Rohan Bopanna, 44, has enjoyed a glittering career in doubles tennis, winning two Grand Slam titles – but he was forced to consider retirement in 2019 due to having injured knees.
Iyengar Yoga has changed Rohan Bopanna’s life
Tennis pro Rohan Bopanna has opened up about the severe knee issues that almost led him to hang up his racket in 2019 – and the remedy he found to combat the pain.
The Bangalore-born doubles specialist, who boasts an impressive career record of 504 wins against 367 losses, including 26 titles and two Grand Slam victories, faced a major setback when he contemplated retirement due to having no cartilage in his knees.
Bopanna’s career highlights include clinching the mixed doubles title at the French Open in 2017 with Gabriela Dabrowski and securing another Grand Slam win at the 2024 Australian Open with Matthew Ebden. Yet, it was nearly a different story for Bopanna, as he revealed in an interview with Claytenis: “In 2019 I was contemplating retiring because I had no cartilages in my knees. I was in a lot of pain. I wanted to stop at the end of that year.”
He credits a discovery made during the pandemic for his remarkable turnaround, sharing (via Surrey Live): “During the pandemic, actually, I discovered Iyengar Yoga. And this changed my entire journey.
I was having almost two, three painkillers a day because my knees were torturing me so hard. Without being able to play tennis because of the lockdowns I was doing it four times a week, 90-minute sessions. And it really strengthened a lot of my muscles and everything.
“And I went from two, three painkillers a day to no painkillers. From pain to no pain. Because when you have pain as a tennis player, it’s tough. You know, always dealing with that every single day. You don’t want to wake up and be in pain. So now, thanks to Iyengar Yoga and having a good physio to really do a lot of strengthening. It has been incredible.”
Rohan Bopanna considered retiring from tennis in 2019
Iyengar Yoga focuses on detail, precision and alignment and uses longer poses than traditional Hatha Yoga. Meanwhile, props like blocks are often used in the practice, to allow people to adapt to certain poses which may otherwise be difficult in terms of strength and mobility.
Fast forward to 2024, and Bopanna believes that he would best his younger self if they ever met on the court despite his history with injury. Elsewhere in the conversation, he added: “Without a doubt. Experience is so important. I might have had more power, but tennis is not about power. It’s about experience and your mind strength.”
He continued: “I never think of the age, because both of us are there to play tennis in the same tournament. Because even if he’s older than me or younger than me, it makes no difference. Both of us are there to win the match. So I just go there and play my game. I’m not really looking at it as whether he’s young, old, he’s my age, he’s 15 years younger, 20 years younger. It doesn’t matter. Once you cross 18, everybody comes to the real world.”
Rohan Bopanna
Discussing his thoughts on retirement today, Bopanna expressed a desire to keep playing. He said: “As long as I’m enjoying the competition and travel, yeah. Why not? And my family is here in the Grand Slams. My wife is here, my daughter is traveling. I never would have thought my daughter would be watching me play live.
“If I had stopped at 35, this would not have happened. She would have been like, oh, my dad used to play tennis. Today she can say her dad is a tennis player.”
source: http://www.gloucestershirelive.co.uk / Gloucestershire Live / Home> News> Health> Tennis / by Aaron Morris, Sr Sports Reporter & Maria Ortega / January 06th, 2025
Justice Suraj Govindaraj ruled that the state cannot exploit a mistake made by a citizen in categorising the land as ‘sagu bane land’ when it was, in fact, alienated ‘sagu bane land’, and retain the deposited amount.
Representative image showing a forest./ Credit: DH Photo
Bengaluru:
The Karnataka High Court has directed the Forest Department to refund Rs 4.33 lakh, along with 6 per cent interest, to the legal heirs of a Kodagu landowner, Mahabaleshwar Bhat, who had deposited the amount in 1982.
Justice Suraj Govindaraj ruled that the state cannot exploit a mistake made by a citizen in categorising the land as ‘sagu bane land’ when it was, in fact, alienated ‘sagu bane land’, and retain the deposited amount.
Bhat, who owned 38.5 acres in Biligeri Village, Madikeri taluk, Kodagu district, had received permission on February 1, 1983, to cut 349 trees on the property. He subsequently paid Rs 4,33,082, the assessed value of the trees. However, he later realised that the land had been classified as alienated ‘sagu bane land’ since 1897, making the payment unnecessary.
Bhat requested a refund from the authorities, but his plea was rejected by the Forest Department on April 25, 2012, citing the Karnataka Land Revenue Act, 1964, as grounds for denial. After the department’s appellate authority also dismissed his appeal, Bhat moved the high court.
During the pendency of the case, Bhat passed away and his legal representatives were substituted as petitioners in 2023. The court found that the Forest Department failed in its duty to verify the land’s classification.
“In fact, it was for the assistant and chief conservator of forest to verify these from the records concerned and not go by the statement made by the petitioner himself. Whenever any application is filed by any person claiming permission to cut trees, there is a duty imposed on the authority granting such permission to verify the details. If at all the details had been verified, it would have been clear that the land in question is alienated ‘sagu bane land’ and not un-alienated ‘sagu bane land’.
This aspect has been made clear by the deputy commissioner in his order dated March 29, 2010,” Justice Suraj Govindaraj said.
source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> India> Karnataka / by Subarna Mukherjee , DH Web Desk / January 03rd, 2025
Thomas Cook (India) subsidiary, Sterling Holiday Resorts, has expanded its presence in Karnataka with the launch of Sterling Brookstone Coorg. Located near Madikeri in the Western Ghats, the new property provides villa and cottage-style accommodations, combining modern conveniences with natural beauty.
Sterling Brookstone, a resort in Coorg, offers an array of amenities such as a swimming pool, banquet facilities, and an on-site restaurant. The Planter’s Kitchen caters to all palates, serving both local Kodagu delicacies and international cuisine. The resort also offers easy access to local attractions including Abbey Falls, Madikeri Fort, and Dubare Elephant Camp, positioning it as a perfect destination for leisure travelers.
Sterling Holiday Resorts, which manages over 3,000 keys across 57 resorts, hotels, and retreats in 48 Indian destinations, recently acquired a new property that aligns with its vision of providing memorable experiences at key tourist spots. The company, owned by Fairfax Financial Holdings, operates under two brands – Sterling and Nature Trails, serving various segments including leisure travel, Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE), destination weddings, and group tourism. The acquisition of the new property is seen as a significant step in expanding Sterling’s footprint in India’s tourism sector.
Sterling Holiday Resorts has expanded its portfolio with the addition of a new resort in Coorg, demonstrating its commitment to providing exceptional hospitality experiences.
source: http://www.constructionweekonline.in / Construction Week / Home> Projects & Tenders / by Staff Writer / January 04th, 2024
It is the duty of the forest authorities to verify official records before allowing applications seeking permission to cut trees, the High Court of Karnataka has said, while finding fault with the authorities for refusing to refund the amount deposited by a land owner by mistake, though he was not required to deposit it while seeking permission to cut trees on his land.
Justice Suraj Govindaraj passed the order while allowing a petition filed by N. Mahabaleshwara Bhat, a resident of Biligeri village in Madikeri taluk of Kodagu district.
The petitioner, who died during the pendency of petition filed in 2016, deposited ₹4.33 lakh with the forest authorities to seek permission to cut several trees on his Sagu Bane land.
However, he realised later that his was alienated Sagu Bane land for which there was no need to deposit money, and hence he requested the authorities to refund the deposited amount. But the forest authorities rejected his request, stating that he himself had described his land as Sagu Bane land in his application.
Negating the contention of the authorities, the court said that it was for the Assistant Conservator of Forest and the Chief Conservator of Forest to verify nature of the land from the records and not to go by the statement made in the application.
If at all the details of the land had been verified by the forest authorities, it would have been clear that the land in question was alienated Sagu Bane land as this aspect was made clear by the Deputy Commissioner in his order passed in 2010, the court said, while stating that there was a duty imposed on the authority to very the records before granting such permissions.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India> Karnataka / by The Hindu Bureau / January 03rd, 2024
Retired IAS officer, Rathi Vinay Jha, has been selected as Coorg Person of the Year 2024 in a poll conducted by a news and tourism portal, www.coorgtourisminfo.com.
With her roots in Kodagu district in Karnataka, Ms. Rathi Vinay Jha, a former Union Tourism Secretary, had initiated several projects to “conserve Kodava culture and the martial traditions of the comunity, known for its contributions to the nation in the areas of defence and sports,” author P.T. Bopanna, who runs the portal pointed out.
He said Ms. Rathi was instrumental in setting up the virtual museum of Kodava heritage and culture, the project known as Sandooka — a treasure trove of information.
“The virtual museum is an interactive online space, brought together through material contributed by the Kodava community. Sandooka will be a living museum of Kodava culture and will be useful for future generations of Kodavas.”
“It was at the instance of Ms. Rathi, a model of Kodava ainmane (ancestral house) was inaugurated this October in Dakshinachitra Museum near Chennai,” Mr. Bopanna said.
Dakshinachitra is home to 18 traditional houses that depict the unique culture of South India. The ainmane project involved dismantling a structure built in 1852 in Kodagu and was transported to Dakshinachitra Museum, said Mr. Bopanna.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India> Karnataka / by The Hindu Bureau / January 01st, 2025
Kanthur Friends team from Murnad (Maragodu) in Kodagu from Karnataka emerged victorious in the women’s throwball championship by defeating P G Pudur team from Coimbatore in straight sets.
Meanwhile, Alif Star team from Chikkamagaluru (seen in picture below) defeated Palli Friends team from Udupi in the men’s volleyball match in a thrilling contest.
The grand finale was held in the presence of the 112-foot-tall Adiyogi at the Isha Yoga Center in Coimbatore. The winning teams won a cash prize of ₹5 lakh, bringing the event to a grand close.
Along with Sadhguru, cricket legends Virender Sehwag and Venkatesh Prasad graced the historic occasion. Thousands of spectators from India and abroad came to watch the event.
Isha Gramotsava is a two-month sports festival held across the South Indian states of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and the Union Territory of Puducherry.
Held in over 162 rural areas, the festival saw the participation of over 43,000 players.
More than 10,000 of them were rural women, most of whom were housewives – volleyball and throwball Participated in matches.
Started by Sadhguru in 2004, Isha Gramotsava aims to bring sports and the spirit of play into the lives of rural communities.
Apart from professional players, the festival provides a platform for ordinary rural people, including daily wage workers, fishermen and housewives, to step away from their daily activities and experience the celebration and unifying power of sports.
source: http://www.mysoorunews.com / Mysooru News / Home> General / by Mysooru News Desk / January 01st, 2025
The soldier, identified as Deevin Palangoti, hails from Alur Siddapura in Kodagu.
Deevin Palangoti / Credit: Special Arrangement
A 28-year-old soldier from Kodagu district in Karnataka succumbed to his injuries on Monday that he sustained after an Army vehicle, in which he along with others were travelling, fell into a gorge in Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir on December 24.
The soldier, identified as Deevin Palangoti, hails from Alur Siddapura in Kodagu.
His lungs were critically damaged when the army vehicle fell into a gorge. He was admitted to a hospital in Srinagar for treatment. Divin’s mother, Jaya had reached the hospital.
Deevin was the only child of his parents and had joined the Army ten years ago. He was engaged to be married in February. In fact, he had built a new house for the family a year ago.
It may be recalled that three jawans from Karnataka – Subedar Dayanand Thirakannavar (44) from Belagavi, Lance Havaldar Anoop Poojary (33) from Kundapur and Mahesh Marigond (25) of Mahalingpur in Bagalkot district were earlier killed in the Poonch accident.
source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> India> Karnataka / by Naina J A, DHNS / December 30th, 2024
Virajpet MLA A.S. Ponnanna, who also serves as the Legal Advisor to the Chief Minister, Somwarpet MLA Dr. Manthar Gowda and Mysuru-Kodagu MP Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar have called for peace between communities in Kodagu following tensions at the Maha Mrithyunjaya Temple in Kattemad village on Dec. 27.
The incident occurred when over 20 Kodava community members, including women in traditional attire, were prevented from entering the Temple wearing traditional dresses by individuals from another community, claiming to represent the Temple Management Board.
Reports suggest that individuals demanded Kodavas either remove their traditional attire or leave the Temple premises. The altercation occurred on the final day of the festival at the Mrithyunjaya Temple. It was claimed that the Temple’s by-laws prohibit traditional attire, a contention that Kodava community members vehemently disputed.
The Police intervened to defuse the situation. Both groups filed complaints and counter-complaints at the Madikeri Rural Police Station. Footage of the incident, which has gone viral on social media, has drawn widespread criticism for causing disrespect to the Kodava community in their homeland.
MLA Ponnanna called upon everyone to uphold peace and harmony. “I appeal to the Temple management to revoke this by-law and allow traditional attire from all communities. Historically, traditional attire has been a vital part of the district’s cultural heritage, embraced by various communities,” he said.
MLA Dr. Manthar Gowda also expressed his surprise over the incident, noting that Kodagu is known for its communal harmony and peaceful coexistence among communities. He urged all parties to maintain peace and ensure that the situation does not escalate.
Mysuru-Kodagu MP Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar strongly condemned the incident and denounced acts of mutual hatred and disruptions to societal peace, emphasising that such incidents should never happen. He called for addressing differences through dialogue and fostering a harmonious environment.
In response to the incident, various organisations have announced plans for a massive march titled ‘Kodava Nadige Kattemadu Kade’ soon.
Virajpet Kodava Samaja’s Honorary Secretary Maletira Srinivas accused certain politically motivated individuals of attempting to strip the Kodava community of their rights and insulting Kodava women.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News> Top Stories / December 29th, 2024
Cauvery College Gonikoppal, Kodagu District — Oct. 30, 2024
Introduction
During a recent visit to my hometown in Kodagu district, Karnataka, the verdant heart of India’s coffee country, I conversed profoundly with local educators, parents, and community leaders about the future of rural education. These discussions revealed our community’s resilience and the pressing challenges our educational institutions face. As digital transformation reshapes the global landscape, the disparity between urban and rural educational opportunities becomes increasingly apparent, particularly in regions like Kodagu.
The steep valleys and scattered settlements that characterize Kodagu’s geography have long presented unique educational access and quality challenges. However, within these challenges lies an unprecedented opportunity: the potential to harness Artificial Intelligence (AI) not just as a teaching tool but as a comprehensive solution for educational transformation. This transformation extends beyond traditional classroom learning to address two critical aspects — faculty development and student employability — creating a holistic framework for educational advancement.
This article examines how AI technologies can be strategically deployed to revolutionize education in Kodagu’s rural schools, creating a model that could be replicated across similar regions in India. My analysis draws from community consultations, current educational practices, and emerging technological capabilities to propose a comprehensive framework that addresses three interconnected challenges: enhancing student learning outcomes, empowering teachers through continuous skill development, and preparing students for the evolving job market.
Focusing on Kodagu’s unique context while maintaining a broader perspective on rural education in India, this paper presents actionable strategies for leveraging AI to create an educational ecosystem that is not only more equitable and accessible but also aligned with the future of work. The recommendations stem from a deep understanding of local realities and global best practices in AI-enabled education.
Kodagu District: A Unique Educational Landscape
Nestled in the Western Ghats of Karnataka, Kodagu (formerly known as Coorg) is a district that exemplifies both the challenges and opportunities in rural Indian education. This region, celebrated worldwide for its coffee plantations and rich biodiversity, covers approximately 4,102 square kilometers of mountainous terrain. The district’s unique geographical and cultural characteristics significantly influence its educational landscape. With a population of about 68,000 school-age children (6–16 years), Kodagu boasts 924 government schools and an average student-teacher ratio of 35:1. The district’s literacy rate stands at an impressive 82.6%, surpassing the national average, though a significant rural-urban divide persists.
Kodagu’s educational system faces distinctive regional challenges that stem from its geographic and socio-economic realities. The district’s schools are scattered across hilly terrain, with 40% located in remote coffee estates, making access difficult for many students and teachers. Limited public transportation options and intermittent internet connectivity further complicate the implementation of digital learning initiatives. Socio-economic factors also play a crucial role, as seasonal migration during coffee harvesting affects attendance, and there’s a high proportion of students from agricultural families. The district’s mixed economic demographics, ranging from estate owners to daily wage workers, create diverse educational needs and expectations.
The distribution of educational resources in Kodagu presents another set of challenges. Quality educational institutions are largely concentrated in urban centers like Madikeri, leaving rural areas with limited access to modern learning tools and technologies. There’s a notable shortage of STEM and English language teachers and inadequate special education resources. Cultural and linguistic dynamics add another layer of complexity to Kodagu’s educational landscape. The district’s multilingual student population speaks Kodava, Kannada, Malayalam, and other local languages, necessitating a nuanced instruction approach.
The Role of AI in Transforming Kodagu’s Education System
Artificial Intelligence holds significant potential to address many of the challenges faced by Kodagu’s education system, particularly in rural areas. By leveraging AI-powered solutions, the district can enhance personalized learning experiences, bridge resource gaps, and support teachers in their roles.
One of the key areas where AI can make a substantial impact is personalized learning. AI-driven adaptive learning platforms can create customized learning paths for students, tailoring the educational experience to each individual’s needs, pace, and learning style. This approach is particularly beneficial in Kodagu’s rural schools, where classrooms often have students with varying learning abilities. These platforms can provide real-time feedback, guiding students and helping them improve continuously. Additionally, AI can help overcome rural schools’ lack of physical resources by providing virtual alternatives. For instance, AI-powered virtual labs like Labster can allow students to conduct experiments and simulations. At the same time, AI-curated digital libraries can provide free textbooks and resources, eliminating the need for physical books.
AI can also be crucial in supporting teachers by automating administrative tasks and providing data-driven insights into student performance. Tools can be deployed to assist in lesson planning, content creation, and grading. At the same time, AI-driven analytics platforms can help teachers track student progress and identify areas where additional support is needed. Furthermore, AI can address language barriers through language learning applications that provide interactive lessons in multiple languages, including local dialects spoken in Kodagu. The technology can also promote STEM education by introducing students to coding, robotics, and other STEM activities through AI-powered coding platforms and virtual robotics labs. Importantly, AI offers solutions that don’t heavily rely on traditional infrastructure, which is often lacking in rural areas of Kodagu. Mobile-based AI learning apps and offline learning platforms can deliver educational content even in areas with unreliable electricity and limited internet connectivity, ensuring that the benefits of AI in education can reach even the most remote parts of the district.
Case Study: Shiksha Co-pilot in Karnataka
The Karnataka government has taken a significant step forward in educational technology with the launch of Shiksha Co-pilot, an innovative AI-powered digital assistant designed to revolutionize teacher training. This groundbreaking initiative, born from a collaboration between Sikshana Foundation and Microsoft Research India, aims to elevate learning outcomes and empower educators with the tools to create comprehensive, personalized teaching resources.
Shiksha Co-pilot boasts an impressive array of features that promise to transform the teaching landscape. At its core, the system generates high-quality, personalized content tailored to individual teachers’ needs, ensuring educators access relevant and up-to-date materials. The platform also supports the dynamic curation of engaging teaching resources, allowing teachers to find and incorporate diverse materials into their lessons easily. Perhaps most notably, Shiksha Co-pilot includes an interactive chatbot that facilitates teachers’ self-learning and assists in real-time content generation, providing a responsive and adaptable tool for continuous professional development.
The potential impact of implementing Shiksha Co-pilot in Kodagu’s schools could be transformative. This AI-powered assistant could be crucial in addressing the district’s shortage of qualified teachers, particularly in remote areas, by providing robust support and resources to existing educators. By enhancing teacher capabilities and streamlining the creation of personalized learning materials, Shiksha Co-pilot has the potential to improve learning outcomes for students across the district significantly. This initiative represents a promising step towards bridging the educational divide in Kodagu, leveraging cutting-edge technology to support teachers and, ultimately, enhance the quality of education for all students in the region.
Beyond Challenges: The Unique Spirit of Kodagu’s Educational Ethos
In the mist-shrouded hills of Kodagu, where coffee plantations stretch as far as the eye can see, a remarkable educational spirit transcends its apparent challenges. The strength of this region lies not just in its fertile soil but also in the fertile minds of its community and its unwavering commitment to progress.
Walk into any village meeting in Kodagu, and you’ll witness something extraordinary: parents, teachers, and community leaders engaged in passionate discussions about their children’s education. This isn’t just casual conversation — it’s a reflection of a deeply rooted cultural value where education is seen as a collective responsibility. From estate owners opening their properties for mobile learning centers to elderly community members volunteering their time to share traditional knowledge, the spirit of community involvement runs deep.
The Kodava people’s celebrated martial heritage and disciplined approach to life have naturally evolved into a profound appreciation for learning and development. In homes across the district, from modest farm workers’ dwellings to grand ancestral houses, parents prioritize education, often making significant sacrifices to ensure their children have access to better learning opportunities.
Kodagu is special because it seamlessly weaves its rich cultural heritage into modern education. During local festivals like Puthari or Kailpodh, schools integrate traditional celebrations with learning experiences, creating a unique blend of cultural preservation and academic advancement. This cultural integration is a foundation for students to understand their roots while reaching for future opportunities.
The district has also demonstrated remarkable adaptability. In recent years, there’s been a growing recognition among community leaders and educators that traditional educational methods must evolve. This awareness has sparked innovative initiatives, from mobile digital libraries to community-funded smart classrooms. The success of these programs often stems from well-established public-private partnerships, a legacy of Kodagu’s cooperative coffee industry model.
This complex interplay of challenges and strengths makes Kodagu an ideal candidate for innovative educational solutions powered by AI technology. The district’s unique characteristics require customized approaches that respect local traditions while embracing modern educational methodologies. This unique combination of community strength, cultural pride, and openness to innovation positions Kodagu to overcome its educational challenges and potentially emerge as a model for rural education transformation in India. I would like to say, “In Kodagu, we don’t just grow coffee — we grow futures.”
Conclusion
The time for transformative action in Kodagu’s education system is not tomorrow but today. As we stand at the intersection of tradition and technology, artificial intelligence offers us not just a tool but a gateway to revolutionizing how we educate the next generation. This is not merely about adding computers to classrooms but fundamentally reimagining education to honor our heritage while embracing the future.
Consider this: thousands of Kodagu’s children wake up every morning with dreams as vast as our coffee estates. Yet, many of these aspirations remain unfulfilled due to educational barriers that we now have the power to overcome. AI technology isn’t just another educational initiative — it’s the catalyst that can transform these dreams into reality.
The evidence is compelling. Early evidence from AI implementation in rural education across India shows promising results. According to a 2023 study by MIT’s Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL) in rural Rajasthan, personalized learning programs supported by technology significantly improved student learning outcomes. While Kodagu’s context is unique, these results suggest the potential impact we could achieve by carefully implementing AI-enabled learning solutions in our district. Imagine every child in Kodagu, regardless of their location or economic background, having access to world-class educational resources, personalized learning experiences, and mentorship opportunities — all through the power of AI.
The cost of inaction is far greater than the investment required for transformation. Every year, we delay, and another cohort of students misses out on opportunities that could define their futures. Our children deserve more than just basic education; they deserve an education that prepares them to compete and excel in a rapidly evolving global landscape.
The roadmap I have outlined isn’t just ambitious — it’s achievable. We can make Kodagu a beacon of educational innovation in rural India by leveraging public-private partnerships, engaging our vibrant community, and implementing a phased approach. This isn’t just about implementing technology; it’s about creating a sustainable ecosystem where every stakeholder — students, teachers, parents, and community leaders — plays a vital role in educational transformation.
The question isn’t whether we should embrace AI in education but rather how we can afford not to. The global economy is rapidly evolving, and our children must have the skills and knowledge to thrive in this new world. By acting now, we can ensure that Kodagu’s next generation isn’t just participating in the future — they’re helping to shape it.
I would like to call upon every stakeholder — from government officials to local community leaders, from teachers to parents — to join us in this transformative journey. The path ahead is clear, the technology is ready, and our community is prepared. Together, we can create an educational revolution that will serve as a model for rural communities across India and beyond.
Let us move forward with purpose and urgency, for the future of Kodagu lies in the education of our children. The time to act is now. The opportunity is before us. The future is waiting.
Will you join us in making this vision a reality?
source: http:// www.medium.com / Medium.com / Home / by Poonacha Machaiah / November 03rd, 2024
This article was written with assistance from artificial intelligence tools. The AI-generated initial drafts provided research assistance and refined language. I have reviewed and edited all content for accuracy and appropriateness.
Dr. M. Senthilkumar, Director of Research, Coffee Board of India, says that India need not worry too much about losing coffee by 2050.
“Of course, climate change is happening not only in India, but around the world but this is not going to make much impact on Indian coffee, when compared with other countries like Brazil and Vietnam. We are a country that does not grow coffee in an open condition. Most of the coffee in India grows in a shaded condition. We are pushing our farmers to grow more traditional and conventional shade trees at the coffee estates – that is deciduous and evergreen trees, which will help create a microclimate that will facilitate comfortable growing of coffee,” Dr. Senthilkumar explained.
India has rainfall from June to September usually, followed by a drought period of 70 days. “Due to climate change, there is a possibility of drought period being extended. If it extends farmers will have to use methods of artificial irrigation encoring more expenditure,” he added.
“By 50-100 years from now, climate change can cause problems at any given point as the temperature is increasing by 1.5 degrees centigrade every year. But again, not for Indian coffee. Indian coffee may benefit because of climate change, as other countries will stop producing coffee. But that does not mean we should stop worrying about climate change,” Dr. Senthilkumar said.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Bengaluru / by Yemen S / November 29th, 2024
WELCOME. If you like what you see "SUBSCRIBE via EMAIL" to receive FREE regular UPDATES.
Read More »
