Today is a special day for the Coffee Board of India

Coffee News, Coffee, Kodagu (Coorg)

Monday is a special day: it marks the golden jubilee of the Coffee Board of India’s move to the building opposite Visveswaraya Towers on Vidhana Veedhi.

It was shifted on July 1, 1963 from Prithvi Buildings on Kempe Gowda Road. The board will hold the celebrations in October.

Autonomous body

The Coffee Board of India is an autonomous body set up under an Act of Parliament in 1942 and serving the coffee industry in the country. Its basic focus is on research, development, extension and quality upgrading in addition to consolidating market information and the domestic and external promotion of coffee.

In addition to encouraging consumption of the beverage in the country and abroad, the board also runs 12 India Coffee Houses, including the one on its premises and depots across the country.

According to A.N. Balaram, who was the secretary of the board when the new building was constructed, K. Srinivasan, who was chairperson of the board, was determined to make sure the board had a building to function from. He persuaded the then Chief Minister Kengal Hanumanthaiya to sanction land and succeeded in getting land from City Improvement Trust Board. Lal Bahadur Shastri, the then Union Minister for Commerce and Industries, laid the foundation stone for the building on February 21, 1959.

T.S. Narayana Rao was the chief architect of the building and Purushottam and Company executed the project. Approximately Rs. 35 lakh was spent on the construction. “Though the building was unofficially occupied on July 1, 1963, it was formally inaugurated by the then President S. Radhakrishnan on October 9, 1963,” he told The Hindu .

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> National> Karnataka / by Special Correspondent / Bangalore – July 01st, 2013

Harangi reservoir reaches brim, almost

Agriculture, Business & Economy, Green Initiatives / Environment, Nature, Records, All

HarangiKF03jul2013
The Harangi reservoir in the taluk is just two feet away from reaching its maximum level. On Monday, the level stood at 2,857.14 feet, against a maximum level of 2,859 feet.

A total of 400 cusecs of water is being released from the dam since morning. The inflow into the reservoir stood at 3,600 cusecs at 8.30 am. The present storage in the reservoir is 7.65 tmc feet against the total capacity of eight tmc feet.

The reservoir had reached its brim in August last year. But this time, the rainy season has begun a month early, facilitating good inflow into the dam. Engineers manning the dam said that the irrigation consultative committee would meet on July 15, after which water would be released to the canals for irrigation. Releasing water to the canals would irrigate 1.37 lakh acres of land.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> State / DHNS – Kushalnagar (Kodagu Dist.) / July 01st, 2013

Coffee Board ties up with NSEL for electronic spot market for coffee beans

Agriculture, Business & Economy, Coffee News, Coffee, Kodagu (Coorg)

CoffeeKF02jul2013
This is the first initiative taken by the Board to provide an opportunity for better price realisation

Coffee Board of India, an autonomous body under the ministry of commerce, has signed a memorandum of understanding with National Spot Exchange (NSEL) to launch a warehouse receipt based electronic spot market for coffee beans. This is the first of its kind initiative taken by the Board to provide an opportunity for better price realization and educate them about quality assessment.

Currently, over Rs 2,000 crore worth of coffee is traded in physical form at the farm gate level. Agents of exporters collect the beans at the estates and transport it for curing. Earlier, ABN AMRO and ITC had tried to provide online trading platforms for coffee, which did not work well, the coffee growers said.

As per the MoU, the NSEL will conduct online trading of coffee beans for both raw and cleaned coffee. It has tied up with coffee curing companies for curing of coffee post the online transaction. NSEL has set up two warehouses at Kushalnagar in Kodagu district and Chikmagalur in Chikmagalur district for storing coffee on behalf of the growers.

“The aim of this partnership is to ensure that small and medium coffee growers get an opportunity to sell their coffee online. We will provide them quality assessment and grading facilities at their farm gate with the help of Coffee Board. The growers are free to fix their own prices. There will be no fee to the growers for online trading. We will charge the buyers a small commission,” an official of NSEL said.

The partnership between Coffee Board and NSEL is also aimed at providing market linkages and relevant back-end infrastructure, education, training and technical advice to growers. The Coffee Board will carry a mobile laboratory to conduct the grading of coffee beans at the farm gate. The price will be discovered based on transparent electronic bidding. After the online trading is carried out, NSEL will deliver the beans at the doorstep of buyers or curing works through its transport network, he said.

The NSEL is also in the process of providing finance. Federal Bank, Standard Chartered and ICICI Bank among others have approached NSEL for providing finance on the warehouse receipts.

Ramesh Rajah, president, Coffee Exporters’ Association of India said, “It is an excellent idea. The seller will know how much price he will get for his coffee. However, there are many glitches involved in online trading.”

He said issues like Rule 7B, VAT and transaction costs would have to be sorted out properly. As the sale of cured coffee attracts taxation, the growers will not come forward to sell through online platform. The NSEL and Coffee Board will have to sort out these issues, he said.

NSEL has till now added 54 commodities on its online spot-trading platform.

source: http://www.business-standard.com / Business Standard / Home> Companies> News / by Mahesh Kulkarni / Bangalore – June 28th, 2013

River water rafting resumes at Dubare

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Sports, Uncategorized

Adventure enthusiasts enjoy rafting at Dubare | Anil H T
Adventure enthusiasts enjoy rafting at Dubare | Anil H T

Along with the popular elephant camp, the monsoon has brought in another treat for visitors of Dubare. With the heavy downpour, river rafting in the Cauvery resumed from June 15.

There are two river rafting routes – Dubare to Balugodu (7 km) and Dubare to Cauvery Nisargadhama (12 km), says Dubare Rafting Association secretary Nangaru Jagga. To avoid unhealthy competition and accidents, all the raft owners came together to form an association.

There are now nine owners with 29 rafts to run the operation. The association has also reserved 5 per cent of its income towards maintaining cleanliness, security and other facilities.

Helmet and safety jackets are provided to rafters who are accompanied by trained youths, he added.

Tourists from Mumbai, Bangalore and Chennai and the state who visit the elephant camp were thrilled about river rafting.

Shilpa and Madhav from Bangalore told Express that they would never forget the exhilarating experience of riding the waves. Another team of youngsters said the experience had tested their mental and physical strength.

For more details call Nagaru Jagga at 94491 69916.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Karnataka / by ENS – Madikeri / July 01st, 2013

South west monsoon active once again

About Kodagu / Coorg, Agriculture, Business & Economy, Nature

Mysore :

Sudden depression in bay of Bengal coupled with intensified south west monsoon has brought cheers on the farmers and water resource officials as the region failed to receive much rain last week. On Monday suddenly the skies opened up and rain started pouring .

Meanwhile, Kodagu district administration has declared holiday for the schools and colleges on Tuesday in the wake of heavy rain being witnessed by the region. Even Mysore district received rain on Monday.

Along with the farmers , the engineers of the water resource department who were worried about the dwindled inflow into the dams are a relived lot with the inflow into all the four dams in the Cauvery delta increasing considerably.

Especially the inflow into KRS dam which slumped down to less than 3500 cusecs after a week of inflow ranging between 10000 and 15000 . This is expected to increase by tomorrow morning following heavy rain in Kodagu district , the core area of the Cauvery catchment . An engineer of the water resource department said the inflow into KRS dam was 3223 cusecs on Monday evening against an outflow of 1195 with the dam’s level standing at 79.96 ft against the maximum height 124.80 ft.

However inflow is anticipated to rise considerably by tomorrow afternoon with the rain lashing the Cauvery catchment area , the engineer added.. According to director state meteorology department Puttanna though the Kodagu is yet to record heavy rainfall, district is expected to receive more rain in the coming days. “Today, the rain is more due to low pressure in bay of Bengal and from tomorrow onwards the monsoon rain will continue to occur” he added .

Last year average rainfall in Kodagu in June was 375.6 mm, but this year it has recorded 498.4 mm rainfall and this has raised hopes of region receiving good rain this year . Even inflow into Kabini dam increased suddenly on Monday evening with inflow reaching 11968 cusecs with the water crossing 2275.50 ft mark against the dam’s maximum height of 2284. A dam engineer told TOI that the inflow may increase and cross 16000 cusecs by Tuesday morning due to reports of Kerala’s Waynad district receiving heavy rain in the last 12 hours. Even the water level in the Harangi dam is slowly inching towards it’s maximum height of 2859 ft with the level on Monday evening standing at 2831 .45 ft . with an inflow of 1095 cusecs . ” Water level in Kabini dam may reach it’s maximum level in next four five days if the inflow continues to remain at 16000 cusecs” the engineer added.

source: http://www.articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Mysore / by MB Maramkal, TNN / June 24th, 2013

I rely on my ears and heart: Nikhil Chinappa

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg

Nikhil Chinappa does not like resting on his laurels. An accomplished DJ, VJ and an ambassador for electronic beats, he will now release his first compilation — Defected in the House India 2013, which specialises in house music. Emilie Fouquet gets the details…
Nikhil28jun2013

Tell us about ‘Defected in the House India 2013’.

It is a two-disc compilation. One disc, ‘Deep Mix’, is more suitable to relax and make you smile. While the other, ‘Main Room’, is far more energetic and ‘dance’able. I intend to share house music in all its forms with as many people as possible. Music moves me emotionally, triggers happy memories and makes me want to dance, smile and believe. I hope it will do the same for the audience.

Did you like the experience of doing a compilation?

Absolutely! With this compilation, I have tried to make a musical journey, and I hope people will like it. Of course, I would love to do many more compilations, but with other people. Submerge Music (his company) will bring a musical experience with techno, electro, drum and bass.

Are you going to perform in other countries too?

I would love to, but my heart is in India.

Your main sources of inspiration?

Making a compilation is a difficult process. I mainly rely on my ears and my heart.

Which song brings forth your best memories?

That’s Rise of Angel by Luciano. This song is very long — 16 minutes — and is so beautiful, it reminds me of a friend.

Which songs are you listening to currently?

You won’t believe me but I have no music on my earphones. There is so much music that comes on, that it is difficult to hang on to one with all this pressure.

Any other projects for the moment?

You know, I wear different hats. I’m the founder of Submerge and for the moment it is working on some alliances. I am also a member of the Association of Electronic Music. They believe India is a key market so they asked me to represent the country. It is aimed at promoting dance music globally, with a strong emphasis on education, and doing events in a responsible manner and so.

source: http://www.sakaaltimes.com / Sakal Times / Home> Youngistan> Detail News / Monday – June 24th, 2013

Rivers in spate in Kodagu, Chikmagalur districts

About Kodagu / Coorg, Business & Economy, Green Initiatives / Environment, Nature

DC declares holiday for schools, colleges today

The inflow of water into Harangi reservoir has increased following copious rainfall in various parts of the district on Tuesday.

KodaguKF27jun2013Madikeri, Napoklu, Sampaje, Bhagamandala, Virajpet, Srimangala, Shanthalli recorded more than 100 mm rainfall.

The house belonging to M C Changappa was partially damaged in Kunjila village. Another house in Bellur village was also damaged in the rainfall. Cauvery, Lakshmanatheertha, Hemavathi, Harangi, Barapole, Chiklihole rivers are in spate following incessant rainfall in the region.

With rain water flowing on road, the movement of vehicles on Napoklu-Moornadu road has been disrupted. Flood water has inundated road at Bhagamandala. If the region continues to receive rainfall, then road will be cut off from the rest of the world. A minor bridge in Balamuri is inundated in flood water. Water has entered paddy fields in Balamuri.

In the last 24 hours, the district received an average of 91.91 mm rainfall. This includes Madikeri—121 mm, Virajpet—90.15 mm and Somwarpet taluk—64.75 mm.
Rains received in hobli centres are as follows: Madikeri kasaba—100 mm, Napoklu—110.8 mm, Sampaje—132.2 mm, Bhagamandala—150 mm, Virajpet kasaba—127.4 mm, Hudikeri—38.1 mm, Kodlipete—40 mm, Kushalnagar—24.4 mm, and Suntikoppa—62.3 mm rainfall.

Chikmagalur

With heavy rains lashing Mudigere, rain water has entered into fields in Kesavalalu and Uggehalli. If the region continues to get rainfall, then houses will also be inundated.
Paddy saplings kept ready for transplantation in the fields have been inundated at Banakal, Baggasagodu, Horatti, Mugrahalli, Kithlegandi, Bettadamane and Gonibeedu.

Work in the coffee estates have been suspended following heavy rainfall. With rains lashing catchment areas, Bhadra and Somavathi rivers are in spate in Kalasa.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> District / Madikeri – DHNS / June 25th, 2013

Sethuraman estate gets US certification for robusta coffee

Agriculture, Business & Economy, Coffee News, Records, All, World Opinion

Bangalore :

Indian coffee estates are moving slowly to gain US’ roasters interest.

As a first step, the Sethuraman Estates located at Magundi in Chikmagalur after showcasing its produce at various speciality coffee events in the US has now become the first Indian coffee estate to get ‘R Grade’ certificate.

‘R Grade’ certificate are given for washed robusta coffees by the Coffee Quality Institute (CQI) which is an arm of Speciality Coffee Association of America (SCAA).

getting premium

The SCAA recently tested Sethuraman Estate’s robusta coffee submission at the CQI and found to have all the required quality parameters. This certificate facilitates the estate to sell and charge a high premium in the US .

The certificate and recognition allows Sethuraman Estates to sell its entire submission of 15 tonnes speciality robusta in the US market spread over a year by using the CQI and SCAA logo.

“The ‘single-origin estate-branded’ coffee of Sethuram Estates has so far fetched a premium of over 30 per cent over the domestic market prices. Currently the domestic washed robusta coffees is trading at Rs 145 a kg,” said Nishant R. Gurjer, Managing Partner, Sethuraman Estates.

entering US

“This certificate and recognition will allow us to enter the lucrative US café market as well,” he added.

The Sethuraman estate located at Chikmagalur began in operations in the 1950s. In the US market, the company is marketing estate-branded coffees – the Sitara Parchment Robusta and the Ne Plus Ultra of Robusta coffee brands.

The US, a traditionally arabica-consuming country, is slowly replacing it with robusta coffees and few companies have initiated moves to source from various countries for create blends.

shift to robusta

This has led to the Coffee Quality Institute, which used to certify only Arabica coffees, now has introduced separate certification for robusta coffees.

ratings

According to the institute’s finding of Sethuraman Estates, the following are the rating with baseline score of 7.14. Aroma 7.58 , flavour 7.42, aftertaste 7.42, acidity 7.83, mouth feel 7.42, balance 7.50, Uniformity 10, clean cup 10 Sweetness 7.42 cupper points 7.58.

Gurjer said, “We entered the US market in 2006 by exporting just two containers (36 tonnes) and so far have reached the level of 8 containers (144 tonnes) of speciality robusta coffees.”

source: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com / Business Line / Home / by Anil Urs anil.u@thehindu.co.in / Bangalore – June 21st, 2013

Mangalore University to open its second PG centre in Belapu

Education

Mangalore University has decided to open its second post-graduation study centre at Belapu in Udupi district, provided the government allots land for it. Its first post-graduation study centre is coming up at Chikkaluvaru in Kodagu district.

The syndicate, the highest decision making body of the university, at its meeting on Saturday, decided that the university could open its second post-graduation study centre on 25 acres of land at Belapu, sources in the university said.

The syndicate accepted the recommendations of a committee headed by K.K. Achary, former acting vice-chancellor of the university and chairperson of the Department of Statistics. The committee, constituted by Vice-Chancellor T.C. Shivashankara Murthy to identify the land for the centre and study other feasibility factors, had recommended that the centre could come up at Belapu instead of on 15 acres in Kolalagiri in the same district, sources said.

They said that after inspecting both the places, the committee had concluded that instead of the hilly Kolalagiri, the relatively plain Belapu area was a more suited for the centre.

Sources said that immediately after the syndicate’s approval, the university sent an e-mail to the Deputy Commissioner of Udupi conveying the decision of the syndicate and seeking the allotment of land.

MU to offer PG in more subjects

Mangalore University will offer post-graduation courses in chemistry, economics, and commerce at its post-graduation study centre at Chikkaluvarau in Kodagu district from 2014-15, said Vice-Chancellor T. C. Shivashankara Murthy.

Initially, the university wanted to open a post-graduation course in environmental sciences at Chikkaluvaru centre. But considering that it would not have much takers and scope, the university has decided to offer a course in chemistry as there are more takers for the subject and its post-graduates have wide scope for employment.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Mangalore / by The Hindu Special Correspondent / Mangalore – June 24th, 2013

Sumptuous Kodagu fare

Arts, Culture & Entertainment

Dakshin at Welcom Hotel Sheraton New Delhi is hosting an interesting Coorg food promotion

Being a food enthusiast, I am always on the look out for something special and innovative. Though from my experience, I would say small towns and nondescript areas can any day throw up a surprise in terms of a great dish. That way, much of our regional food is yet to be explored. Say in Mughlai food, I would rather go for Rampuri and Bhopali delicacies instead of the more well known Lucknowi fare.

Hoping to exploring something similar but in South Indian cuisine, I recently went to Welcom Hotel Sheraton New Delhi in Saket. It was to taste food at its ongoing Coorg food promotion at the South Indian specialty restaurant Dakshin.

Coorg, also known as Kodagu, is the smallest district of Karnataka. People of Kodagu are considered descendants of Alexander The Great and are mainly non-vegetarians, highly influenced by the region’s geography and culture. Chef Vel Murugan, who extensively travelled through the Coorg region to get authentic delicacies, said, “Coorgs are very cautious about handing over their recipes, they often keep them a secret.”

Well, the curiosity created by the Chef tempted me all the more to go for it. As usual, whenever I dine at Dakshin, I start with a glass of sweet coconut water instead of any colourful mocktail. I did ditto. Before the starters were served, I munched on to the papads which are served to me with some five variants of chutneys. And I tell you, each variant was worth a try.

Without any further delay, my prawns rave fry arrived. Very lightly battered fried, the prawns were not crispy but perfectly crunchy due to a thin layer of semolina. Lacked a bit on seasoning but the chutneys balanced it. Though not a great fan of vegetarian food, I tasted koomu barthad, a spicy stir fried mushroom dish tossed with onion and bell peppers.

Next came the main course. I was served two delicious delicacies, one made of chicken and the other lamb based. Koli mangyepajji was light and smooth having boneless chicken cooked in green chilli and raw mango with drumsticks. But it was yerachye, a mutton delicacy, which was too good. Made with dry pepper, the mutton was tender and flavourful. I ate both the dishes with paaputtu, a bread made with rice and coconut. Paaputtu was spongy and tasty.

To end on a sweeter note, the Chef offered me mangai rasayana, a mango puree and milk dessert but, as always I went for the almond halwa without which my meal at Dakshin would never be complete.

When – June 21 to 30

Meal for two – Rs. 3500 plus taxes

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Features> MetroPlus> Food / by Osama Jalati / New Delhi – June 21sgt, 2013