Pepper comes to coffee growers’ rescue

Agriculture, Business & Economy

Higher prices of the spice help offset lower returns from the bean

For coffee growers battling a drop in bean prices following weak global demand, the pepper that they grow as an inter-crop is coming to their rescue.

Of late, pepper prices have gained by at least 10 per cent on firm demand even as the harvest is in progress in the key producing regions of the Western Ghats.

According to the Spices Board, garbled pepper was quoted at ₹388 a kg on Tuesday against ₹380 on March 20 and ₹345.17 a month before that.

Globally, Indian pepper is quoted at a premium of $5,275 a tonne compared with the spice from other origins such as Brazil, Vietnam and Indonesia. Prices of other origins are ruling at $4,000 and below a tonne.

KK Vishwanath, Co-ordinator of the Consortium of Pepper Growers Organisation in Kodagu, said the Centre’s move to strictly implement the import norms is aiding the rise in domestic prices.

The Centre has taken several measures such as fixing a minimum import price of ₹500 a kg, including cost, insurance and freight.

While the pepper prices are higher by 10-12 per cent, coffee prices are trending lower to the same extent. The higher prices is helping those coffee growers, who also grow the spices crop meet their cash flow requirement, Vishwanath said.

Pepper is largely cultivated as an inter-crop with coffee and arecanut in parts of Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu, the main producers of the spices crop.

Demand for pepper continues to be firm in the short term, as end users such as masala manufacturers and ready-to-eat food producing firms have started procurement, said Kishor Shamji, general convenor, Indian Pepper Spice Traders Growers and Planters Consortium, Kerala chapter.

The commencement of wedding season in North India has also led to a demand revival. However, the local demand in Maharashtra has slowed down in the last fortnight following the re-imposition of Covid restrictions, Shamji said.

In Karnataka, the harvest is still going on though some regions in Kodagu and Chikkamagalur have faced the impact of erratic weather.

“The crop still being picked, will need to wait a bit before we get clearer assessment on the crop size. Lot of vines damaged last 3-4 years due to wilt and weather conditions,” said Jeffrey Rebello, Chairman of UPASI Coffee Committee. Pepper growers are also facing a major challenge in harvesting the crop due to acute shortage of skilled labour, said S Appadurai, Chairman, Karnataka Planters’ Association. Pepper crop is reported to be good in parts on North Kodagu, Hassan and Sakleshpur, he said.

Lower crop size

The plantation sector depends on migrant labour for the harvest. With States such as Tamil Nadu and Assam going for elections, the labourers have gone back to their native places to cast their votes, planters said.

On the crop size, Shamji said the Idukki farmers’ reports of a lower 2021 crop size has turned out to be prophetic as the sector is estimating a crop of 50,000-55,000 tonnes compared to 60,000-65,000 tonnes last year. Delayed rains in December coupled with strong winds in the growing regions in 2020 resulted in washing off and scattering of berries from pepper wines.

The delayed harvest — which started in December-January in Kerala’s Idukki, Kottayam, Pathanamthitta districts — was over. Normally, the harvest in these regions is carried out in November-December. The crop in Wayanad is also reported smaller, but the harvest is still on. In Karnataka, it started from mid-March.

But the Kerala pepper market missed the Sabarimala pilgrim season last year due to Covid restrictions. Normally, pepper sale during the season is between 3,000 and 5,000 tonnes, he said

source: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com / Business Line / Home> AgriBusiness / by V Sajeev Kumar / Bengaluru-Kochi / March 30th, 2021

Kodava Samaja Remembers General K.S. Thimayya

Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Leaders, Records, All

Marking the 115th birth anniversary of General K.S. Thimayya, Kodava Samaja, Mysuru, had organised a simple function at its premises in Vijayanagar 1st Stage here this morning.

Office-bearers of the Samaja offered floral tributes to the portrait of Gen. Thimayya. Samaja President Kekada M. Belliappa, Vice-President Mechanda M. Ponnappa, Secretary Malachira M. Ponnappa, Treasurer Mukkatira B. Jeevan, Joint Secretary Padiyanda Vimala Poonacha and former Presidents of the Samaja were among those present.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Photo News / March 31st, 2021

Kodagu girl wins the UN H2021 Water Summit storytelling competition

Amazing Feats, Education, Green Initiatives / Environment, Records, All, World Opinion

During the lockdown situation, when the world took the virtual path, Yashmi was introduced to the UN Ocean Decade Summit and she took part in the virtual programs conducted by the initiative.

Manavattira Yashmi Dechamma

Madikeri :

“The earth is already in a bad state and it will be inherited by us tomorrow. We want to breathe the same pristine air that our grandparents breathed,” shared Manavattira Yashmi Dechamma, a ninth-grade student who has been selected for the UN Ocean Decade Summit to be hosted in Hawaii soon.

Yashmi earned this opportunity after her video documentary on the theme ‘Water is sacred’ won the H2021 Water Summit storytelling contest in the 13-17 age group category.

A native of Nelaji village in Kodagu, Yashmi is currently pursuing her studies in Acharya Vidya Kula in Mysuru.

During the lockdown situation, when the world took the virtual path, Yashmi was introduced to the UN Ocean Decade Summit and she took part in the virtual programs conducted by the initiative.

“While I was aware of climate change, I learnt from speakers all across the globe about what climate change did to the earth. I knew that the earth was in danger. But I obtained clarity on the growing problem after attending the virtual summit,” shared Yashmi.

She was then introduced to the H2021 Water Summit where she attended virtual sessions for four consecutive weekends and it is here she learnt about the storytelling competition.

“Each session was based on a particular theme. The theme ‘Water is sacred’ was close to me as I am from the Kodava community and we worship River Cauvery,” she shared. Yashmi visited Kodagu and shot some beautiful captures of River Cauvery.

With a Kodava song playing in the background of the video, she has highlighted the sorry state of the river today – which has become a victim of pollution.

The video then moves to highlighting the efforts from the youngsters in reviving the river and the documentary ends with a strong message ‘Let us heal her (River Cauvery) and not fix her’.

“I have heard my mother explain the beauty of Kodagu that existed during her childhood times. The district witnessed heavy rainfall then too. However, it is only now that the incessant rainfall is causing destruction and damage. The summits I attended helped amplify my voice and I shot the video with the support from my cousin Bhuvana Nanaiah and her father Nanaiah,” explained Yashmi.  

Daughter of Manavattira Kushalappa and Nalini, Yashmi looks forward to strengthening the Youth Advisory Council in the country and has written to the concerned about her vision for a better future.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Good News / by Prajna GR / Express News Service / March 31st, 2021

Coffee waste can boost forest recovery: Study

Coffee News, World Opinion

New York :

 Coffee pulp, a waste product of coffee production, could be used to speed up tropical forest recovery on post agricultural land, suggests a new study.

In the study published in the journal ‘Ecological Solutions and Evidence’, the team spread 30 dump truck loads of coffee pulp on a 35-40m area of degraded land and marked out a similar sized area without coffee pulp as a control.

“The results were dramatic”, said lead researcher Rebecca Cole from the University of Hawai’i in the US.

“The area treated with a thick layer of coffee pulp turned into a small forest in only two years while the control plot remained dominated by non-native pasture grasses,” Cole added.

After only two years, the coffee pulp treated area had 80 per cent canopy cover compared to 20 per cent in the control area. The canopy in the coffee pulp area was also four times taller than that of the control area.

The addition of the half metre thick layer of coffee pulp eliminated the invasive pasture grasses which dominated the land.

These grasses are often a barrier to forest succession and their removal allowed native and pioneer tree species, that arrived as seeds through wind and animal dispersal, to recolonise the area quickly.

The researchers also found that after two years, nutrients, including carbon, nitrogen and phosphorous, were significantly elevated in the coffee pulp treated area compared to the control.

For the study, the researchers analysed soil samples for nutrients immediately prior to the application of the coffee pulp and again two years later.

They also recorded the species present, the size of woody stems, percentage of forest ground cover and used drones to record canopy cover.

source: http://www.daijiworld.com / Daijiworld.com / Home> Health / by IANS / March 29th, 2021

Cauvery Gallery At Dasara Expo Grounds To Be A Must-Visit Tourist Destination

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Records, All

Tourism Minister impressed by visual river story narrated at the Gallery

Mysore/Mysuru:

The Cauvery Gallery being set up at Karnataka Exhibition Authority premises (Dasara Expo Grounds) in city will be open for visitors soon. “The Gallery showcases the life, culture and biodiversity along the River from its birth in Kodagu till it reaches the Bay of Bengal,” said Minister for Tourism, Ecology and Environment C.P. Yogeeshwar. 

He was visiting the Dasara Exhibition Grounds last evening to see the available options for promoting tourism in Mysuru. Impressed by the multimedia features and electronic display at the Gallery that provides visitors an immersive experience of life and culture along the Cauvery River, the Minister said that the Gallery will be a centre of attraction. 

Karnataka Knowledge Commission is setting up the Gallery along with the Department of Tourism. It would highlight the geological and ecological characteristics of Cauvery River apart from projecting the social and cultural characteristic features of civilisation that have evolved along the river bank.

Mysuru’s Cauvery Gallery will be the third in the country. There is a Gallery for River Brahmaputra in Guwahati and River Ganga has a Gallery in Allahabad. Cauvery Gallery is coming up at Kannada Karanji Building in an area of 15,000 square feet and works are almost complete. 

Here, artefacts and dolls will tell the story of the River from Talacauvery (birthplace in Kodagu) to Poompuhar (where Cauvery meets the sea in Tamil Nadu). Pictures, live visuals, models of the river flowing from one part to another criss-crossing the hills and plains will narrate the Cauvery story.

The Minister visited the main section of the Gallery that is a three-dimensional theatre where movies and documentaries on Cauvery will be screened. Yogeeshwar was told by the representatives of the Knowledge Commission that movies on conserving the river, increasing green cover around the river for sustenance, places and industries polluting the river will be shown to spread awareness.  

Along with the visual representation of various communities that have a close affinity with Cauvery like the Kodava community that find representation in the Gallery, prominent waterfalls like Shimsha, rugged terrain like Mekedatu and picturesque Hogennakal will find prominence, the Minister was told while explaining the progress of the works. 

Later speaking to reporters, Yogeeshwar said that the Cauvery Gallery would turn a must-visit tourist destination in the coming days and plans are on the anvil to develop the Karnataka Exhibition Grounds as an art centre with an allocation of Rs. 150 crore so that all-year-round programmes are held.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / March 13th, 2021

‘End Man-Animal Strife In Kodagu Through Policies’

Agriculture, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Green Initiatives / Environment, Leaders, Nature, Records, All

Former President of Coorg Wildlife Society writes to CM and suggests sustainable ways and means

Mysore/Mysuru:

In the wake of increasing man-animal conflict and tiger attacks in Kodagu where at least three human lives have been lost within a span of 15 to 20 days, former President of Coorg Wildlife Society Col. (Retd.) Cheppudira P. Muthanna has written to Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa drawing his attention towards how the people are being victimised by mindless destruction of wild habitats in the name of big projects and how wild animals are entering human areas in search of food. 

Keeping in mind the increasing human killing by wild animals including tigers and elephants, Muthanna has suggested the appointment of an Officer on Special Duty in the rank of Deputy Conservator of Forests exclusively for Kodagu. This officer must be based in Thithimathi with adequate staff and resources and he must be able to be a link between the Government and the people to solve pressing problems of the district, he stated. 

Sharp-shooters

Secondly, tigers that kill human beings must be hunted down at the earliest to prevent further deaths and the existing regulations should be modified accordingly. “Kodagu has a number of excellent shooters and ten such shooters should be identified and provided with sophisticated telescopic rifles and ammunition. Whenever there is a dangerous situation arising due to tigers or leopards outside the forest habitat, they should be given permission to assist the Forest Department,” Muthanna said and added that local shooters will be more familiar with the terrain and conditions and would be able to defuse a dangerous situation without loss of time and it would save human lives.

According to Muthanna, a major reason for the tiger menace is due to vast areas of the forests covered by invasive species like Lantana Camara and Senna Spectabilis. “Deer and other prey congregate in small patches of forests that are free from weeds and are fit for grazing. This leads to a number of tigers also congregating in the same restricted area and causes the tigers to fight one another. In most such cases one of the tigers will be wounded and forced out of the forest. Therefore sufficient funds are required for eradication of invasive species,” he has suggested. 

Some of the other measures suggested to the CM are, opening up of wildlife corridors from Nagarahole to Brahmagiri area in Kutta region of South Kodagu, establishing an Ecological Territorial Army Unit for Kodagu. “These units comprise mainly of able-bodied ex-servicemen who can join as volunteers and the unit can be utilised for forest land restoration, forest fire mitigation and eradication of invasive species,” he said. 

Destruction and fragmentation of forest habitat is a primary cause of human-animal conflict and there is a need for a policy decision to prevent further destruction of forests due to so-called development projects such as dams, highways, railways, powerlines etc., he added. 

Tourism has done tremendous damage to Kodagu. There should be no further investment in Kodagu for tourism. Tourism in Kodagu should be regulated and not promoted, he wrote. All the proposed project investments in Kodagu must be diverted to improve the economic condition of the people in the district through sustainable living and also to prevent human-animal conflict, he opined. 

“There is a need to protect Kodagu as the principal catchment of River Cauvery and the proposals for multi-lane National Highways, railway lines and airport for Kodagu must be scrapped as none of these projects will benefit Kodagu or its people in any way and will only serve to further destroy the environment and landscape of Kodagu,” he urged the CM. 

Tiger menace: Overnight protests continue

Overnight protests in parts of South Kodagu demanding the capture or shooting of elusive tiger still continues. The protests began five to six days back and residents of Bellur, Thavalageri, Shettigeri and Srimangala are participating in the dharna. They light campfires daily to keep themselves warm. Tents have been pitched by the side of the road for protection from rain. Protesters are upset as despite the Government shoot-at-sight orders and the intervention of MLAs K.G. Bopaiah and M.P. Appachu Ranjan and MLC Veena Achaiah, who came to Bellur recently, the Forest Department has failed to net the tiger. 

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / March 13th, 2021

HC Orders Tahsildar To Survey Madikeri Gaddige Land

About Kodagu / Coorg, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Historical Links / Pre-Independence, Leaders, Records, All

Bengaluru/ Madikeri:

The Karnataka High Court has directed Madikeri Tahsildar to conduct a survey of 19.86 acres of the area where Raja’s Tomb (Gaddige) is situated at Mahadevpet near Madikeri.

A Division Bench, headed by Chief Justice Abhay Shreeniwas Oka, was hearing the Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by J.S. Virupakshaiah, a former State Information Commissioner. It might be mentioned here that Virupakshaiah had even filed a PIL regarding the pathetic state of Madikeri Fort and had drawn the attention of the High Court contending that the Fort and Palace premises are heritage sites, dating back to more than three centuries and have been grossly neglected. 

In his PIL on Gaddige, Virupakshaiah alleged that there are several encroachments in the historical tomb area. Rajara Gaddige is one of the tourist attractions in Kodagu and tourists who visit Abbey falls will pass Rajara Gaddige en route to it. However, it is in deplorable condition owing to the negligence of the Government and encroachment of land by local residents and vested interests. 

Encroachments galore

Initially, the Gaddige had 19.86 acres of land. However, the land has been encroached. Some have even built houses on the encroached land. Even a Government building has come up on the Gaddige land. The Gaddige area has become land for immoral activities in the evening.

Hearing the petitioner, the High Court directed the Tahsildar to visit the Gaddige with a view to ascertain the present condition of the tomb. The Bench said the Tahsildar has to ascertain in the report whether there are any encroachments. The Bench has also directed the Tahsildar to prepare a sketch of the entire land and point out encroachments, if any. The Tahsildar has been directed to submit the survey report within six weeks.

Also, the High Court has directed the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and the Centre to file affidavits stating whether the Raja’s tomb is an ancient monument and is of national importance. It asked the State Government to consider whether powers, under Section 19 of the Karnataka Ancient and Historical Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act 1961, should be exercised for the declaration of the protected area.

Deep-rooted history

The Rajara Gaddige situated in a hilly region at Mahadevpet has been built in such a way that it can be seen from all the four directions. They have been built in Mohammedan style with tombs at the centre and turrets at the corners. Nandi figures are carved on top of the corners.

The entrance of the tombs has carvings too. Lord Shiva is placed and worshipped inside the tomb since the king was Hindu. There are three tombs built for the royal dynasty. The central tomb which is the largest among the three is of Kodava king Doddaveerarajendra and his wife Mahadeviamma. The right tomb is built by Chikkaveerarajendra for his father Lingarajendra in 1820. 

The left tomb belongs to Veerarajendra’s guru Rudrappa built in 1834. Closer to the tombs is the burial place of the two brave royal officials Biddanda Bopu — Bopu Dandanayaka — and his son Biddanda Somaiah who sacrificed their life fighting with Tipu Sultan. In fact, Doddaveerarajendra had erected a plaque in the memory his soldiers in 1779.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / March 29th, 2021

Delegation Seeks Super-Speciality Hospital At Madikeri

Business & Economy, Records, All, Science & Technology

Madikeri:

A delegation of Kodagu Institute of Medical Sciences Board Members recently met Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa and demanded the setting up of a super-speciality hospital in Madikeri.

Residents have been forced to travel more than a hundred kilometres, either to Mangaluru, Mysuru or Bengaluru, to avail benefits of advanced medicine, even in case of an emergency and most of the patients die before they reach their destination hospitals. 

The delegation told the CM that a super-speciality hospital would help provide emergency treatment with the latest facility for the accident victims. The delegation was led by Virajpet MLA K.G. Bopaiah and comprised Board Members of Kodagu Institute of Medical Sciences M.A. Niranjan, Dr. B.C. Naveen and Dr. Jayalakshmi Patkar. 

The delegation told the CM that whenever a major accident takes place in Kodagu, there are no facilities to provide emergency treatment and also accidents have increased over the years due to narrow roads. If a Trauma Centre is set up, it will help treat critically injured patients, the delegation told Yediyurappa. 

There are no cardiac treatment facilities and heart patients have to depend on visiting doctors from other districts like Mysuru and Mangaluru for treatment. 

Giving a patient ear, the CM told the delegation that he would discuss with officials and take measures to provide basic required facilities to Kodagu Institute of Medical Sciences.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / March 28th, 2021

Kodagu To Be Included In Heliport Project

Business & Economy, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Leaders, Records, All

Madikeri:

The Centre has identified six districts in Karnataka including Kodagu for Heliport project under Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik (Regional Connectivity Scheme), claimed Minister for Tourism C.P. Yogeeshwar. 

He was speaking at an event at a private resort in Madikeri yesterday that was organised by Kodagu District Hotel, Resorts and Restaurants Association, Home Stay Association, Tours and Travel Association. The Associations had invited the Minister to discuss about tourism prospects of Kodagu and this was Yogeeshwar’s first visit to Kodagu after assuming the charge of  Tourism Department.

Yogeeshwar told the gathering that establishment of Heliports as part of the Heli Tourism Circuit would be a reality soon as districts including Bengaluru, Mysuru, Hubballi, Mangaluru and Kodagu have been identified for the project and Kodagu will not be neglected at a time when grand plans are afoot to develop Karnataka Tourism in a big way. 

He stressed that while promoting tourism, it will be kept in mind that even environment has to be taken care of. “Our intention is sustainable tourism. The Tourism Department is formulating plans to introduce caravans at an estimated cost of Rs. 30 lakh and the project will come to Kodagu too and local hotels and resort can make the best use of the  same,” he said. 

In all, 10 heliports would come up across Karnataka and more and more tourists would come to Kodagu after the 10-lane work of the Mysuru-Bengaluru Economic Corridor is completed. “We intend to build tourist rest houses on Hunsur-Sampaje route with all the amenities for tourists,” he assured. Hotel and Resort Association  President Nagendra Prasad, Home Stay Association President B.G. Ananthashayana, Tours and Travel Association President Cheeyanda Sathya and others were present.  

source: http://www.starofmysore.com/ Star of Mysore / Home> News / March 29th, 2021

Kodagu residents shower their passion for hockey by organizing open tournament

Nri's / Pio's, Records, All, Sports, World Opinion

While the district annually hosted the record-breaking hockey tournament, the same has met with hurdles from the past three years.

The Coorg Challengers Chickpet Association members. (Photo | Express)

Madikeri :

The passion for hockey in Kodagu is unmatchable and the district has contributed largely to the Indian Hockey team.

Nevertheless, the passionate hockey lovers have alternate platforms to showcase their enthusiasm and one such pompous hockey tournament will soon be launched at FMKM Cariappa Hockey Arena in Bengaluru.

CCCA 5 A side open Hockey tournament will unfurl from April 2 to April 4 and will witness participation from 24 teams across South India.

What is notable about this tournament is that it is being hosted by hockey enthusiasts from Kodagu – who call themselves the Coorg Challengers Chickpet Association (CCCA).

Further, this tournament will enable a close competition among hockey veterans even as NRIs from Kodagu who recently moved back to India following the pandemic, have formed a new team to take part in the tournament.

“CCCA is a group of hockey-loving people. The group consists of nearly 40 individuals from 14 different Kodava families. And we are all natives of Chickpet in Virajpet who are now settled in Bengaluru,” explained Mukkatira Somaiah, one of the core members of CCCA.

He stated that CCCA was formed with a vision to promote hockey while also providing support to the needy.

“Through CCCA 5A hockey tournament, we raise funds from hockey lovers and philanthropists. The money from the tournament is then donated to Cheshire Home Bangalore in Bengaluru,” he said. The association also promotes sports learning among youngsters as it has supported many sports aspirants financially.

“The tournament is organized under the aegis of Hockey India and Hockey Karnataka and will witness participation from many professional hockey players. We have chosen 5A Hockey tournament as this is a skillful game and it involves unique stick work. The cash prizes to winners are also elaborate,” he added.

The tournament has grabbed the attention of hockey players from across the country even as a new team from Kodagu – Team Coorg Gulf will take part this year.

A group of residents who are natives of Kodagu and who were settled in Muscat and UAE continued their passion for hockey aboard with the founding of Team Coorg Muscat and Team Coorg UAE a few years ago.

“Mekerira Bellu Kuttappa, a hockey enthusiast who was working in Muscat founded Team Coorg Muscat. Similarly, natives of Kodagu working in UAE formed the Team Coorg UAE. We used to often take part in hockey tournaments in Oman. However, all of us have returned to India following the pandemic and the two teams have been reformed as Team Coorg Gulf,” explained Vikram Uthappa, one of the core members of the team.

While the pandemic situation had put most of the sports activities to rest, the Team Coorg Gulf members are excited to launch themselves in India with the CCCA 5A hockey tournament.

While 24 teams have registered for the tournament, three teams in total will take part from Kodagu. Further, veteran hockey players VR Raghurathan, Nikhin Thimmaiah, and Arjun Halappa among others will be part of the event.

Somaiah also confirmed that hockey player Dhanraj Pilay is likely to be present during the final game of the tournament, which is likely to witness an exhibition match between former Olympians and international hockey players.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Karnataka / by Prajna GR, Express News Service / March 28th, 2021