Category Archives: Agriculture

Kodagu’s monsoon tradition: Ancestral dishes, rituals amidst the rain

Agriculture, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Nature, Records, All

During the monsoon season, Kodagu’s unique culinary traditions involve dishes prepared with local ingredients like bamboo shoots and Justicia Wynaadensis leaves, reflecting a rich heritage aimed at maintaining health and body temperature.

The chilly weather and hard work in the farmlands demand that one stay healthy, leading to unique dishes being prepared during this period in ancestral times.Photo | Express

Madikeri :

Known to be an agricultural district, farming activities engulf Kodagu during the monsoon months. The chilly weather and hard work in the farmlands demand that one stay healthy, leading to unique dishes being prepared during this period in ancestral times. The indigenous cuisine acts as a natural nutrient supplement, helping the natives maintain body temperature during the chilly and moist weather. While agricultural activities have seen a gradual decline across the district in the recent past, the ancestral fare still make up a large part of the monsoon diet in Kodagu.

The district has a special vibe during the monsoon, and a stroll down any town road introduces one to unique items being sold on the streets. Natives from interior parts of the village turn street vendors and source natural resources available in plenty across the estates and forest fringes of the district, which they sell locally.

The wares vary from the traditionally made bamboo skep (to help clothes dry using charcoal heater) by the roadside in Madikeri, to natural products — a line of women wearing raincoats selling bamboo shoots, colocasia leaves, crabs, bracken fieldheads and leaves known as Justicia Wynaadensis or ‘maddu thoppu’ during the monsoon months from June to August. These locally sourced items make up for unique dishes that are prepared in all Kodava houses, and are now also being followed by all communities in the district.

“July 15 to August 15 is ‘Kakkada’ month in the Kodava calendar,” explained Ulliyada Dati Poovaiah, ex-president of Kodava Sahitya Academy. This month is synonymous with ‘Ashada’ month for Kannadigas, which is considered inauspicious. As the ancestors were busy with field work during this month, no auspicious events were hosted. Extreme weather conditions with heavy rainfall and gusty winds also stopped people from moving out of the safety of their houses, leading to ‘Kakkada’ month being considered inauspicious for any public or private gatherings.

“Kodagu used to receive the highest rainfall during ‘Kakkada’, yet people had to be involved in paddy cultivation for a living. Nevertheless, to ensure that one stayed healthy during the extreme weather conditions, special dishes found their way to the plate. All the dishes prepared during this month maintain body temperature, even as they keep other diseases, including pneumonia, at bay,” explained Dati.

Bamboo shoots are the highlight of the monsoon season and are sourced from within estates.Photo | Express

Bamboo delight

Bamboo shoots are the highlight of the monsoon season and are sourced from within estates. Bamboo shoot curry makes up a large part of the monsoon diet, even as indigenous mushrooms with high protein content take over banquet tables in Kodava houses. “The special dishes prepared during the monsoon ensured one’s good health. This ancestral ritual is now being followed every year with Kodava organizations hosting ‘Kakkada’ food fests to continue the ritual,” shared Kannanda Kavitha Bolappa, president of Madikeri Kodava Samaja Women’s Wing. She explained that all naturally available produce, including black nightshade leaves, Senna Alata aka ringworm leaves, raw mangoes and other veggies grown in the backyard along with country chicken, formed the ingredients of a rich diet during monsoon.

The highlight of the month’s special cuisine is the dishes prepared from Justicia Wynaadensis leaves that are popularly known as the ‘maddu thoppu’ (medicinal leaves). Kodavas, and today residents from other communities, believe that the Justicia Wynaadensis plants that grow in abundance across the district, attain their highest medicinal value on the 18th day of the Kakkada month. ‘Kakkada Padinet’ (padinet translating to 18th day) is celebrated and sweet dishes are prepared using the juice extracted from the Justicia Wynaadensis leaves. Besides this, mushroom, country chicken, bamboo shoots, freshwater fish, raw mango curry and other indigenous veggies are prepared for this special day.

“Earlier, farm work including cultivation and harvesting was done by owners of the land. Each family helped the others in cultivating the land. Entire stretches of farmland used to be cultivated by land owners, with help from other land owners, and after the farm work was done, a banquet would to be arranged. It largely included items that ensured balance of body temperature and good health during the chilly months,” explained Dati.

What started as a requirement has continued as a tradition, with residents from all other communities indulging in a rich diet with unique dishes prepared during monsoons in Kodagu.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Good News / by Prajna GR / August 11th, 2024

Karnataka High Court upholds amendment to Land Revenue Act on Kodavas’ land rights

Agriculture, Business & Economy, Historical Links / Pre-Independence, Records, All, , , , ,

Bengaluru:

The entry can be made without partition being effected among them, or an 11-E sketch obtained as regards area falling to the share of each individual family member, the court added.

The Karnataka High Court upheld the amendment brought to the Karnataka Land Revenue Act, regarding the entry of names of all family members of Kodava families in land records as occupants of the land, including Jamma Bane land.

The entry can be made without partition being effected among them, or an 11-E sketch obtained as regards area falling to the share of each individual family member, the court added.

Noting that there is no violation of law in bringing the amendment, Justice Suraj Govindaraj passed the order while dismissing a batch of petitions filed by Brigadier Maletira A Devaiah (retired) and others, questioning the legality of the amendment in terms of Section 20(2) of the Karnataka Land Revenue (III) Amendment Act 2011.

By way of amendment, the names of all members of the family would be entered into Column 9 of the RTC to recognise the rights of the entire family with respect of property owned, including Jamma Bane land.

The High Court directed the Kodagu district administration to issue a circular giving clarity and stating in detail the due process for entering names of joint family landowners into revenue records in terms of the amendment.

The petitioners have contended that the customary law of Kodavas restricts them from alienating the joint family property and there is no individual right for any member of the family in the joint family property.

The state, by way of the impugned amendment, has done away with the culture of Kodavas, thereby violating Article 51-A(f) of the Constitution, they claimed.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Karnataka / by Express News Service / August 03rd, 2024

Codagu Agritech launches Biocapsules for agriculture

Agriculture, Business & Economy, , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Mysuru:

Codagu Agritech at Kudlur in Kushalnagar has come out with Biocapsules for agriculture to provide beneficial bacteria and biocontrol agents to enhance growth, root production, nutrient mobilisation and better yield.

Disclosing this at a press meet at Pathrakartara Bhavan here on Saturday  Dr. Chaitra Narayan of Codagu Agritech said that the biocapsule is the world’s first technology where biocontrol agents like Trichoderma and good bacteria are delivered in capsule form which is convenient as one capsule is equivalent to one kg or litre of formulation and handling is easy along with cost effectiveness.

She further said that the biocapsule technology is researched and patented by Indian Institute of Spices Research (IISR) in Kozhikode, Kerala, invented by former IISR Director Dr. Anand Raj.

Dr. Chaitra added that MP Pratap Simha had launched the biocapsules at IISR in Appangala near Madikeri last year.

Continuing, Dr. Chaitra said that Codagu Agritech is the first and only licensed commercial manufacturer of biocapsules with a wide market base in Kodagu, Chikkamagalur and gaining momentum in Maharashtra and a few other States with positive response from farmers.

She added that the biocapsules also protect crops from soil-borne pathogens and it is eco-friendly, easy to store and handle, with a long shelf-life of one year at room temperature and can be applied through drip irrigation.

She further said that the biocapsules are available in two forms — Trichocap (pure formulation of Trichoderma) and Powercap (combination of three plant growth-promoting bacteria strains).

The website of the company www.codaguagritech.com was launched by Dr. P.G. Chengappa, former Vice-Chancellor, University of Agriculture Sciences, Bengaluru.

Dr. B.C. Nanjappa was also present at the press meet.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / July 17th, 2017

President Kovind witnesses Kodagu firm’s Biocapsule Technology

Agriculture, Business & Economy, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, , , , , , ,

Mysuru:

 Dr. Chaitra Narayan, Co-founder of Codagu Agritech, Kushalnagar, Kodagu district, was selected as one of the 17 Start-Up entrepreneurs among 150 Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) Institutes for a presentation of ‘Biocapsule Technology’ before President Ram Nath Kovind.

The event was held at Rashtrapathi Bhavan as part of Festival of Innovation and Entrepreneurship between Mar.19 and 23, 2018. The programme was conducted by the President’s Secretariat in association with National Innovation Foundation and Department of Science and Technology.

At the event in Delhi, Dr. Chaitra Narayan demonstrated the concept of ‘Biocapsule Technology’ to the President and a host of science and technology leaders and heads of research institutions.

Codagu Agritech is the only commercial manufacturer of ‘Biocapsules – Trichocap’ (encapsulated formulation of Trichoderma harzianum) and Powercap (encapsulated formulation of Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria – PGPR).

This is the world’s first patented technology that has been developed by ICAR – IISR (Indian Institute of Spices Research), Kozhikode. These Biocapsules are extensively recommended for all plantation (pepper, ginger, cardamom etc.) and horticulture (fruits and vegetables) crops.

Farmer feedback in the past two years have proven that Biocapsules efficiently increase the yield, control soil-borne diseases and act as an efficient plant growth promoter.

According to Dr. Chaitra, the main advantage of this technology is that farmers can use a single capsule instead of 1 kg or 1 litre of Trichoderma or PGPR. There is a reduction of cost by 10 times and also with a guarantee of best quality product with a longer shelf life of one year.These Biocapsules can be easily used by dissolving one capsule in 100 litres of clean water.

“We want to make a difference in eco-friendly sustainable  agriculture. Due to extensive usage of chemical fertilisers, soil health has been drastically damaged in most cultivable lands. We want to promote eco-friendly solutions to farming community to take agriculture to next level by making latest innovations in chemical-free solutions,” she said.

Codagu Agritech was started in June 2016 by Dr. B.C. Nanjappa of Kodagu and Dr. Chaitra Narayan of Mysuru. While Dr. Nanjappa is a well-known environmentalist in Kodagu, Dr. Chaitra Narayan holds a Ph.D. in Microbiology from the University of Mysore.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / March 30th, 2018

Farmer’s Notebook: The Life of a Banker Turned Farmer

Agriculture, Coffee, Kodagu (Coorg), Pepper, Science & Technology, , , , , ,

Struggling to improve yield levels with traditional methods at his coffee plantation, Hoysala found great success with technological innovations.

Hoysala at his plantation. Credit: M.J. Prabu

Farming, especially in India, is generally considered to be a traditional field that’s averse to innovation, however  M.G. Hoysala’s successful decision to quit banking for farming with the help of technological innovations, shows that keeping an open mind towards new, nontraditional cultivation techniques and interacting with experts in the field is essential for achieving farming success.

While many come into the profession unwillingly, Hoysala represents a section of people that actually wants to take on the family vocation. After spending five years working at a private bank, Hoysala came to realise the importance that the agriculture and plantation sector held for him. So he left his job and took over his father’s coffee plantation.

Since he took over, the Hoysala’s 40 acre farm in Karnataka’s Kodagu district has become a role-model of sorts for the other farms in the area.

As is common in the region, Hoysala grows Arabica coffee on his farm, but what differentiates his farming practices from the rest is the presence of tall indigenous trees that grow alongside the rows of coffee bushes, their height providing shade for the lower shrubs. Another distinguishing factor is the presence of black pepper vines that cover the trees’ trunks.

Starting off as an amateur, Hoysala initially followed the locally practiced traditional forms of cultivation. However, his lack of experience and the absence of proper guidance worsened his predicament. Disease-damaged crops, low productivity and a lack of knowledge about advanced production technologies were just some of the problems Hoysala faced when he took over the coffee plantation.

Collaborating with experts

Hoysala recalls contacting the Indian Institute of Spices Research around the same time as he started to realise that he would need technology if he wanted to stabilise his plantation’s yield level in a sustainable manner. His association with the institute started when he attended an eye-opening seminar organised by the organisation’s regional station at Madikeri, Kodagu.

That first seminar taught him about the varietal wealth of black pepper along with information on various crop production, protection and processing technologies that were being developed at the institute.

Drawing on his experiences from the banking sector, Hoysala was certain that the timely and meticulous adoption of technologies designed to aid crop production were essential to maintaining a profitable plantation.

“The productivity of vines was below the level of expectation and we could hardly harvest six tonnes from an area of 40 acres. We understood that not adopting recommended measures in time, especially to control diseases, could lead to heavy crop loss,” says Hoysala.

“Moreover, we were unaware that instituting shade regulation before the monsoon and irrigation during the summer months would improve the setting of berries and ultimately increase the yield.” 

After Hoysala had established a close relationship with the regional station’s scientists, he set about addressing his plantation’s problems one by one.

Shade regulation was the first priority, followed closely by the scheduling of fertiliser, increasing organic inputs fortified with growth-promoting organisms, regularly monitoring the crops for diseases and irrigation during the summer months. 

“By adopting these [new and] improved technologies, we have increased the production from six to 12 tonnes. [Which is] on average a two-fold jump within a time span of five years,” said Hoysala.

The plantation’s irrigation system was further strengthened by the construction of water harvesting structures like farm ponds and bore wells. Besides these measures, Hoysala also had pits dug between the rows of coffee plants to harvest run-off water as it also helps with enriching the soil.

The changes extend to pepper cultivation as well. Two years ago, Hoysala took ten acres of land which was used to grow ginger and transformed it into a well-designed pepper plot with silver oaks to serve as standards for the vines and robusta coffee bushes interplanted with the pepper vines.

It currently costs Hoysala a total of Rs 85,000 per acre to implement these measures along with paying the regular operational costs of running the plantation. In return, he earns Rs 1 lakh per acre per annum from the coffee and black pepper grown on the farm, allowing Hoysala to maintain the sustainable, profitable plantation he aspired to.

For further information, contact:  M. G. Hoysala, Sri Siddalingeshwara Estate, Hardur P.O., Suntikoppa, Kodagu, Karnataka–571 237, mobile: 09449682430, Email: hoysala.mg@gmail

and his guide

Dr. S. J. Ankegowda, Principal Scientist and Head, ICAR-Indian Institute of Spices Research Regional Station, Hervanadu Post, Appangala, Madikeri, Karnataka – 571 201, Phone 08272 – 245451; 245514; 298574. Mobile:  09663069241, email: 

source: http://www.thewire.in / The Wire / Home> Agriculture / by M J Prabu / December 29th, 2016

Transforming Lives: How Rani’s Coffee Plantation Became a Symbol of Empowerment

Agriculture, Business & Economy, Coffee, Kodagu (Coorg), Women/Girls (wef. Sept 03rd, 2022), , , , , , , , , ,

Meet Rani, a resilient woman from Heravanadu, a quaint village nestled in Kodagu’s Madikeri taluk, steeped in the rich history of Mysore’s royal legacy.

A century ago, Heravanadu’s origins were intertwined with the grandeur of Mysore’s royal legacy. The founding families arrived here at the behest of the Mysore king, tasked with caring for the royal horses. When the king eventually left, he granted them the very lands they had nurtured. Thus began the saga of Heravanadu’s small coffee planters and laborers.

Starting as laborers in the fields, they gradually transitioned to cultivating their own land, primarily focusing on coffee. Today, there are approximately 25 coffee farmers in the village, each owning plots of land ranging from 2023 square meters to 8094 square meters.

Rani HP embarked on her journey in Heravanadu as a young bride with hopes and dreams. However, tragedy struck when her husband expired, leaving her with the responsibility of raising their three children and only 8094 square meters of land.

Determined to secure a future for her family, Rani initially worked as a daily wage laborer. Seeking guidance, she turned to the Dharmasthala Sangha (SSG), where she received invaluable support from other women. With their assistance, Rani transformed her barren land into a flourishing coffee plantation over two decades of hard work and dedication.

As the coffee market evolved, so did Rani’s fortunes. From humble beginnings, she now commands a respectable price for her coffee beans, thanks to her expertise and perseverance. The turning point came when Anandana, The Coca-Cola India Foundation spearheading the Unnati coffee project in Coorg, and ISWAR, an NGO, recognized her dedication and offered support to Heravanadu.

Anandana, The Coca-Cola India Foundation, and ISWAR’s collaborative assistance were instrumental in providing specialized training, modern techniques in coffee plantations, and sustainable farming practices to Rani and her fellow farmers. As a result, Rani embodied the true essence of Coca-Cola India’s #SheTheDifference women empowerment campaign, which aims to uplift and empower rural women farmers and entrepreneurs like her.

Recognizing her leadership qualities, Rani was appointed as a board director for the Madikeri Highlands Farmers Producers Company Limited (FPO), launched by ISWAR in Coorg.

Rani’s story epitomizes the collective strength of Heravanadu’s community. With the unwavering support of her fellow villagers and her resilience, she transformed adversity into opportunity. Today, as she tends to her coffee plantation and manages her small coffee shop, Rani stands as an inspiration, showcasing how dedication and community support can lead to success.

Her legacy extends to her son, Raghu, who now manages her plantation and household. Inspired by his mother’s perseverance, Raghu actively participates in the affairs of the FPO, embodying the spirit of hard work and dedication passed down through generations.

source: http://www.businessnewsthisweek.com / Business News This Week / Home> Business / by Mansi )Praharaj / June 14th, 2024

Europe To Receive First EUDR-Ready Coffee Verified By Rainforest Alliance

Agriculture, Amazing Feats, Business & Economy, Coffee News, Coffee, Kodagu (Coorg), Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Green Initiatives / Environment, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Leaders, Nature, Records, All, World Opinion, , , , , , , , ,

India’s High Range Coffee Curing is poised to become the first farm verified by the Rainforest Alliance to ship EUDR–ready coffee beans to Europe later this month.

The coffee farm partnered with the Rainforest Alliance to meet the necessary compliance requirements of the regulation.

Established in 1995, High Range Coffee Curing is located in the Periyapatna and Kushalnagar Coorg districts, among 142 hectares of tropical forests, and is known for its quality beans.

The farm supplies coffee to leading global coffee brands, roasters and traders in India, including Nestle , Unilever, E-Com Commodities, Olam, Continental Coffee, Louis Dreyfus Company , Vidya Coffee and Allanasons.

EUDR-Ready Coffee

Zaidan M Saly, director of High Range Coffee Curing stated, “Implementing EUDR  [EU Deforestation Regulation] posed significant challenges for our team, but with the invaluable guidance from Rainforest Alliance representatives in our region, we overcame them and gained confidence in the process.

“Their expertise made the seemingly daunting task entirely feasible, facilitating a smooth and successful implementation, which now not only guarantees adherence to EUDR regulations but also sparked a revolution in our approach to traceability.”

Rainforest Alliance certification enables coffee and cocoa farmers to opt in for EUDR-aligned criteria.

This allows companies to source from these farms, track ingredients along their supply chains, and leverage farm data to demonstrate compliance with the regulation’s deforestation risk assessment and mitigation requirements by the deadline, at no additional cost.

‘Sustainable Practices’

Miguel Gamboa, coffee sector lead at the Rainforest Alliance stated, “The EUDR represents an important step forward to shift the global coffee sector towards more sustainable practices.

“Yet, many smallholder coffee farmers need support to align with the requirements, including traceability, deforestation risk mapping, local laws, and practical and technical guidance on key environmental practices.”

The Rainforest Alliance has urged the EU Commission not to dilute or delay the legislation or postpone its deadline in response to calls from some companies and governments.

It has also called on companies not to scale back purchases from smallholder coffee farmers, but rather support them in meeting the deadline of this legislation.

Gamboa added, “We are also piloting a deforestation risk assessment offering for companies buying non-certified coffee and cocoa, which we plan to roll out more widely later this year.

“With this offering, we aim to support more companies in their journey to compliance, but more importantly, to also reach non-certified farmers so their products can still be sold on the EU market.”

source: http://www.esmagazine.com / ESM, European Supermarket Magazine / Home> Supply Chain / by Dayeeta Das / May 06th, 2024

Rs 2.83 crore released to over 17,000 farmers under drought relief fund in Kodagu

Agriculture, Business & Economy, Records, All, , , , , , ,

The department had proposed for the release of Rs 8.38 crore as a drought relief fund to be distributed among the farmers of the district.

Image used for representational purposes only,(File photo | EPS)

Madikeri :

A total of 17,297 farmers across Kodagu have been distributed with the drought relief fund from the state. Sources confirmed that many other pending applications are still under scrutiny and will be disposed of shortly.

All five taluks in Kodagu were declared as drought-hit regions this year from the state and over 20,000 farmers from the district applied to avail compensation for the crop loss.

As per the applications received by the agriculture department, 7620.74 hectares of paddy farmland and 2170.36 hectares of maize farmland were affected by drought in total across all the taluks.

The department had proposed for the release of Rs 8.38 crore as a drought relief fund to be distributed among the farmers of the district.

However, applications of 17,297 farmers from the district have been approved so far in ten phases and they have been handed over the total drought relief fund of over Rs 2.83 crore.

Joint Director of the agricultural department, Somasundar confirmed that 17,297 farmers have received only part payment of the drought relief even as applications of 3,263 farmers are still under scrutiny and will be finalized shortly. While a few applications are pending due to technical errors, others are under verification process.

Over Rs 5.54 crore funds are still pending to be distributed to the farmers as per the memorandum submitted to the state from the department.

The Ponnampet taluk is the worst hit region in the district as over 3825 hectares of paddy land has been reportedly affected by drought. A total of 5155 farmers from the region applied for drought relief.

In Somwarpet taluk, 1161 hectares of paddy and 470 hectares of maize farmlands have been affected by drought even as over 7,000 farmers applied for the compensation.

1972 hectares of paddy field in Madikeri and 650 hectares in Virajpet were hit by drought even as 1700 hectares of maize farmland was hit by drought across Kushalnagar taluk.

DC Venkat Raja confirmed that Rs 2.83 crore funds have been so far released to farmers and this includes a minimum compensation amount of Rs 1,000 and a maximum compensation of Rs 2,000 to the affected farmers.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Karnataka / by Prajna G R / May 29th, 2024

Bengaluru: Forest department recovers 2602 acres of encroached land

Agriculture, Business & Economy, Green Initiatives / Environment, Records, All, , , , , , , ,

Forest, Environment and Ecology Minister Eshwar B Khandre said Rs 100 crore has been allocated to undertake a sapling plantation drive for this financial year.

Image used for representational purposes only.

Bengaluru :

Forest, Environment and Ecology Minister Eshwar B Khandre on Tuesday said the forest department’s revenue collection has increased and so has recovery of encroached land.

Khandre told the media that revenue has increased from Rs 263.41 crore in 2019- 20 to Rs 417.84 crore in 2023- 24. Reserved forest area has increased by 3395.73 hectares in 2023- 24, and protected area has increased by 184.52 hectares. The department has also recovered 2602.30 acres of encroached forest land worth Rs 1500 crore.

Khandre said the highest land recovery has happened in Kolar division, of 1392.41 acres of encroached forest land. Also, 5.50 acres have been cleared in Madikeri and 17 acres in Bengaluru’s Kothanur forest division. Around 7,500 acres of forest land in Kodagu, Chamarajanagar and Mysuru which were leased to industries and estates by the British will be recovered as soon as their lease period ends. He said companies which occupy these lands have earned crores of rupees.

The minister said Rs 100 crore has been allocated to undertake a sapling plantation drive for this financial year. In the last fiscal, 5.40 crore samples were planted across the state and a three-month audit is being done to know how many of them have survived.

On the task of filing up vacant posts in the department, Khandre said there are around 6,000 vacancies and steps are being taken to fill them up. In the first phase, 310 posts of watchers have been filled up and the process of recruiting 540 guards is under way. Directions have also been issued to conduct quick written exams to fill up posts in 10 forest zones.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Karnataka / by Express News Service / May 29th, 2024

New species of spider discovered in Kodagu district

Agriculture, Amazing Feats, Green Initiatives / Environment, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Nature, Records, All, , , , , , , , , , ,

This is only the second documented occurrence of the Ligdus genus in 129 years, according to naturalists.

Ligdus garvale spider discovered in Kodagu district. | Photo Credit: special arrangement

A group of naturalists from Tamil Nadu and Karnataka recently discovered a new species of spider in Kodagu. They named it Ligdus garvale after the village where it was found. Garvale, a village in the Somwarpet taluk of Kodagu district, is where the spider was discovered.

This jumping spider is significant as it represents only the second documented occurrence of the Ligdus genus in 129 years, according to naturalists.

The research team includes John T.D. Caleb from the Department of Anatomy at Saveetha Medical College & Hospital in Chennai, A. Divyashree from Kuvempu University in Shankarghatta, A.P.C. Abhijith from Indraprastha Organic Farm in Mysuru, and Lohith Kumar from Montrose Golf Resort and Spa in Kodagu.

According to Ms. Divyashree, Ligdus garvale was found in Garvale village, which is surrounded by agroforestry. “Coffee plantations are prominent in the area, along with pepper and paddy fields where the Ligdus Garvale, a jumping spider, was found,” she added.

After the team of naturalists observed the spider and recorded their findings, they sent the specimen to Mr. Caleb for anatomical examination. “Ligdus garvale represents just the second recorded occurrence of the Ligdus genus in 129 years. The first, Ligdus chelifer, was documented in Myanmar in 1895,” Mr. Abhijith said.

Mr. Abhijith explained that the eight-legged creature was discovered beneath the leaf of a torch ginger plant in Garvale village in north Kodagu. “The Garvale jumping spider measures approximately 0.2 inches in length. It has eight legs, eight eyes, and a body covered with fine pale hairs. Only one male Garvale jumping spider was found, and the new species was named after the Garvale area where it was discovered. So far, this is the only area where it has been found,” he added.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India> Karnataka / by The Hindu Bureau, Bengaluru / May 24th, 2024