yuddha Hagu Kodagina Mahavira’.

The Coota has been observing his commemoration on September 7 every year at A B Devayya Circle in Madikeri where the statue is situated. The statue is erected and is being maintained by Codava Makkada Coota, Aiyappa added.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> India> Karnataka / by Ashwani Kumar N K R / January 30th, 2025

CM to formally inaugurate flyover at Bhagamandala tomorrow

Madikeri:

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah will formally inaugurate the Bhagamandala flyover in the Cauvery basin on Friday (Jan. 31).

He will be accompanied by Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, Large and Medium Scale Industries Minister M.B. Patil, MLAs A.S. Ponnanna, Dr. Manthar Gowda and other dignitaries. The Rs. 30 crore project, aimed at addressing frequent flooding in the region, was executed by Cauvery Neeravari Nigam Limited (CNNL).

Before the inauguration, Siddaramaiah will visit Talacauvery at 1.30 pm. The flyover inauguration is scheduled for 3 pm, linking Bhagamandala and Napoklu, providing a critical transport corridor to prevent travel disruptions caused by seasonal floods.

Relief for residents

Though opened for traffic in May 2024, the flyover is now being officially inaugurated. The region, particularly Brahmagiri Hills, Talacauvery, Korangala, Cherangala and Bhagamandala, experiences heavy monsoon rainfall, leading to severe flooding at Triveni Sangama, where the Cauvery, Kannike and Sujyothi rivers converge.  This results in frequent road closures on the Madikeri-Bhagamandala-Talacauvery and Bhagamandala-Ayyangeri-Napoklu routes.

Flooded roads not only cut off Bhagamandala, temporarily turning it into an island, but also cause immense hardship for residents, students and businesses. With essential supplies blocked, villagers struggle for basic necessities, and schoolchildren are often unable to attend classes. The completion of the flyover has now eliminated these challenges, ensuring uninterrupted connectivity even during heavy rains.

The 880-metre-long flyover, supported by 36 pillars, includes a 200-metre connecting road with underground drainage (UGD) facilities. It has been designed to withstand vehicles weighing over 60 tonnes, with a speed limit of 40 kmph. Authorities have also installed streetlights and rainwater drainage pipelines, with all painting and finishing works completed.

Development Efforts

According to Kodagu District Congress spokesperson T.P. Ramesh, the project was conceptualised nine years ago, during the previous Congress government. Following an expert assessment, the government approved Rs. 30 crore in phased grants for construction.

Now, under CM Siddaramaiah’s leadership, the flyover’s completion marks another significant milestone in Kodagu’s infrastructure development. MLA A.S. Ponnanna has also played a key role in enhancing road connectivity between Madikeri and Bhagamandala, with the Government implementing a special action plan for further road improvements.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / January 30th, 2025

‘Devi Marga’ at Madikeri Dasara on Oct. 9

Madikeri:

Kotera Yamini Muthanna, daughter of late Chendrimada Raja and Sundari, will be presenting ‘Devi Marga,’ a classical dance drama at the Madikeri Dasara cultural programme on Oct. 9 at 7 pm.

Guru Yamini Muthanna of Kalasinchanam Nrithyalaya will be performing with her senior students at the Gandhi Maidan here along with a host of other cultural groups.

An artiste par excellence in the field of Classical Dance and Ashtanga Yoga, she is a Top Grade artiste of Bharatanatyam and Yoga Acharya. She has presented dance performances in many prominent festivals and cultural events all over the world and has travelled as an Ambassador of Culture assigned by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (External Affairs Ministry).

She has scripted and directed 26 episodes of Therapeutic Yoga on Doordarshan in various Indian languages which is at present telecast on DD Bharathi.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home > News / October 06th, 2024

Madikeri commemorates Sarvodaya Day with solemn tribute to Mahatma Gandhi’s ashes

Madikeri :

Sarvodaya Day was observed in Madikeri by the district administration, Kannada and Culture Department, Municipal Council, and Sarvodaya Samiti on Thursday.

The ashes of Mahatma Gandhi, which were kept in the district treasury of the city’s District Administration Building, were taken out to allow people to pay their homage.

Led by the district administration and Sarvodaya Samiti members, the ashes of Gandhi were taken out through the main road of Mangeria Muthanna and General Thimayya Circle and placed at Gandhi Mantapa in the Gandhi Maidan.

The reserve police force also paid tribute to Gandhi by firing three rounds and observing silence.

A religious prayer was part of the event where messages were read by heads of different religions.

After the state tributes and a moment of silence, Gandhi’s ashes were taken back to the district treasury in a procession.

DC Venkat Raja, SP K Ramarajan, and Sarvodaya Samiti President Ambekallu Kushalappa were present.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> News> City News> Mysuru News / by G Rajendra / TNN / January 30th, 2025

‘Yeshasvini’ at Kodagu Sangha

Following the Government’s order, Kodagu Sahakara Sangha, Jayalakshmipuram, Mysuru, has started renewal and registration for Yeshasvini Health Scheme.

Interested Sangha members may register before Jan. 31.

For details, contact the Sangha office.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> In Briefs / January 19th, 2025

126th birth anniversary of Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa: Tributes pour in for the first Indian Commander-in-Chief

Mysuru:

On the 126th birth anniversary of Field Marshal Kodandera Madappa Cariappa, tributes poured in from across the nation this morning, honouring the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army.

The Indian Army took to ‘X’ on January 28, writing, “Remembering the Legend…On his 126th Birth Anniversary, the Indian Army pays homage to Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa, OBE.”

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari also shared his respect, posting, “Remembering First Indian Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army Field Marshal Sir Kodandera ‘Kipper’ Madappa Cariappa.”

In Mysuru, as part of the celebrations, floral tributes were offered to the statue of the Field Marshal at the Circle named after him on JLB Road.

Chamaraja MLA K. Harishgowda emphasised that the name of Field Marshal Cariappa, whose contributions to the country’s defence are immeasurable, should be honoured as long as the Sun and Moon exist.

Stating that the annual commemoration of the Field Marshal’s birth anniversary is a fitting tribute, he highlighted that Field Marshal Cariappa was known for his discipline, dedication and determination.

The MLA also mentioned that the Mysuru Kodava Samaja had previously proposed the installation of a statue of another Kodagu warrior, General K.S. Thimayya. He announced that work has now begun on the statue, which will be installed at the Kodava Samaja premises in Vijayanagar, with funds allocated from his Legislator’s fund.

Kodagu’s contributions recalled

Krishnaraja MLA T.S. Srivatsa pointed out that Kodagu is likely the only district in the country where almost every household has at least one member serving in the country’s defence forces. He also lauded Field Marshal Cariappa for his pivotal role in shaping the post-independence Indian Army, as well as his involvement in Iran’s army structure. Srivatsa added that Cariappa also had a deep love for sports and music.

MLC C.N. Manjegowda stressed the importance of celebrating the Field Marshal’s birth anniversary, encouraging youths to draw inspiration from his legacy and consider joining the army.

Manjegowda, an ex-serviceman, urged the Government to ensure that Field Marshal Cariappa’s birth anniversary is celebrated as prominently as those of other great personalities.

City BJP President and former MLA L. Nagendra highlighted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrates Deepavali every year with the Armed Forces at the country’s borders. He noted the renaming of Metropole Circle as Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa Circle in recognition of the late Commander’s accomplishments and called for it to be referred to by its new name.

Former Mayor M.J. Ravikumar suggested that the busy junction at the Circle be made safer by constructing a shelter that covers the entire area to prevent accidents from speeding vehicles. He also called for further development of the Circle.

Former Mayor Srikantaiah, former Corporators Maletira U. Subbaiah and Prameela Bharath, Kodava Samaja President Ponjanda A. Ganapathy, Kodava Samaja Cultural and Sports Club President Mukkatira C. Ashok, Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa Abhimaani Balaga President Nayakanda Thimmaiah and community leaders were present.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News> Top Stories / January 28th, 2025

CM to visit Mysuru, Kodagu

Mysuru:

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah will be undertaking a two-day tour of Mysuru and Kodagu districts and his itinerary is as follows:

Jan. 31 (Friday)

10 am: The CM will be leaving Bengaluru in a helicopter from HAL Airport.

10.50 am: Arrives at the helipad near JSS Krishi Vigyan Kendra (behind Sri Veerabhadreshwara Temple), Suttur, Nanjangud taluk, Mysuru.

He will be participating in the valedictory of the Cultural Fair and Exhibition organised as part of Suttur Jathra Mahotsava at Suttur Srikshetra and visit Sri Sutturamma Temple. Later he will take part in the foundation stone laying ceremony of Valmiki Samudaya Bhavana on Gejjeganahalli Road in Suttur.

1 pm: CM leaves Suttur in the helicopter from the helipad near JSS Krishi Vigyan Kendra.

1.30 pm: He will arrive at the helipad in Kaveri High School premises, Bhagamandala, Madikeri taluk, Kodagu; 2.15 pm: Will visit Sri Bhagandeshwara Temple and Talacauvery.

3 pm: CM inaugurates the Flyover built across Cauvery River near Bhagamandala in Kodagu, organised by Cauvery Neeravari Nigama Limited (CNNL), Water Resources Department.

4 pm: CM leaves Kodagu in the helicopter from helipad in Kaveri High School premises, Bhagamandala; 4.25 pm: Arrives in Mysore Airport, Mandakalli and stays overnight in Mysuru city.

Feb. 1 (Saturday)

11 am: CM Siddaramaiah will attend inaugural ceremony of the State-level Community Health Officers Conference-2025 organised by Sri Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar Forum, Mysuru and Akhila Karnataka State Community Health (NHM) Contractual Employees’ Union (AKSCHCEU), Bengaluru, at Maharaja’s College Grounds in Mysuru.

2.30 pm: He will take part in Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Award ceremony organised by Adi Karnataka/ Chalavadi Mahasansthana Gurupeetha, Mysuru (V. Sreenivasa Prasad Forum) at Rani Bahadur Auditorium, Manasagangothri.

8 pm: He will leave city in a special flight from Mysore Airport.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / January 30th, 2025

Kodagu team shines at Isha Gramotsavam in Coimbatore

The Maragodu team from Kodagu emerged victorious in the throwball final, defeating Tamil Nadu’s P.G. Pudur team. The winners were awarded an attractive trophy and a cash prize of Rs. 5 lakh.

The event, launched by Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev in 2004, is designed to revive the resilient spirit of rural communities through sports and playfulness. The thrilling matches captivated the audience against the backdrop of the 112-foot Adiyogi statue.

Key Winners — Throwball: Winner – Kodagu Maragodu & Runner-up – P.G. Pudur (Tamil Nadu); Volleyball: Winner – Banakal (Karnataka) & Runner-up – Palli (Karnataka); Para Volleyball: Winner – Coimbatore (Tamil Nadu) & Runner-Up – Krishnagiri (Tamil Nadu).

Prizes were distributed by Sadhguru along with cricket legends Virender Sehwag and Venkatesh Prasad, accompanied by other dignitaries.

Isha Gramotsavam has become a significant social initiative, fostering community well-being, empowering women and breaking social barriers.

This year’s event began in August and spanned across Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Kerala and Puducherry, with competitions held in 194 rural locations. Over 60,000 players, including 10,000 women, participated in sports like Kabaddi and Throwball, embodying the spirit of rural India.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Sports / January 04th, 2025