Coffee lovers are in for a treat after the Coffee Board announced on Tuesday that chicory-free, pure coffee will soon be available for purchase online.
Bengaluru :
Coffee lovers are in for a treat after the Coffee Board announced on Tuesday that chicory-free, pure coffee will soon be available for purchase online. As per the Board, they are keen to launch the sale of Geographical Indication (GI) tagged coffee by the end of the year, and are in talks with various online merchant platforms for the same.
Board officials are setting up units in Bengaluru for product packaging, after which, it will be sent to domestic and international buyers. Hiring delivery personnel and packaging staff is in the works, to enable door-to-door supply to customers, and commercial units.
“There is the Board’s land in Nelamangala, which could be utilised as the packaging unit. The Board will sell all the types of GI tagged coffee in a phased manner. The sales will be in 250 grams, 500 grams and one kilogram packing. No instant coffee will be sold by the Board,” remarked K G Jagadeesha, CEO and Secretary Coffee Board.
A study on the impact of chicory on health, in collaboration with the Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI), the laboratory under the aegis of Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, will be undertaken to increase awareness.
The decision to sell the coffee online has been well calculated by the Board, since they want to revive coffee sales in the domestic and international market. They also identified rising demand from customers on delivery of chicory-free coffee. The high-quality coffee beans will be taken directly from farmers and a portion of the sales will be given to them.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Cities> Bengaluru / by Bosky Khanna, Express News Service / November 03rd, 2021
Minister in charge of Kodagu district Kota Srinivas Poojary and others at the Kannada Rajyothsava celebrations in Madikeri on Monday. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Labs, libraries for 15 govt. schools: Minister
Minister in charge of Kodagu district Kota Srinivas Poojary on Monday said each household in the limits of 12 gram panchayats in Kodagu will be getting drinking water, 100 per cent segregation and collection of solid wastes, scientific handling of sewage generated daily besides the installation of solar projects and setting up of digital libraries in the respective villages.
All these works will be done as part of ‘Amrith’ Grama Panchayat programme which has been announced in the State identifying 750 GPs as part of platinum jubilee celebrations of Independence. The 12 GPs in Kodagu are Peraje, Kunchila-Kakkabbe, Maragodu, Kedamullur, Karmad, Nalkeri, Thithimathi, Koodumangaluru, Shirangala, Igooru, Haradooru and Dundalli, the Minister said in his speech during the Kannada Rajyotsava celebrations in Madikeri.
As part of the 75th independence daycelebrations, the State government has announced 13 special programmes and they include Amrith gram panchayat, Amrith rural housing scheme, Amrith farmer producer organisations, Amrith Nirmala Nagara, Amrith anganwadi centres, Amrith self-help micro enterprises, Amrith community development programme, Amrith health infrastructure upgrade programme, Amrith skill training programme, Amrith startup programme, and Amrith sports adoption programme.
As part of Amrith Rural Housing scheme which is being implemented in the district, housing will be provided to the homeless persons who will be identified in the 12 GPs in the coming days.
The Minister said farmers, fishermen and weavers will get financial support as the government has launched Amrith farmer producer organisations. Each organisation will get a sum of ₹30 lakh in a span of three years. Amrith Nirmala Nagar scheme has also been launched in the district where programmes will be taken up for maintaining hygiene in the limits of local bodies.
Amrith school scheme entails funding of ₹10 lakh to each identified school for developing buildings, labs, libraries, toilets and other facilities. The 15 schools identified in Kodagu are at Hodawada, Sampaje, Kadanga, Madapura, Kodlipet, Walnoor, Thagattur, Hebbale, Suntikoppa, Heggala, Pollibetta, B. Shettigeri, Thithimathi, Gonikoppa and Kutta.
In Kodagu, 25 anganwadi centres will be upgraded with each one of them getting a sum of ₹1 lakh under Amrith Anganawadi scheme.
The Minister said the government is committed to protecting Kannada and the culture of the land and expressed happiness that the use of Kannada language in digital mediums has been on the rise. Karnataka is rich in culture and tradition, he said, calling upon the youth to be part of the overall development of Karnataka.
He also called upon the people to adopt Kannada in their lives, showing interest in the language, literature, culture and art of the land, and become successors of the rich tradition of the land.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> States> Karnataka / by Special Correpondent / Mysuru – November 01st, 2021
Government intervention sought to check cartels, say trade sources
With only a few weeks remaining for the coffee harvest to begin, a disparity in the prices of Robusta coffee in the international market and India has become a major cause for concern among growers in South India.
Though the price of coffee in India is usually based on international markets, especially the London market, a proportionate increase in the price of the produce overseas is yet to get reflected in the local market, according to trade sources.
While the price of Robusta coffee rose by about $70 a ton in the international market, the Indian market was yet to reflect the increase. According to Coffee Board data, the price of the produce (AB grade) in the international market was ₹165 a kg on October 29 but the growers here were getting only ₹140 a kg.
The trade sources contended that the likely reason for the disparity was ‘price cartelisation’ by some international buyers. Also, the number of buyers had been relatively low in India as the harvesting season here would begin only by the end of December, they added.
According to the board’s final estimates, the total coffee production in India during 2020-2021 stood at 3. 69 lakh tons, including 2.35 lakh tons of Robusta. Of this, a little more than 1.64 lakh tons were exported.
Recently, the Centre extended RoDTEP (Refund of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products) scheme to the coffee sector to boost exports. But the growers were not enthused, the sources added. Alleging that some international players were likely trying to enhance profits by not increasing the prices, the trade sources sought the Union Commerce Ministry’s intervention to stop such exploitation.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Business / by Staff Reporter / Kalpetta – October 30th, 2021
Five young girls of Karnataka, who are participating in the historical journey of ‘Mountain to Ocean’ as part of the Platinum Jubilee celebration of India’s independence, reached Karwar after scaling Antamhoi mountain peak (5245 meters) and cycling for 3000 km all the way from Ladakh.
Now the girls are kayaking 300 km in the sea from Karwar in the coastal area of the state. They reached Malpe sea beach on Friday, October 29.
In-charge deputy commissioner and CEO of zilla panchayat Dr Naveen Bhat welcomed the team of girls on behalf of the district administration on the beach of Malpe. He said, “Young girls, In addition to involving themselves in adventurous sports, should make resolutions to achieve landmarks at national, international and Olympic Games. The adventurous qualities of these young girls should be model to all young girls and women of this state.
“The achievements of these youths, who have put up with all the difficulties they faced during their adventurous tour should not be limited to only our state or country but should be role models to the young generation of the world.
“Already a spot has been identified at Padukere in the district for training on adventurous sport. General Timmaiah adventure academy will also start a branch here. Youth of the district should reap the benefits of this center.”
Sharing their experience of this adventure, the young girls said, “We scaled the peak of mountain carrying bags weighing 25 kg. We did our own cooking throughout our journey and did not depend on anyone. In addition, we erected tents ourselves. We have scaled the peak before the specified time. We did not mind the health issues during the journey but reached our goal. We have seen the issues faced by women and girls in various parts of our country. We have the intention of conducting awareness programmes for women in order for them to venture out of the house and become adventurous. Parents and our trainers have given us whole hearted support.”
Aishwarya V and Dhanalaxmi, residents of Shivamogga, Asha, resident of Bengaluru, Pushpa,resident of Madikeri and Bindu from Mysuru are in the team of girls in this adventurous journey.
Clifford Lobo, assistant director of Udupi tourism department and Shabbir, director of adventurous journey were present. Dr Roshan Kumar Shetty, assistant director of department of youth empowerment and sports welcomed the gathering and rendered vote of thanks.
Mountain to Sea (Shikaradinda Sagara) is a 60 day-long campaign which professes that the adventure and courage of women will portray progress of men. This programme, which is being organized with the cooperation of Indian Mountaineering foundation and General Timmaiah national adventure academy, was flagged off on August 16 and is going to end at Mangaluru after the Kayak journey in sea.
source: http://www.daijiworld.com / DaijiWorld.com / Home> Top Stories / by Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (MS) / October 29th, 2021
Admirers of Puneeth Rajkumar remembered their association with the demised actor, as the news of his passing came in.
Last month, Puneeth had come to Anekadu, for the filming of ‘James’.
Several years ago, a fight scene of his film ‘Jockey’ was held in Anekadu in Kushalnagar. A young ‘Appu’ had accompanied his father, thespian late Dr Rajkumar during the shooting of the film ‘Girikanye’ in Kodagu, the people recall.
As his admirers say, Puneeth liked the climate of Kodagu very much.
A young lady from Kodagu had taken part in a show hosted by him on a private TV channel. Puneeth surprised his fans by dancing to the tunes of the traditional ‘Kodava Valaga’ during the episode.
MP Pratap Simha, recollecting his memories with Puneeth, said that the latter had visited his house.
He was a down to earth person. A great humanitarian gone too soon, the MP said.
Also, Pratap, along with MP Tejaswi Surya had taken part in a TV show and had an opportunity to spend time with Puneeth and his elder brother Raghavendra Rajkumar.
Before starting the shoot, Puneeth touched the feet of Raghavendra, seeking blessings, said Pratap.
“Puneeth was a great artiste and contributed immensely to the Kannada film industry. His demise has shocked the movie fans. May God give strength to his family members, relatives and admirers,” said Virajpet MLA K G Bopaiah.
source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> State> Mangaluru / by DHNS, Madikeri / october 29th, 2021
Harshika Poonacha, Kannada film actor, met ‘power star’ Puneeth Rajkumar when she was 16. She recalls Puneeth’s humanity, kindness and more in an exclusive interview with The Quint. On set and off, Puneeth was a superstar who was good to all those whom he came across, Harshika says, recalling specific events in their acting lives together.
Video Producer: Nikhila Henry
Video Editor: Sandeep Suman
Harshika Poonacha, Kannada actor, who has acted with ‘power star’ Puneeth Rajkumar asked, “Who isn’t a fan of Puneeth Rajkumar?’
In an interview with The Quint, the actor narrated the times she spent with Rajkumar. Puneeth Rajkumar was a warm and kind person who was equally good to all around him, on set and off, Poonacha said.
“He was a legendary actor from the Rajkumar family. But he never showed that. He was humble, nice and genuine,” Poonacha told The Quint.
The First Time They Met
Poonacha met Rajkumar when she was a young actor aged 16.
“I acted with him in the early stage of my career. I was already a huge fan of his. I had an amazing experience working with him.”
Harishika Poonacha, Kannada Actor
Rajkumar told her that it was “good that she got into films when young”. “When you are young, you tend to listen to people and learn a lot of things. You will go a long way, he told me,” she said.
Everyday there used to be hundreds of people who come to pose for photographs with Rajkumar. “He used to be so patient with all of them, with the same smile. He told me he did it because he became a star because of the fans,” Poonacha said.
‘I Fell for His Real Personality’
Poonacha narrated a specific instance when Rajkumar was extremely caring. During an action sequence that depicted them being buried alive, Rajkumar told her to hold her breath. “When the shot got over, he first removed mud from my face, even before he wiped his face. I fell for the real person behind the star,” Poonacha said.
“I have learnt a lot from him. The way to love people. And all with that smile which lights up the whole place.”
Harshika Poonacha, Kannada Actor
Rajkumar was kind to children and the elderly. He used to be caring of older, lesser known actors who populate the Kannada film world, she said
‘Kind to New Comers’
Poonacha said that Rajkumar was extremely kind to her when she was an upcoming actor. He was kind to everyone who was trying to make it in the film industry, she recalled.
Poonacha had acted with him in Kannada film Jackie (2010).
“With just one film, he became a part of my life.”
source: http://www.thequint.com / The Quint / Home> Entertainment / by Pratiba Raman / October 31st, 2021
Auto drivers Sunil and Mujeeb returned a bag with cash, a mobilephone and documents to its owner at Suntikoppa in the presence of the police
Two honest auto drivers have returned a bag containing Rs 28,000 in cash, a mobile phone and documents to its owner.
Auto drivers Mujeeb and Sunil had found a bag lying on the ground at Panya Junction in Madapura. After opening the bag, they found that it had cash, documents and a mobile phone.
The duo handed the bag over to Autorickshaw Drivers and Owners’ Association president A M Shareef, who in turn handed it over to PSI Puneeth Kumar.
The police informed the owner of the bag.
It is said that plantation labourers Ravi and his wife were travelling in an auto and did not realise that their bag had fallen while they were travelling.
source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> State> Mangaluru / by DHNS, Suntikoppa / October 27th, 2021
Deputy Commissioner Dr B C Sateesha and others release a credit plan prepared by Nabard in Madikeri.
Deputy Commissioner Dr B C Sateesha released a credit plan of Rs 6,205.84 crore prepared by the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) for 2022-23 on Wednesday.
He reviewed the progress of the banks after releasing the credit plan at the Lead bank hall in Madikeri.
The credit plan has given emphasis to priority sectors of agriculture, small industries, education and housing. The loans should reach the eligible beneficiaries, said NABARD district manager V Ramesh Babu.
More emphasis has been given to agriculture, dairy farming, fisheries, horticulture and small industries. The credit plan has also given the emphasis on basic facilities in agriculture markets, he added.
More loan facilities will be available for self-help groups under the Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro food processing Enterprises (PMFME) scheme, he said.
Even schemes under Atmanirbhar Bharat are also being implemented. Priority has also been given for skill development, he added.
Venkatesh Gopal representing the RBI said that the banks should work towards the welfare of the farmers.
Union Bank regional manager Jyothi Krishnan said that the government has implemented several programmes for the welfare of the farmers.
Funds allocated
Of the total credit, an outlay of Rs 3,794.29 crore has been earmarked for the agriculture sector, while Rs 154.63 crore for agriculture-related basic facilities, Rs 801 crore for medium and small enterprises, Rs 409.60 crore for the export sector, Rs 121.50 crore for education, Rs 676.80 crore for housing, Rs 9.17 crore for alternative energy and Rs 27.70 crore for basic facilities.
Zilla Panchayat project director Srikanta Murthy and others were present on the occasion.
source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> State> Mangaluru / by DHNS, Madikeri / October 27th, 2021
The past year has seen a spurt in speciality coffee offerings, as more local roasters get creative with the business of beans
When Divya Jayashankar set up Chennai’s first roastery, Beachville, back in 2018, the city was just beginning to look beyond traditional dark roasts and filter coffee. Back then, her imported small-batch roaster, grinder, and farm-sourced coffee blends with “no chicory, no robusta” were enough to take customers by surprise, she recalls.
Now, encouraged by adventurous customers, Divya is exploring naturally sun-dried coffee cherries as against washed Arabica, and the various ways they can be put to use. The latter, she says, “has what many consider to be a cleaner taste. But sun drying lets the flavour of the cherry leech into the bean with time, making it much more heavy-bodied and fruity: The market is moving towards more funky tasting coffees, and I want to experiment.”
Divya Jayaraman, founder of Beachville | Photo Credit: Special arrangement
She is not alone — a fraternity of coffee entrepreneurs alongside Divya are trying out a variety of processes, working with farmers, discoving different beans and playing with flavour profiles.
The growing competition is keeping him on his toes, admits Akshay Vaidyanathan who founded Kapi Kottai in 2019. While Divya looks into what she calls “the naturals”, Akshay’s latest product Hamir Kalyani is a test slow-controlled fermentation. “It’s a very technical process, but fermented coffee is definitely a trend now,” says Akshay, adding that his 2020 product named Curveball is double-fermented, resulting in an intensely fruity, admittedly polarising brew with a niche, but loyal, following.
These experiments are taking roasters into coffee estates, to the turf of growers and plantation owners, in an attempt to heighten flavours in coffee before they even take the form of beans. The latest in the fray, began their process plantation-first.
Kathryn Ahuja, founder of Kat & Kin Coffee Roasters | Photo Credit: Special arrangement
Kat & Kin Coffee Roasters was started by husband-wife duo Kathryn and Anek Ahuja in the middle of lockdown earlier this year. “I have been interested in coffee-making for 25 years, and was looking for a challenge,” says Kathryn.
They began with a visit to plantations in Chikmagalur after restrictions eased, where a patch of Ethiopian-origin heirloom coffee at MF Estate caught her fancy, “I knew I wanted to start with that bean”. The smooth-tasting floral coffee lends itself to multiple brewing styles, found the couple, making it the ideal launch for a new customer-base with varied preferences.
Then followed the investments: a roaster that took three months to be imported from Taiwan (“there are no roasting machines made in India,” says Anek), a commercial-scale grinder, and a years’ stock of coffee beans. “Harvest happens only once a year, so we must commit to the grower for that long,” explains Anek, adding with a laugh, “We burnt a lot of beans before we managed a good roast.”
Up ahead
Now, Kat & Kin offers six coffees, including the popular Monsooned Malabar and a naturally processed product named Iced Honey. The roasters have also left their imprint beyond city and state limits — “While most of our customers are in Chennai, we are also getting repeat orders from a few people in Bengaluru and Hyderabad,” says Anek, adding, “In Chennai, the community of people brewing coffee other than filter coffee is growing. Some look at the process as an art form; I know people who prefer slow pour overs just because they find it calm and therapeutic.”
Meanwhile, Kapi Kottai sells not only to individual customers, but also to cafes and restaurants around the country. The bread bar in Mumbai, Mearth cafe in Chennai, One Dollar Moffee in Raipur, Three Beans Coffee Bar in Nagpur and Pot Boiler Coffee House in Kolkata are part of Akshay’s clientele.
Beachville, on the other hand, is putting more energy into serving its local, post-lockdown customers at the cafe that opened in October 2020. “The current trend is towards finding more interesting coffees and interesting ways of processing them,” says Divya, “But right now, the experiential angle seems more important than the blends per se. In the past year, we have been experimenting with what we serve at the cafe: kinds of cold brew, espresso-based beverages like a coconut water, coffee and mint espresso drink, and other beverages with tonics.”
It is only in the upcoming harvest season that Divya really plans to get into naturally processed coffees, and also importing coffees from Ethiopia and Columbia. “It is usually difficult for a grower to maintain consistency when the process is natural, but there are some estates that are doing some really good work,” she says. She sees reason for optimism not only in the rising customer base, but also in the growing retail price of coffee, which is an indicator of how much people value speciality products and “green products”. In the end, she says, it all comes down to the relationship you have with those who grow coffee, and how much you are willing to pay them for their labour.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Life & Style> Food / by Meghna Majumdar / Chennai – October 27th, 2021
Jade Anil and Kishal Ganapathi won the U-19 State Mixed Doubles Badminton Championship beating National Champions Suhas and Janani at Raichur meet held between Oct. 4 and 8.
They will now represent Karnataka at the National Juniors Championship to be held at Guwahati in December 2021.
Jade is the daughter of Anil Kumar and Cauvery while Kishal is the son of Iychanda Ashwath and Bindu.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Sports News / October 26th, 2021
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