Global Price Rise To Fuel Coffee Exports

Business & Economy, Coffee News, Coffee, Kodagu (Coorg), World Opinion
On Friday, the May contract of Arabica coffee on the New York exchange is being traded at 195.90 cents per pound ( ₹354.84 a kg), and the same contract of Robusta coffee is quoted at $2,442 per tonne ( ₹200.63 per kg) (Photo: Bloomberg)
On Friday, the May contract of Arabica coffee on the New York exchange is being traded at 195.90 cents per pound (R354.84 a kg), and the same contract of Robusta coffee is quoted at $2,442 per tonne (R 200.63 per kg) (Photo:Bloomberg)

SYNOPSIS

For the next two quarters, India’s coffee exports are expected to go up by 10% year-on year in value terms due to a shift to mid-premium coffee from expensive premium-quality coffee amid firm international prices.

New Delhi:

India’s coffee exports, which had risen 13% on year in the Q4 quarter in value terms, are expected to go up further because of higher international prices, driving consumers to less expensive coffee.

“The higher value because of the gain in the global market has made up for the drop in volume,” Ramesh Rajah, president of Coffee Exporters Association, said. Prices in the international market rose because of lower crop outlook in major producing nations like Brazil in view of torrential rainfall.

For the next two quarters, India’s coffee exports are expected to go up by 10% year-on year in value terms due to a shift to mid-premium coffee from expensive premium-quality coffee amid firm international prices, Rajah said.

On Friday, the May contract of Arabica coffee on the New York exchange is being traded at 195.90 cents per pound ( ₹354.84 a kg), and the same contract of Robusta coffee is quoted at $2,442 per tonne ( ₹200.63 per kg).

Rajah forecasts Arabica coffee prices to be around 200 cents per pound on the New York exchange, and $2,300 per tonne for Robusta variety on the London exchange because of likely shortfall in supply in major producing countries such as Brazil and Vietnam as El Nino weather phenomenon are expected to disturb monsoon rainfall.

Brazil is the largest coffee producer globally, followed by Vietnam, Colombia, while India’s contribution to the global market is about 2.5-3.0%. India is an importer of raw coffee and exporter of instant coffee.

Coffee exports for the last financial year ended March hit a record high for the second consecutive year at $1.126 billion against the $1.088 billion target fixed by the commerce ministry.

“Exports are expected to be on par with the last financial year in value terms,” said Ajoy Thipaiah, chairman, Coffee Committee of United Planters Association of South India. “Volume of exports, however, may remain low.”

The export of coffee declined 3.6% in volume to 398,000 tonne in FY23 against 413,000 tonne in FY22, data from the Coffee Board of India showed.

According to Thipaiah, exports also rose due to a fall in shipping cost that had shot up seven-fold during covid in 2021 and immediately after covid in 2022. Shipping cost per container has plunged to the pre-covid level at ₹100,000-150,000 from ₹700,000-750,000. This is seen encouraging most medium-level coffee exporters, who were not able to export during covid due to higher freight costs.

The market for Indian coffee is niche and preferred by countries such as Italy, Germany and Russia.

The spike in exports has also been attributed to higher realisation. The per unit realisation for Indian coffee was 22% higher at ₹226,000 per tonne in the last financial year against ₹184,000 a tonne in 2021-22 (April-March), said KG Jagadeesha, secretary and CEO of India Coffee Board.

Exports in 2023-24 (April-March) will depend on prices and coffee production in India. Prices are good globally. However, the delayed blossom showers in major plantations in Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka may weigh on India’s coffee production this season significantly, which raises concerns over export volumes, Jagadeesha said.

source: http://www.livemint.com / Mint / Home> Markets> Stock Market / by Puja Das / April 23rd, 2023

Coorg: Stories and Essays

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy, Historical Links / Pre-Independence, Leaders, Records, All, , , ,
Coorg: Stories and Essays by CP Belliappa. Rupa. Pages 264. Rs 395

‘Coorg: Stories and Essays’ draws from and builds on CP Belliappa’s earlier works on Coorg (officially known as Kodagu).

The book begins by tracing the progress of the land and its people during the rule of the Haleri rajas; the British annexation and their administration of the territory and the events that culminated in Coorg becoming a part of the Kannada-speaking state of Karnataka.

The essays and stories also offer the fascinating illustrated story of Princess Victoria Gowramma, the lost princess of Coorg.

Belliappa delves deep into antiquity, covering a wide range of topics relevant to understanding the ethos of Coorg. 

source: http://www.tribuneindia.com / The Tribune / Home> Backflap> Book Reviews / April 23rd, 2023

Karnataka 2nd PU commerce topper Ananya K.A. says changed question paper pattern helped save time

Amazing Feats, Education, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Records, All, Women/Girls (wef. Sept 03rd, 2022), , , , , , ,

The new pattern has more number of multiple choice questions compared to the earlier examinations.

M. Mohan Alva, chairman, Alva’s Education Foundation, Moodbidri offering sweets to Ananya K.A., who topped the commerce stream in the second PU exams in Karnataka. The results were announced on April 21, 2023.

Ananya K.A., topper in the commerce stream of the second pre-university examination, said that the new pattern of the PU exam helped save time in answering the questions.

Ms. Ananya had prepared well for the new pattern that had more number of multiple choice questions compared to the earlier examinations. “I was better prepared,” she told The Hindu.

Ms. Ananya hails from Kushalnagar in Kodagu district. She is the eldest of two daughters of ex-serviceman K. Ashok and government school teacher G. Nalini. She was a student of Adichunchungiri School in Hassan up to class 10. She joined Alva’s Pre-University College, Moodbidri, in Dakshina Kannada district, two years ago under the free education scheme of Alva’s Education Foundation for sportspersons.

“I am a volleyball player. But due to an injury, I had to discontinue sports and concentrate on academics this year,” she told The Hindu.

As she has been staying in a sports hostel since class 8 in Hassan, it was not difficult for her to stay away from her family, in Moodbidri.

She is now preparing for the company secretary entrance examination scheduled on May 1.

Congratulating Ms. Ananya for securing 600/600 marks, M. Mohan Alva, chairman of Alva’s Education Foundation, Moodbidri said this is first time that a commerce student has secured 100% marks in the examination. Mr. Alva said the foundation will continue to offer free education to youngsters with a talent for sports, cultural activities or academics.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Mangaluru / by The Hindu Bureau / April 21st, 2023

Tales of temple festivals

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Historical Links / Pre-Independence, Records, All, Travel, Tourism & Homestays (wef. Oct 03rd, 2021)
Boys in sari and girls in traditional male attire at the Puthu Bhagwathy temple. Photo courtesy Nellira Ananya

The months of March, April and May witness many annual village temple festivals happening in Kodagu. The temple idols called ‘thadamb’ are carried by a priest on the head, in processions. ‘Therays’ (shaman dances), where performers wear colourful red costumes and imitate deities or ancestors, are organised in temples and ancestral homes of some clans. 

The main festivals are the Bhagwathi Namme and the Boad Namme, which are held in honour of village deities. Two such temple festivals were held in the second week of April this year. One was at the Puthu Bhagwathy temple in Birunani village. The other was at Pannangalatamme in Yavakapadi village.

During the Puthu Bhagwathy festival, the people of Birunani make vows to the goddess in order to fulfil their wishes, often for the good health of their children. The celebrations include a ceremony similar to a wedding ritual, with the boys dressed as brides and the girls as grooms.

Legend has it that once five sibling gods — two brothers and three sisters — came to South Kodagu from Kerala. The eldest brother Mattlappa settled in Mathur near Ponnampet. The eldest sister Puthu Bhagwathy settled in Birunani. The younger brother Ogerelappa settled in the forests of Ogerelappa. The youngest sisters, twins, settled in Rudraguppe near the Kammaratappa temple and hill. They were known as Rudraguppelamme or Jodi Bhagwathy. 

Members of the Kembatti, Kodava, Airi, Kudiya, Kaniya and other communities participate in the Pannagalatamme festival. They bring ‘bolle kall’ (toddy), umbrellas and other articles to the festival. A few members of the Kembatti community wear red or white ‘kuppyas’ (native coats) and perform ‘thirale’ or go into a trance.

The tale behind this festival goes as follows. Long ago, seven sibling gods — six brothers and one sister — lived in Kerala. The eldest brother settled in Tali Parambu and built a famous temple there. He sent his younger siblings eastward towards Kodagu to establish temples. Today, three of these other temples are in Kodagu, while the other three are in Kannur and Wayanad.

Four siblings came to Kodagu. The farm they were camping in belonged to the Pardanda joint family in Kunjila. The sister milked a cow belonging to the family which was grazing there. She used the milk to cook the rice. The rice was placed in a clay pot and buried in the hot sand beside a stream.

There were banana trees growing on the farm. The siblings cut a few leaves to use as plates. Ummavva of the Pardanda family saw this and scolded them. The sibling gods then cursed the family that no bananas would thereafter grow on their farm. 

Muthanna, the head of the Pardanda family, then came and sought their forgiveness. But the curse took effect. However, the Pardanda were made the ‘deva thakka’ (hereditary temple managers) of the Igguthappa temple which was built in the nearby Padi hamlet.

Another brother settled in Palur and became known as Palurappa. The last brother settled in Thirunelli across the Kodagu border in Wayanad and is called as Pemmaiah.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> Spectrum / by Mookonda Kushalappa / April 20th, 2023

Former Kodagu ZP President Passes Away In Mysuru

Leaders, Records, All, , , , , , ,

Kushalnagar:

S.N. Rajarao (68), former Kodagu Zilla Panchayat President and a resident of Heggadahalli village in Koodige Gram Panchayat limits, passed away following a heart attack at a private hospital in Mysuru on Monday night.

He leaves behind his wife, three sons, two daughters and a host of relatives and friends.

Rajarao had also served as Koodige Gram Panchayat President, President of Social Justice Standing Committee and Kodagu Zilla Panchayat President, where he had served for more than three decades.

He had also served as the President of Basavanahalli Multipurpose Tribal Co-operative Society, Director of Koodige Agriculture Co-operative Society and was the Member of Virajpet taluk’s Akrama Sakrama Committee.

Last rites were held at the family’s farm land in Seegehosur yesterday, according to family sources.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / April 19th, 2023

Art and Artists’ Galore

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy, Records, All, Travel, Tourism & Homestays (wef. Oct 03rd, 2021), , , , ,

The second Art Shastra event is being held by Evolve Back Resorts at the Coorg property Chikkana Halli Estate. Evolve Back is returning with Art Shastra to showcase Indian art and artists from all over the nation after a successful first edition in 2016 at Hampi.

The event will feature engaging discussions about modern stylisation, contemporary art, and printmaking workshops, followed by excursions to the Dubare Elephant Camp and the Tibetan hamlet in Bylekuppe.

The event will feature artwork by renowned artists from across the country like S.G. Vasudev, R.M. Palaniappan, Indrapramit Roy, Shipra Bhattacharya, among 16 others.

Date: April 2 to 6, 2023

Venue: Evolve Back Chikkana Halli Estate, Coorg, Karnataka, India

(IANSlife can be contacted at ianslife@ians.in)

source: http://www.daijiworld.com / Daijiworld.com / Home> National-World / by IANSlife / April 19th, 2023

Karnataka polls: Weddings miss the “cheers” in Kodagu

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Records, All, Samajas, Associations, Clubs (wef. Sept. 03rd, 2022)), ,

Liquor is a must for Kodava community weddings.

alcohol, prohibition, liquor
Image used for representational purpose only.

Madikeri :

The ban on liquor at private weddings and functions has left celebrations bereft of “cheers” in Kodagu.

The prohibition came into effect in view of the Karnataka assembly elections scheduled for May 10.

The ban on liquor has been imposed by the Excise Department on the orders of the State Election Commission.

While permission for serving liquor at private functions was granted during past elections, the same stands cancelled now.

Serving liquor at private functions including weddings is a common practice among the majority of people in Kodagu. Liquor is a must for Kodava community weddings.

During the previous elections, the Code of Conduct exempted the residents from serving liquor at weddings. But they had to shell out Rs 11,500 as a fee to the excise department. However, this was not the case this time.

“The order came from the State Election Commission”, confirmed district excise DC, Jagadish.

But many residents had taken permission from the excise department well in advance by paying the fee.

“The ban was imposed on April 11. The cash paid by several families for a liquor permit in view of weddings are being refunded”, Jagadish said.

Meanwhile, the Bengaluru Federation of the Kodava Samaj has submitted a memorandum to the Election Commission requesting to withdraw the ban imposed on serving liquor during private functions. The representatives of the federation met the Chief Electoral Officer, Manoj Kumar and explained about the custom of serving liquor during Kodava weddings. 

Many who have already purchased liquor in large quantities for functions are in a dilemma and hope that the Election Commission would pay heed to their demand.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Karnataka / by Express News Service / April 16th, 2023

Gold in their golden years: Palekanda brothers return as champs

Amazing Feats, Records, All, Sports, Women/Girls (wef. Sept 03rd, 2022), World Opinion, , ,

The brothers are now looking forward to take part in the Master Games Championship in South Korea in May.

(From right) Belliappa, Machamma and Palekanda Bopaiah on an open jeep
(From right) Belliappa, Machamma and Palekanda Bopaiah on an open jeep

Madikeri :

The Palekanda brothers who landed at Kadanuru in Kodagu, went around an open jeep with Australian Master Games Championship medals dangling from their necks. Palekanda Bopaiah (95) and Belliappa (86) won two medals each.

While Bopaiah won gold in the 100-m race category and a silver in the javelin throw, Belliappa’s golden moment came in the 1500-m walking race and a bronze medal in the 100-m race. “My elder brother actually came first in the javelin throw. However, there were some technical problems, which could not be rectified despite our efforts to convince the jury,” said Belliappa. 

“It was tough to get through the registration process,” he said, “because the championship lacked authoritative representation from the nation. Fortunately, Mohan S, a scientist, from Chintamani of Chikkaballapur, helped us.” Mohan bagged a gold medal in the long jump in the 30-plus category. 

“Without Mohan, we would not have won these medals. He helped us with the documentation. We will never forget him,” he said. 

Meanwhile, 77-year-old Machamma also won a silver medal in the javelin throw.  The brothers are now looking forward to take part in the Master Games Championship in South Korea in May. However, they are worried about arranging finances. 

“Australian athletes are supported by their government. We hope that our government also supports us,” Belliappa said.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Karnataka / by Prajna GR / Express News Service / March 18th, 2023

Nitin Kushalappa’s Book “Dakshin: South Indian Myths And Fables Retold” Launched

Amazing Feats, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Defence Services (Air,Land,Sea),Police (wef. Dec 09th, 2021), Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Records, All, Women/Girls (wef. Sept 03rd, 2022), , , , , , , , , ,

Mysuru :

Mookonda Nitin Kushalappa’s English book “Dakshin: South Indian Myths and Fables Retold” was launched at Atta Galatta Bookstore auditorium in Bengaluru on April 2.

The event was attended by Maha Vir Chakra awardee Lt. Col. Puttichanda S. Ganapathi, IRS Officer Preeth Ganapathy, retired Superintendent of Police Mookonda K. Ganapathy, Col. Maddanda Uthappa, Ponnakachira Machaiah, retired Assistant Commissioner of Customs Muckatira Suresh and others.

This book, which was earlier released on Amazon on Feb.13, 2023, is already a bestseller in various book categories. Atta Galatta is located in Indiranagar and has a cafeteria with an auditorium attached to its bookstore.

Presenting the slide show to the audience along with his wife Deepthi, Nitin spoke of the 15 stories in his collection, the regions and sources they came from, the illustrations and the rhymes that support the stories.

Lt. Col. P.S. Ganapathi, MVC, spoke of how he came to meet Nitin a few years ago and how they worked together on a previous book, ‘The Major Who Kept His Cool’ (Col. Ganapathi’s biography authored by Nitin).

Sanjeev Rajarao spoke of how he reaches out to Nitin for any information on Kodagu and Kodavas and how Nitin connects the dots.

Mrs. Leo, Nitin’s school teacher, Preeth Ganapathy, IRS, Bayavanda Monnappa, COO of BHive, Mookonda K. Ganapathy and Vishwanath also spoke. Nitin’s mother Mookonda Pushpa Poonacha spoke about the importance of folklore.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / April 07th, 2023

Now, all vehicles have to pay to enter Nagarahole forests in Kodagu

Business & Economy, Green Initiatives / Environment, Nature, Records, All, Travel, Tourism & Homestays (wef. Oct 03rd, 2021), , , , ,

Tourists park by the waterfalls on the Bhagamandala-Karike Road and litter the area with plastic and liquor waste.

A forest checkpost at Karike in Kodagu district ​
A forest checkpost at Karike in Kodagu district ​

Madikeri :

Not just inter-state, now even intra- and inter-district vehicles will have to pay an entry fee at the forest gates of Nagarahole in Kodagu. The forest department took this step to put an end to the rampant dumping of garbage and littering in forest areas in the district. 

Kodagu Chief Conservator of Forests Murthy BNN pointed out that it had become a herculean task for the department to control littering and dumping of garbage in forest fringes. “But after we introduced strict checking and entry fee at Nagarahole Gate, the dumping of huge quantities of waste materials brought from Kerala into Kodagu forests has been controlled,” he said. 

Entry fee will also now be collected at Makutta Gate in South Kodagu where garbage was being dumped from Kerala and surrounding areas. To prevent unauthorised parking and littering, the forest department is conducting regular vigil in forest areas that lead to popular tourist spots. 

Tourists park by the waterfalls on the Bhagamandala-Karike Road and litter the area with plastic and liquor waste. “This is causing an adverse effect on the wildlife and the department is conducting stringent checks to control this,” he said.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Karnataka / by Express News Service / April 15th, 2023