Stating that Rangayana is incurring an expenditure of Rs. 48,000 to present every show of acclaimed writer Dr. S.L. Bhyrappa’s popular play ‘Parva’, Rangayana Director Addanda C. Cariappa said that the ticket for the play is priced at Rs. 250 per head, with each show recording a collection of about Rs. 25,000.
Addressing a press meet at Rangayana here on Monday, Cariappa said that the Government had released Rs. 50 lakh for staging of ‘Parva’. However, Rangayana incurred an additional expenditure of Rs. 8.07 lakh, he said clarifying that costume designer Prasad Bidappa did not receive any remuneration. However, the money spent on his assistants has been accounted as remuneration, Cariappa said and added that more than 4,500 people have watched the play which has so far seen 14 shows.
Continuing, Cariappa said that with the performance of each show of ‘Parva’, the Rangayana is losing Rs. 23,000, with the collection being only Rs. 25,000, However, the loss is being made up with the utilisation of annual grant provided by the Government for different Rangayana activities, he added.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / October 06th, 2021
Deputy Commissioner Charulata Somal inspects the arrangements at Pampinakere for the Madikeri Dasara
The Madikeri Dasara will be launched at Pampinakere in Mahadevapete at 5 pm on Thursday.
The puja will be offered to four Karagas in the presence of elected representatives. Later, the Karagas will be taken out in a procession. Only 25 people can accompany each Karaga.
Owing to Covid-19, the Karaga procession was not held last year. Only 10 persons can accompany Karaga during the house visits this year.
Deputy Commissioner Charulata Somal and CMC Commissioner Ramadas visited Pampinakere and inspected the arrangements for Dasara.
A few shops have been decked up ahead of Dasara celebrations in Madikeri. However, poets meet, sports meet and cultural programmes will not be held for Dasara.
Even Gonikoppa Dasara will also be launched on Thursday.
source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> State> Mangaluru / by DHNS, Madikeri / October 06th, 2021
The work on an oxygen generation unit built at a cost of Rs 1 crore at Somwarpet government hospital has been completed. The required machines and generation unit have been installed.
The plant can generate 390 litres of oxygen per minute, which will be a boon for the patients.
After facing a shortage of oxygen during the second wave of Covid-19, the government had planned to set up oxygen plants in the government-run hospitals.
Pipelines have been laid to supply oxygen to 50 beds for Covid infected and non-Covid infected patients in the government hospital.
Without the unit, the oxygen cylinders had to be refilled in Mysuru in the past.
With the unit capable of generating 390 litres of oxygen per minute, the need for oxygen from Mysuru will not arise, said officials.
The compressor, ventilator and oxygen concentrators have already been procured, said Pushpak of the contracted firm.
People from rural areas in Somwarpet taluk are dependent on the government hospital for treatment. In case of emergency oxygen requirements, the patients had to be rushed to Madikeri, Mysuru and Hassan for treatment in the past.
Dr Shivaprasad, who works at the hospital said, “Compared to the first wave, more people had succumbed to Covid-19 during the second wave. The experts have already warned of a possible third wave. Already, 15 to 20 Covid infected people are undergoing treatment in the hospital. The plant will help in the use of oxygen as per the requirement.”
MLA M P Appachu Ranjan said that the work on the generation plant has been completed. With the help of Rs 1 crore from Mobius Foundation, the work on an oxygen generation unit at Kushalanagr has also been completed.
Both the units will be inaugurated next week, he added.
source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> State> Mangaluru / by DHNS, Somwarpet / October 05th, 2021
Chamber of Commerce president M B Devaiah speaks during a discussion on the pros and cons of tourism in the district, held at Kodagu Press Club, Madikeri, on Tuesday.
Various stakeholders in the tourism sector gave their suggestions towards developing sustainable and eco-friendly tourism in Kodagu, during a discussion on the pros and cons of tourism in the district, held at Kodagu Press Club, Madikeri, on Tuesday.
Chamber of Commerce president M B Devaiah said that it is the foremost duty of the people of Kodagu to preserve the environment of the district. Businesses can be carried out while maintaining ethics. Money is not everything.
“Nature-friendly industries should be set up in the district to provide jobs for people,” he added.
Pravasodyama Avalambitara Okkoota president K K Manjunath Kumar said that tourism contributes immensely to the development of a country.
Tourism in Kodagu has been generating good revenue, he said and pointed out that the countries which are backward in tourism are backward in development as well.
Resort and Hotel Owners’ Association president Nagendra Prasad said that there has been a significant rise in investment in the tourism sector in the district after the market for coffee fell. There are 1.50 lakh people in the district who are depending on tourism activities for their livelihood.
Kodagu Press Club president Ajjamada Ramesh Kuttappa in his introductory remarks, said, “Every citizen of the nation has a right to carry out legal work in any part of the country to make a living. No restrictions can be imposed on him or her in carrying out a job. A forum has been formed to discuss the problems of people working in the tourism sector and to find possible solutions.
Hotel, Lodges and Restaurants’ Association advisor Chidvilas said that coffee growers switched to homestay and hotel industry after they suffered losses in the coffee industry. He also advised imposing a total ban on plastic at tourist destinations in the district.
Kodagu Samrakshana Vedike convener Chammatira Pravin Uttappa said that there is a need to curb illegal activities which are carried out in the name of tourism.
“Insulting the traditional Kodava attire in some resorts should stop immediately. Tourism activities should stop during the Cauvery fair,” he added.
District Working Journalists’ Association president Savitha Rai, writer Bharadwaj K Anandateertha, Kodagu Hitarakshana Samiti president Rajiv Bopaiah, Travel Association president Cheyyanda Satya Ganapathy, Kodagu Tourism Association president Madetira Timmaiah and others were present.
source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> State> Mangaluru / b y DHNS, Madikeri / October 05th, 2021
Seven-time national champion Hemanth Mudappa of Mantra Racing broke his own record with a triumphant double gold in the ribbon events in the second round of the MMSC FMSCI Indian National Drag Racing Championship here on Sunday.
Touching a top speed of 230kmph, he extended his championship lead in the premier 4-stroke above-1051cc Class at the 303-metre Madras Motor Race Track.
The 31-year Coorgi lad, based in Bengaluru, did his magic once again as he dashed to a gold medal winning effort, beating his own national record in the 4-stroke 850 to 1050cc SuperSport Class set in 2019.
Hemanth also holds the national drag record in the top above-1051cc Class.
“I am so happy to set the national record in this category. Seven national titles won”t come by luck. We have put in hardwork and practised hard, testing and improving after every run,” said a delighted Hemanth.
Hemanth posted a stunning 7.914s to beat the national Drag record in this class despite being a fraction of a second slower reaction at the start to Hyderabad’s Mohd Riyaz, who did 8.058 seconds.
Sugan Prasad, also from Bengaluru, clocked 8.421s to take the bronze.
In the top class of 4-stroke above-1051cc Super Sport, riding a black Suzuki Hayabusa, Hemanth clocked 8.061sec.
In other classes, Bharath Raj (226-360cc), Madhan Kumar (upto 165cc) and Aiyaz Rem (361-550cc) won the gold.
PTI SSC SSC ATK
ATK
source: http://www.outlookindia.com / Outlook / Home / by PTI / October 03rd, 2021
Virajpet MLA K G Bopaiah inaugurated the outpost and new welcome arch of Nagarahole Tiger Reserve, built at a cost of Rs 9 lakh, on the occasion of the 67th Wildlife Week on Sunday.
He said that the security has been upgraded with the new facility, so as to prevent the trespassing of people into the reserve forest. CCTV cameras have also been installed at the entrance.
Bopaiah also directed the forest department officials to take necessary measures to provide accessibility to fodder and water for elephants, bison and other herbivorous animals.
Saplings that provide fodder for such animals should be planted inside the forest area, he said.
“This will prevent the wild animals sneaking into human habitations, in search of food. Steps should also be taken to prevent the harm caused to the agriculturists living near the forests,” he added.
The MLA also inaugurated two safari tempo taxis for the benefit of visitors at Nagarahole. He also went on a safari in the new vehicle.
State Western Ghats Task Force chairman Shantheyanda Ravi Kushalappa, Nagarahole Tiger Reserve director D Mahesh Kumar, Nagarahole wildlife sub division ACF K P Gopal, Hunsur forest division ACF Satish and others were present.
source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> State> Mangaluru / by DHNS, Gonikoppa / October 03rd, 2021
Deputy Commissioner Charulata Somal sips coffee at Raja Seat on Friday, on the occasion of International Coffee Day
Deputy Commissioner Charulata Somal said that the International Coffee Day celebrated in Kodagu, highlights the hard work of coffee growers, which is behind the taste of coffee.
She was speaking during the International Coffee Day programme observed by Rotary Misty Hills, at Raja Seat, on Friday.
The deputy commissioner added, “I got to know about every detail of coffee cultivation after I was posted to Kodagu. The dedication and effort by coffee growers in producing the best quality of coffee is commendable.”
Rotary Misty Hills president Anitha Poovaiah said that more than 1,500 visitors at Raja Seat were served coffee on account of International Coffee Day.
Rotary Deputy Governor H T Anil said that the quantity of coffee powder used by a person in India is 4 to 5 kg per year whereas, in a foreign country, a person uses 15 kg of coffee powder annually.
Therefore, there is a need to increase the usage of coffee in India, he added.
Misty Hills project director Devanira Tilak also spoke on the occasion.
Madikeri CMC commissioner Ramdas, horticulture department deputy director Sridhar, senior assistant director Pramod, Coffee Board deputy director Shivakumar Swamy and others were present.
‘Coffee export’
Kodagu Mahila Coffee Jagruthi Sangha distributed free coffee at various places in Madikeri on account of International Coffee Day.
The Coffee Day observed at Tadka House on Raja Seat Road was inaugurated by Kodava Samaja president K S Devaiah.
When the coffee industry was in distress women had started a unit to instil confidence in coffee growers in the district. The sangha has been promoting coffee consumption, said K S Devaiah.
Women have been actively engaged in managing coffee plantations and the industry. Kodagu’s coffee is known for its taste, he said.
Kodagu Coffee Growers’ Cooperative Society president M B Devaiah said the society is the largest coffee cooperative in Asia.
It is now mulling about exporting coffee and requires financial assistance from the government for exports, he added.
Advocate Pasura Preetham said the International Coffee Day is being observed since 2015.
Dr Mohan Appaji said that the consumption of coffee by those above 40 years is good for health.
Kodagu Mahila Coffee Jagruthi Sangha president Chitra Subbaiah, general secretary Anitha Nanda and others were present.
source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> State> Mangaluru / by DHNS, Madikeri / October 01st, 2021
Non-traditional coffee growing regions in India are having a moment in the sun
(Nathan Dumlao, Unsplash)
There was a time when coffee beans in India were assumed to have come from the South of India and the lush, verdant hills of Baba BudanGiri (regarded as the birthplace of coffee in India), Nilgiris and Kodagu in Karnataka that are known to be the key coffee producing regions in the country. Increasingly, places like Araku Valley near Visakhapatnam, Koraput in Odisha and Northeastern states such as Meghalaya and Nagaland as newer areas from where your favourite roasters have sourced their beans.
While coffee has traditionally been grown in South India and a majority of well-known estates continue to supply the bulk of coffee beans to roasteries across the country, the rise of these so-called non-traditional areas has been some time in the making. The coffee world took notice of this when Araku Coffee, that sources its beans from the eponymous valley comprising highlands of the Eastern Ghats, won the Gold Medal for the best coffee pod in the Prix Epicures OR 2018 Award in Paris, France, a first for any Indian coffee brand. The next year, a GI tag followed for Araku Valley coffee, giving its identity a permanent market and the scope to demand better price for its coffee.
What comes as a surprise is that just two decades ago, there was no Araku coffee and no market selling these coffees even though the region has a century-old relation to coffee plantation. Instead, tribals grew cash crops while the region was part of the Red Corridor for Naxal insurgency. This writer’s visit to Araku Valley by train in 2009 was suspended after major Naxal activity was detected the previous night with a high possibility of the tracks being blown apart, the station superintendent at the time informed.
Cooperatives like Girijan Co-operative Corporation and NGOs like Naandi Foundation worked with tribals in the region and over the years, a collective group effort with 10,000 farmers from 520 villages joined Araku’s coffee cooperative to cultivate 12,300 acres of land with world-class coffee. It has been described as the largest bio-dynamic coffee cooperative in the world.
“We empowered tribals to give us the best coffee and that led to a revolution in quality. Around 12 years ago, most coffees scored around 60 but today the score is over 85,” Manoj Kumar, CEO of Naandi Foundation and co-founder of Araku Coffee says. The widely accepted definition of specialty coffee is coffee scoring 80 points or above on a 100-point scale by the Speciality Coffee Association of America (SCAA).
To qualify as a specialty coffee, the beans have to be graded by certified coffee tasters known as Q graders. Coffee scoring 80–84.99 is graded Very Good, coffee that scores 85–89.99 is graded Excellent while Coffee scoring from 90–100 is graded Outstanding.
Araku’s success on the global stage set the stage for other places to bring out their coffees. Koraput, a region bordering Araku that finds itself in Odisha with issues related to Naxalism, has seen its fortunes rise as tribals engage in producing coffee that are wowing coffee lovers with its nuanced flavour profiles. “Coffee grown in forests like Koraput are semi wild grown coffees compared to coffee estates, which are a deliberate attempt to grow coffee. This biodynamic form of coffee is one of the key reasons coffee drinkers will find hints of Indian gooseberry and pepper that are also grown in the forest. This attribute has made Koraput coffee much sought after,” Debu Mishra, who started Tribe-O Koraput coffee and retailed with Mumbai-based Dope Coffee Roasters last year before expanding to other roasters says. When I tried this coffee last year, there was a natural acidity to the beans that can sometimes be difficult to discern with estate-grown coffees in my collection.
For its part, Dope Coffee expanded and bought 600 kilos of coffee from Durgamadhab estate in Koraput early this year after working with Tribe-O Project, Koraput. As Riyaaz Amlani, CEO of Dope Coffee says, “Customers today care where their coffee comes from. As roasters, it’s exciting to experiment with these beans that have great texture and density. Next year, we’re planning to help the estate with harvesting and post-harvesting processes as well.”
The Northeast, too, has seen local coffee brands grow. Meghalaya’s Smoky Falls Tribe Coffee sources the bean from farmers in the Jaintia hills and Khasi hills. Nagaland’s Été gets its beans from farmers in the state. Vivito Yeptho, co-founder and managing director of Nagaland Coffee Pvt Ltd, has found takers in his home state and few repeat customers across the country who buy their beans. “If you taste coffees from South India, they have distinct notes which are familiar to most. Then again, not everyone will enjoy Nagaland coffee that has a different taste profile with spicy notes,” he says.
Subko Coffee Roasters co-founder Rahul Reddy says: “The quality of the cup of coffee and its traceability is gaining traction. At Subko, we go by Lot numbers (specific quantities of beans collected from specific areas/portions, usually nanolots or microlots, on a coffee farm instead of picking all the coffee grown on the estate at one go) because everything is variable in coffee. The way I see it, as a roaster you are a curator of nuance,” adding that Garo Hills coffee from Meghalaya is among their highest-selling coffee.
The rise of coffee in non-traditional areas is still too small compared to overall coffee production in India. For example, of the 3,34,000 MTs of coffee produced in India in 2020-2021, only 11,500 MT came from non-traditional areas (comprising of North East, Odisha and Andhra Pradesh), according to the Coffee Board of India. However, coffee from these areas is projected to grow to 12,870 MTs for the 2021-2022 harvest season.
India’s most well-known roasters Blue Tokai has still to source coffee beans from these regions. Matt Chitharanjan, co-founder of Blue Tokai says that he would only consider selling coffees from non-traditional places if the coffee score crosses 82, which it hasn’t so far. “A coffee score below 82 is not unique for us. Then you’re just selling the coffee on its story. Araku is an exception but when we worked two years ago to elevate coffee scores in Andhra Pradesh we only saw a marginal improvement from 76 to 78. The real challenge is crossing that barrier.”
The rise of coffee in non-traditional areas is still too small compared to overall coffee production in India. For example, of the 3,34,000 MTs of coffee produced in India in 2020-2021, only 11,500 MT came from non-traditional areas (comprising of North East, Odisha and Andhra Pradesh), according to the Coffee Board of India. However, coffee from these areas is projected to grow to 12,870 MTs for the 2021-2022 harvest season.
India’s most well-known roasters Blue Tokai has still to source coffee beans from these regions. Matt Chitharanjan, co-founder of Blue Tokai says that he would only consider selling coffees from non-traditional places if the coffee score crosses 82, which it hasn’t so far. “A coffee score below 82 is not unique for us. Then you’re just selling the coffee on its story. Araku is an exception but when we worked two years ago to elevate coffee scores in Andhra Pradesh we only saw a marginal improvement from 76 to 78. The real challenge is crossing that barrier.”
Sunalini Menon, President, Coffeelab, Bengaluru says that the rise of coffees outside Chikmagalur can be attributed to a few reasons. According to her, “Talking about involving indigenous communities to produce coffee makes for a good story. Araku Coffee paved the way and made people realise that. The coffee from these regions has also seen simultaneous improvement. I am impressed with the how far coffee from Koraput has come. Finally, new coffee entrepreneurs need to stand out and sourcing coffees from non-traditional places is one surefire way of doing that.”
Beginner’s guide to buying coffee beyond Chikmagalur 1. Khar Single Estate Coffee from Nagaland Coffee 2. Durgamadhab Estate from Dope Coffee 3. Tribe Koraput Naturals from Dope Coffee 4. Garo Hills Experience Lot #2 from Subko Coffee Roasters 5. Tribe-O Project Koraput coffee from Marcs Coffees
Priyanko Sarkar is a Mumbai-based journalist and writer covering the beverage industry.
source: http://www.lifestyle.livemint.com / Mint Lounge / Home> Food> Drink / by Priyanko Sarkar / October 01st, 2021
WELCOME. If you like what you see "SUBSCRIBE via EMAIL" to receive FREE regular UPDATES.
Read More »
