BCIL has signed up with the Centre for Rainforest Ecology [CRE] for a collaborative platform that will be created at Zed Acres in the lush Kopatti valley of Coorg, a 20-minute drive from Madikeri.
This rainforest patch of BCIL is over 70 acres with 4 mountains, and two perennial, roaring streams that form part of the campus. The rich flora and fauna at Zed Acres marks the rare tertiary stage succession rainforest that Zed Acres is. The Company had acquired this land in 1997 only because of its receiving 24 feet of annual rainfall, or over 7200 mm.
The CRE, headed by Gowrishankar, a core environmentalist, is a rare organisation dedicated entirely to training experts on high-end ecology and rainforest programme at the Post Masters levels for specialized professionals in biology, taxonomy, herpetology, ornithology and other upper reaches of scientific research. Says BCIL’s Dinesh, who created the collaboration, “As an environmentalist myself, I have worked with the Whitaker farm and Romulus Whitaker and his son for many years. Gowrishankar is a fine researcher who will know how to guide the highest values on such biodiversity research at Zed Acres.”
Dinesh envisages the further populating of Zed Acres with a very responsible, and eco-conscious, tourism initiative that will host extremely discerning nature-lovers at the tastefully designed set of chalets that Zed Acres will launch early next year. Plans are afoot for completion of the facilities that will offer a truly out-of-the-world, deep-ecology experience of this rainforest patch.
The world coffee tree map, shows Yemen the first country of coffee tree
by Fakhri al-Arashi
Through out the international coffee conference all over the world , Japanese coffee traders classified Yemen as the homeland of coffee and the first source of the coffee tree in the world. The Japanese adore coffee, much akin to westerners’ passion for wine. Despite its small quantities, the quality and price of Yemeni coffee have earned it a special category in the Japanese coffee market. The sole coffee store in Tokyo that serves Yemeni coffee offers cups from $15-$19.
Ibrahim Moka is an organization in Japan consisting of 22 members. It is also a coffee brand, whose name derives from a Yemeni entrepreneur who found himself in a position to respond to Japan’s interest in Yemeni coffee.
Over the past five years, the 22 members of the Ibrahim Moka association visited Yemen in order to learn more about the reality of the coffee farms and growing regions in Yemen. “Driving to Bani Ismael far atop the Haraz mountains, the group crossed 9km in 7 hours, pushing off-road through hard, mountainous terrain,” said Ibrahim, one of the group’s hosts. “We were traveling in an old Toyota Land Cruiser, and we eventually reached a point 5500 feet above sea level. Once we safely concluded our journey, the head of the Japanese team said, ‘we do not have these cars in Japan, but they were made for Yemen’s mountains.’”
While the trade volume of Yemen coffee to Japan does not reach levels of commercial profitability, Japan is still the major importer of Yemeni coffee. Three business companies in Yemen find the Japanese market very attractive to develop their business with Japan. Al-Kabous reported that their company exports between 150,000 – 160,000 tons of Yemeni coffee quarterly. Recently, al-Kabous shipped 142,000 tons of coffee to Japan.
In 2005, Ibrahim Moka paid a visit to Japan, where he visited a 200 year-old coffee shop in Tokyo. He also visited the affiliated museum. “I am a coffee businessman, but during my visit to the coffee museum, I was impressed by the layout, design, courtesy and presentation in the museum” said Ibrahim. The visit included a coffee-tasting session in which each person is entitled for 2 small cups of coffee.”
Ibrahim had the chance to visit the Japanese coffee association, which consist of 270 members. At the meeting, he presented Japan with a map of the history of coffee growth in Yemen, including its rises, falls, and challenges. Ibrahim came to know the good reputation of Yemen’s coffee in the roadmap of the coffee business in Japan. The Coffee museum even contains Yemeni post stamps reflecting coffee trees as a promotional tribute to Yemeni coffee.
“The price of coffee increased because of packaging and product selection. Buyers were looking to Yemen as the source of coffee, and for the love of coffee the Japanese designed specific pricing categories,” said Ibrahim. Yemeni coffee ranked first in terms of quality, though Jamaican coffee wins in terms of packaging. Yemeni coffee lacks certain final touches, but despite this it is still the most expensive coffee in Japan.
Over the past years, the Japanese coffee association has sought opportunities to help Yemeni farmers to increase coffee yields. “There were many Japanese associations working in Yemen on this task, and they tried to offer Yemeni farmers special tools to improve the quality and quantity of coffee they could produce. This even included offering training courses to the farmers and vendors,“ said Ibrahim. Recently, Yemen has had even more problems with its coffee production due to the political turmoil.
When we look to the past, we see a Japan very much involved in Yemen. They would spend days in tours of the old city, and some diplomatic missions would visit Sana’a’s hot baths (also known as the Turkish baths).
Japanese investors and visitors continued supporting Yemeni women in rural areas and they provided Yemen with equipment to support farmers in the rural areas as well. Ibrahim concluded, “I like Japan very much, and I have seen that each thing in the world has a place in Japan. I like the politeness and humility of the Japanese community.” We hope that Yemen can enjoy more of this country and its wonderful people in the future.
source: http://www.nationalyemen.com / National Yemen / Home> Business & Economics / December 08th, 2013
Circa 2002. India, still part of the World Group, were playing Australia in the first round of Davis Cup at Adelaide. Having lost the first three ties, captain Ramesh Krishnan decided to send a 22-year-old for the reverse singles match. A certain Bangalorean by the name of Rohan Bopanna, who was the youngest in the team, could not make his Davis Cup debut a memorable one as he lost to Scott Draper in straight sets and the Indians lost 0-5.
It’s been over a decade since Bopanna first played for the country, and this time, he is back in the squad as the senior-most player when India take on the Chinese Taipei in the Asia/Oceania Group I encounter starting in Indore on January 31.
Making a comeback after a two-year hiatus, the 33-year-old couldn’t have asked for a better start to the new year. “It’s obviously a great feeling to be selected again. I’m honoured to represent my country and this time, as the senior most player. I have been playing well and that has accounted for my selection. Looking forward to the year ahead,” he told TNIE.
In the absence of seasoned players Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi, the onus is on Bopanna to lead the young brigade.
“I am happy to be part of this team with the youngsters and share all the experiences that I have learnt from Mahesh and Leander over the past decade. I shall do my best to motivate them and also use all my experience in the doubles event to help ease the pressures on Saketh (Myneni), who is making his debut,” he added.
What about the opponents? “Chinese Taipei have strong players. Lu (Yen-hsun), who is the number one player, has been in the top 100 for a few years now; (Jimmy) Wang just qualified to the main draw of the Australian Open. So it will definitely be interesting and hoping for some home support and great performance by us, which will aid us in pulling this through,” he further added.
The selection came as a blessing in disguise as it did wonders to Bopanna’s confidence ahead of the Australian Open. After finishing runners-up in Sydney, in only his second tournament with Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi post their renewed partnership, Bopanna hopes to taste success at Melbourne Park too. “It’s great to go into a Grand Slam feeling confident. We had a great tournament in Sydney. Even though we lost in the final, neither of us had lost a serve in the entire tournament, which is a big confidence booster. In the final, we had numerous chances. It was just that (Daniel) Nestor and (Nenad) Zimonjic played the crucial points better than us and we were slightly unlucky,” he said.
Of their blooming partnership, Bopanna said, “Me and Aisam have always had a great understanding and have had a reasonable amount of success. Since then, we have gained a lot of experience on the circuit, which should help us this year. We are enjoying playing with each other and are confident of our abilities as a team,” he added.
The Indo-Pak Express, seeded seventh, will play the Australian-French pair of Rameez Junaid and Adrian Mannarino in their opening round on Thursday.
Bopanna has joined hands with Slovenia’s Katrina Srebotnik and the second seeds will take on Raquel Kops-Jones and Treat Huey in the first round of the mixed doubles.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Sport / by Kristhika Gopalkrishnan / Express News Service – Chennai / January 16th, 2014
Ashwini Nachappa takes part in the PUMA “School of Speed’’ event. / Photo: Special Arrangement / The Hindu
Former sprinter Ashwini Nachappa, who has taken initiatives to uplift lives of around 1800 slum children and orphans in Bangalore, reiterated a view that it is important to integrate academics and sports for the healthy development of school children. She has introduced the slum children to athletics and a handful of them have become state champions.
Taking part in the PUMA “School of Speed’’ debate, the 46 year old who is also vice-president of Clean Sports India (CSI) said: “I’m a product of the school games. It was mandatory to take part in school games. Our PT instructor took pride in showcasing talent outside the academics and class room. Today an average child has no place to go; be it sports, music and dance, all aspects of arts should be part of the school curriculum. Learning motor skill works wonders. And no child can excel without parental support.’’
The sports footwear and apparel company has decided to organise a unique relay running event “ school for speed’’ for boys and girls in the age group of 13-16 in Mumbai (MMRDA ground, Feb.9), Delhi (JNU campus, Feb. 15) and Bangalore (venue and date to be decided). Cricketer Yuvraj Singh who is the brand ambassador of the event said there were opportunities for him growing up in school and college in Chandigarh. “Sports helps in the development of a healthy mind in children.’’
The top winners of the pioneering event will get a chance to meet the world’s legendary athlete, Usain Bolt.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Sports> Athletics / by G. Vishwanath / Mumbai – January 15th, 2014
Coffee Board of India will organise the National Barista Championship from January 16 to 18 in the city to identify technically skilled and best Baristas in the profession.
According to a release from the Coffee Board of India, the competition will focus on promoting professional excellence in coffee value chain, strengthen and encourage skill development and also promote the Café Culture in India. The event is being conducted also because there are many café chains coming up in the city and this is becoming another profession option for youngsters. The event will be hosted at Mantri Square, Sampige Road, Malleswaram.
The final round of the championship will be held on January 24, during the India International Coffee Festival 2014 at Hotel Lalit Ashok here. The event will be conducted as per the rules and regulations of World Barista Championship.
source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> State / Bangalore, DHNS – January 14th, 2014
Even as Madikeri city is getting ready like a bride for the 80th Akhila Bharatha Kannada Sahitya Sammelana, which is only a week away, the tourist destinations in Kodagu district too are inviting the visitors for the Sammelana.
The district administration too is gearing up to promote tourism and attract more number of tourists to visit the tourism places, on the occasion of literary convention. The KSRTC has made arrangements for providing special bus facilities to the selected tourism destinations during these days.
Kannada Sahitya Parishat district unit has initiated the process of printing 10,000 booklets providing information about various tourism spots in the district and surrounding regions. These booklets will be distributed to the representatives who arrive at the convention, said Booklet Committee President H T Anil.
Madikeri, which is the headquarter of Kodagu district is located 1,170 metres above the sea level. The district is known for its picturesque greenery, dense forests, soothing weather, hills and ranges, waterfall and coffee plantations. No tourist can ever forget the beauty of Kodagu when it is covered with mist offering an amazing experience. If one stands in the spots like Rajaseat and Stewert Hill, one can see the best view of sun set and sun rise.
Tourism destinations
The fort built by Mudduraj Urs who ruled Kodagu in 1681 and the church in the fort premises (which has now been converted as museum) attract tourists for their historical significance. Antiques, documents, materials and costumes belonging to Field Marshal Kariappa.
Rajaseat garden, Omkareshwara temple built by Lingarajendra-II, Rajara Gadduge are some of the important tourism destinations in Madikeri city. Other tourism places that are well known among tourists are Talacauvery which is 44 km from Madikeri, Bhagamanadala (39 km from the city) mountainous range Mandalpatti which is at a distance of 18 km from Madikeri, Tibetan colony at Bailukuppe (34 km from the city), Harangi reservoir (39 km from Madikeri), Dubare elephant camp (42 km from Madikeri), Nalkunadu palace (40 km from Madikeri) and waterfalls like Abbi, Irpu, Mallalli and Chelavara. However, waterfalls now do not offer as beautiful view as they offer during monsoon.
Be cautious
Tourists will have to be cautious while travelling in areas like Anekadu near Kushalnagar, Dubare, Virajpet and Gonikoppa due to wild elephants which often wander here.
Presence of tigers is felt in Thithimathi and Srimangala which are adjacent to Nagarahole reserve forest. Tourists should be careful while travelling in these regions, especially in the morning and evening.
source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> District / by Shrikanth Kallammanavar Madikeri / DHNS – January 02nd, 2014
Home Minister K.J. George has been appointed as the In-Charge for Kodagu district by CM Siddharamaiah with immediate affect.
He is to take over from PWD Minister Dr. H.C. Mahadevappa, who also is the District In-Charge Minister for Hassan.
Kodagu District Congress President B.T. Pradeep has welcomed the change while district BJP spokesperson Manu Muthappa has flayed it saying it would not bring in any change in the district. He opined that since the new District in-Charge Minister holds the Home portfolio, he must bring in a sea change in the Police Department to strengthen the administration.
Manu Muthappa also said that the previous District Minister Dr. Mahadevappa had not shown any interest in the development of Kodagu.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> General News / January 18th, 2014
Preparations on for the 80th Kannada Sahithya Sammelan that will begin in Madikeri on Tuesday | Express photo
After 32 years, Kodagu is all set host Kannada Sahithya Sammelan for three days from today.
The 8oth edition of the Kannada literary carnival will be held at the Bharathi Sutha and Kodagina Gowramma stages in Field Marshal K M Cariappa College Ground.
T P Ramesh, general secretary of the Sammalen and Kodagu Kannada Sahitya Parishat president, and B A Shamshuddin, general secretary of the Kodagu Parishat, told Express that as of now, 8,000 delegates have registered their names from 30 districts for the event.
If one counts officials, the public from Kodagu and the Parishat members, more than 10,000 people will take part in the procession, they added.
Ramesh said the procession will start from Gandhi Maidan and go along the main road, Indira Gandhi Circle, College Road and Convent Junction. As many as 25 folk troupes from across the state will participate in the procession.
Around 2,000 volunteers will help the public with parking and directions. Around six government buses have been arranged to take people around as movement of vehicles on the main road has been restricted for the three days that the event takes place. As many as 28 sub-committees have been formed for the meet. To commemorate the event, a souvenir named ‘Cauvery Siri’ will be unveiled.
Out of 50 books published by the KSP, 25 are authored by writers from Kodagu, Ramesh added.
Shamshuddin said all the events and cultural programmes will be conducted on stages at Bharathi Sutha and Kodagina Gowramma.
As many as 73 cultural teams from across the state, including Kodagu artistes, will perform during the three days of the Sammelan starting on Tuesday, he said. In 1932 and 1981 Kannada Sammalens were held under the chairmanship of DVG and Sham Bha Joshi, respectively, Shamshuddin recalled.
Though Kodagu is a small district and there may be some inconveniences, the public should cooperate in the interest of Kannada culture and literature, he said.
CM Siddaramaiah To Inaugurate Sammelan Today
Madikeri: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah will inaugurate the Sammelan on Tuesday.
Sree Siddarama Mahaswamy of the Sree Naganoor Rudraskhi Mutt, Belgaum and Sree Shanthamallikurjuna Swamiji of the Aremeri Kalancheri Mutt will be present. District Minister H C Mahadevappa will deliver the welcome address and an introductory talk will be given by Pundalika Halambi. Ko Chennabasappa, a previous president of the Sammelan, will address the function. Minister for Environment M Veerappa Moily will release the souvenir. Minister for Kannada and Culture Umashree and Minister for Food and Civil Supplies Dinesh Gundu Rao will also take part in the inaugural function.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Karnataka / by B C Dinesh – Madikeri / January 07th, 2014
Aralam Wild Life Sanctuary, one of the most precious evergreen forests in the state, is witnessing the breath-taking annual migration of butterflies from the Coorg hills. The wintering butterflies, mostly of Albatross species, breeze by the rivulets in the forests like gentle patch of yellow clouds, making their way to Nilambur forests and to Silent Valley, apparently guided by an unknown collective memory passed on to generations.
The amazing migration of the butterflies is better seen in the morning and when the sun gets hot by noon, they stop moving. As many as 40,000 Common Albatross butterflies can be seen in a single flock in the morning, says V C Balakrishnan of Malabar Natural History Society (MNHS) and a regular visitor at Aralam during this season. The Great Orange Tip, Lesser Gull and Plain Pussin butterflies can also be seen following the Albatross migration, he said. Many varieties of butterflies of Daniane sub species were seen congregating in the Aralam Sanctuary in the season. Lakhs of butterflies roosting on trees in the forests is a sight of a lifetime, Balakrishnan said.
Experts say that the butterfly migration through this stretch of Western Ghats is known to start from the evergreen forests in Coorg where these butterflies generally lay eggs on a particular tree locally known as Choota Maram or Asthi Maram (Drypetes Venusta). The butterflies fly through Aralam to Nilambur and to Silent Valley forests. “However, not much is known about when these butterflies would return to Coorg,” Balakrishnan said.
A group of nature lovers and butterfly enthusiasts would annually visit the sanctuary to witness the wonderful natural phenomenon every January. The Kerala Forests and Wildlife Department conducts joint explorations with MNHS during the season to survey butterflies. Many new species have been identified during these explorations. “We have been regularly conducting butterfly surveys during the season for the past eight years,” said Harikrishnan Nair, Wildlife Warden, Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary.
A total of 242 species of butterflies were spotted at Aralam, the highest among the forests in the state. This makes a big share of the total of 320 butterfly species found in the entire state. “The thick evergreen forests and the rich diverse flora at Aralam make perfect home for the butterflies. However, the maximum number of butterfly species is recorded here because we conduct regular surveys and scientifically categorise it,” the Wildlife Warden explains.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Kerala / by Express News Service – Kannur / January 13th, 2014
Uttar Pradesh’s despondent body language was a dead giveaway on a day when their hopes evaporated as swiftly as the moisture on the KSCA pitch. At 15 for three within 40 minutes of play hosts Karnataka looked dead and buried. Yet by the end of the first day’s play in the Ranji Trophy quarterfinal, it was UP that looked broken and disjointed.
Ranji Trophy Tracker (“The plan was to just hang…)
Karnataka, powered by two brilliant centuries by Robin Uthappa and Karun Nair and a rollicking unbeaten 89 by CM Gautham, dramatically turned the tables in one of the finest fightbacks seen on this venue. At close, the hosts were 297/5.
UP, who opted to bowl first on a green top laden with moisture were over the moon when they plucked out Karnataka’s three heavy run-getters, KL Rahul, R Samarth and Manish Pandey, all without opening their account. That brought the in-form Karun Nair, who had opened the batting against Delhi and made a century in challenging circumstances, to join forces with an unusually circumspect Uthappa.
Amit Mishra, the pick of the three-pronged medium-pace attack, was getting the ball to move disconcertingly. The alternate strips of grass and bald pitch challenged the batsmen. Deliveries that hit the turf seamed and skidded through while the rest went at a different velocity.
“The plan was to just hang in there. We were not concerned with the scoring but sought to see off the new ball and the moisture on the pitch,” explained Uthappa as Karnataka took all of 23 overs to crawl to 50.
Uthappa, though, was the more assertive partner. He eschewed risks, but still came up with some spanking drives and leg glances while Karun got his eye in and made it count. The pair added 120 runs for the fourth wicket.
Brief scores: Karnataka 297-5 (Robin Uthappa 100, Karun Nair 100, Gautham 89*, Amit Mishra 2-70, Ali Murtuza 2-87)
source: http://www.articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> Sports> Domestic Cricket> Amit Mishra / by Vedam Jaishankar, TNN / January 09th, 2014
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