Bringing back the old charm of Kodagu oranges

Agriculture, Records, All

Horticulture Department has produced over 54,000 saplings for distribution among growers this year.

Kodagu is known for its oranges besides coffee and spices. But, the last two years of devastation triggered by floods and landslides affected the crop, causing losses to growers. Over the years, the crop area has not expanded much with issues over falling prices and pest attacks.

In a bid to expand the crop which is primarily cultivated amidst coffee plantations, the Department of Horticulture has produced over 54,000 orange saplings for distribution among the growers for planting them in their plantations this year. These saplings had been produced at State-run horticulture farms across Kodagu.

“We have set a target of increasing the crop size by at least 10 per cent a year. The department has eight farms where the saplings of Kodagu oranges were carefully produced to expand its area of cultivation. Kodagu’s climatic condition is unique and the oranges grown here come with a lot of pulp and also taste good,” said Shashidhar, Deputy Director of Horticulture, Madikeri.

The area of cultivation has come down over the years to less than 5,000 hectares and the yield has also been falling because of climate change. Subsidy is offered to growers to boost cultivation of the fruit, also called Coorg Mandarin

Appanna, a progressive farmer from Gonikoppal, has over 100 orange trees and was harvesting over two to three tonnes a year. “I suffered loss because of excessive rains. I used to harvest 30-40 kg from each tree but the yield fell to less than 10 kg and the fruit quality had also dropped,” he explained.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> States> Karnataka / by Shankar Bennur / Mysurue – July 30th, 2020

Tiger headcount in Karnataka highest in Bandipur, Nagarahole

Agriculture, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Green Initiatives / Environment, Records, All
Other forests and sanctuaries where tiger presence has been found in significant numbers include MM Hills Wildlife Sanctuary and Madikeri Wildlife Division.
Other forests and sanctuaries where tiger presence has been found in significant numbers include MM Hills Wildlife Sanctuary and Madikeri Wildlife Division.

In terms of density, Nagarahole has 11.82 big cats per 100 sq.km and Bandipur has 7.7

Bandipur and Nagarahole lead in tiger numbers in the State followed by BRT Tiger Sanctuary, Bhadra and Kali tiger reserves, as per the ‘Status of Tigers, Co-predators, and Prey in India’ released on Tuesday.

In terms of density, Nagarahole has 11.82 tigers per 100 sq.km, while Bandipur has 7.7 tigers per 100 sq.km. BRT has 4.96 tigers per 100 sq.km and Bhadra has a relatively low tiger density pegged at 2.86 in the same area.

Other forests and sanctuaries where tiger presence has been found in significant numbers include M.M. Hills Wildlife Sanctuary, Madikeri Wildlife Division, Madikeri Territorial Division, Virajpet Territorial Division, Koppa Wildlife Division, and Haliyal Forest Division which is part of Joida taluk of Uttara Karnataka district, among others.

Based on the camera trap images, 127 individual tigers were identified in Nagarahole followed by 126 tigers in Bandipur, 52 in BRT, 30 in Bhadra, and four in Kali (Anshi-Dandeli) tiger reserve. Officials in the Forest Department, however, said these refer to the minimum numbers only as a sizeable number of tigers from the adjoining habitats utilise the reserve too.

Based on the 2018 tiger enumeration exercise, the summary of which was released last year, the new report released by Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Prakash Javadekar in New Delhi ahead of the International Tiger Day to be observed on Wednesday, also evaluates vulnerable areas that require conservation attention.

While the summary of the Status of Tigers in India-2018 released last July pegged the number of tigers in Karnataka at 524 (with a minimum of 474 and maximum of 573), the new report analyses the status of habitat corridors connecting major tiger populations apart from providing information about the prey base and their density.

The density of prey animals including chital, sambar gaur, wild boar, and barking deer were also analysed and were found to be high enough to sustain the predator population in good numbers. The chital density was pegged at 51 per sq.km in Bandipur where 36 other species of ungulates, carnivores, omnivores, and even domestic animals were photo captured. Pangolin was the rarest species photo captured, followed by leopard cat, as per the report.

Giridhar Kulkarni, wildlife activist, said the increase in tiger numbers both within and outside the reserves augurs well for conservation. But such habitats and corridors are under serious threat due to linear projects like railways, highways, transmission lines etc. and called for notifying potential wildlife habitats as sanctuaries or national parks in Shivamogga, Uttara Kannada, Belagavi, and other districts.

A case in point is the analysis pertaining to the Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary, where the report airs apprehension of the proposed Mekedatu dam and calls for critical re-examination as the project threatens to inundate a sizeable portion of the sanctuary.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> States> Karnataka / by R Krishna Kumar, Mysuru / July 28th, 2020

Retain Architectural Design During Renovation Of Madikeri Fort: MLA

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

MadikeriFortKF29jul2020

Madikeri:

With the State Cabinet on Thursday sanctioning Rs. 8 crore for the renovation of the historical Madikeri Fort, the works on which has been taken up by the Archaeology Department, Madikeri MLA Appachu Ranjan has batted for retention of old architecture and heritage characterisitics of the structure, while also giving a modern touch to it.

Speaking to presspersons after inspecting the ongoing renovation works of the Fort located in the heart of Madikeri City, Appachu Ranjan, who is also a former Minister, said that as an MLA earlier too, he had raised the Fort renovation and development issue a number of times in the Assembly..

Pointing out that the renovation works has been taken up following a High Court order, he said that now the State Government has sanctioned Rs. 8 crore for the works and it is satisfactory to note that the works have been taken up at last.

MadikeriFort02KF29jul2020

Asserting that Madikeri Fort and the associated Palace is symbolic of Kodava tribe, he said that it was important to develop the Fort as a Museum, while retaining the original architectural characteristics of the structure.Underlining the need for installation of Sound and Light system in the Fort premises once the renovation works are completed, he said that the richness and uniqueness of Kodava culture, customs and traditions must be portrayed through this system, just as being done in the case of freedom fighters such as Veer Savarkar and Bhagat Singh at Andaman Jail.

Earlier, Appachu Ranjan received inputs on the progress of works from the Department Engineer, who said that 5mm metal sheet has been cemented to the roof of the Fort. Expressing displeasure at the quality of the sheet, he asked the authorities to ensure quality of tiles, wood and other construction materials being used for renovation.

Earlier, Appachu Ranjan received inputs on the progress of works from the Department Engineer, who said that 5mm metal sheet has been cemented to the roof of the Fort. Expressing displeasure at the quality of the sheet, he asked the authorities to ensure quality of tiles, wood and other construction materials being used for renovation.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / July 28th, 2020

‘Kargil Vijay Diwas A Symbol Of India’s Pride And Valour’

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

Air Marshal Nanda Cariappa pays rich tributes to martyred soldiers

KargilDivas01KF27jul2020

Madikeri:

“Kargil Vijay Diwas is a symbol of India’s pride and valour. I bow to the soldiers who, with their indomitable courage, drove the enemy from the inaccessible hills of Kargil and waved the Tricolour there again. The country is proud of the heroes of India, who are dedicated to protecting the motherland. We remember the courage and determination of our Armed Forces, who protected our nation in 1999 and continued protecting us and their sacrifices will continue to inspire generations,” said Air Marshal Kodandera Nanda Cariappa.

He was speaking at Sunny Side War Memorial — the house of General K.S. Thimmayya — at Madikeri yesterday on the occasion of Kargil Vijay Diwas. The event was organised amidst COVID pandemic by Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa and General Thimmayya Forum. “It is a special and a sacred milestone in the history of Indian Armed Forces,” he said after laying a wreath at Amar Jawan Memorial at Sunny Side.

Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa and General Thimmayya Forum President Col. (retd.) Kandrathanda Subbaiah, Lieutenant Colonel (retd.) Chengappa, Major (retd.) Biddanda Nanda Nanjappa and others paid rich tributes. Ajjinanda Thamoo Poovaiah of Kodagu Ekikarana Ranga, Kokkalera Cariappa, entrepreneur Arun, Sukumar of Hindu Vedike and others were present.

Kodagu Sainik School Principal Col. G. Kannan paying homage to war heroes at the War Memorial.
Kodagu Sainik School Principal Col. G. Kannan paying homage to war heroes at the War Memorial.

Sainik School pays tribute

The supreme sacrifice by the brave Indian soldiers was remembered by the Kodagu Sainik School fraternity by paying homage to war heroes at the War Memorial. Principal Col. G Kannan laid the wreath. Lt. Col Seema Tripathi, Vice-Principal and Sqn. Ldr. R.K. Dey, Administrative Officer also remembered the sacrifices.

Associate NCC Officers of the School also paid floral tributes at the Memorial. The Principal addressed the cadets and shared a video to the cadets about the event and told them that the School, under Ministry of Defence and with the support from Government of Karnataka, is committed to prepare them to be future leaders not only in defence forces but in all walks of life.

KargilDivas03KF27jul2020

Owing to the COVID pandemic, the programme and competitions were held online. Cdt. Amogh and his team of other cadets performed a role play titled “Yeh Dil Mange More!” a tribute to Capt. Vikram Batra, Param Vir Chakra awardee, through video conference. Online quiz, poster-making contests were held and e-certificates were also awarded to the winning cadets.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / July 27th, 2020

DC Annies Kanmani Joy reviews facilities at Covid Care Centres

Records, All, Science & Technology

Deputy Commissioner Annies Kanmani Joy has directed the officials to provide necessary treatment and other facilities to the patients at the Covid Care Centres in Morarji Desai Residential School and Ekalavya Residential School in Arji, Virajpet.

Visiting the Covid Care Centres on Thursday, she directed the officials concerned to repair the rooms at the Ekalavya Residential School and provide clean drinking water to the patients.

Virajpet Tahsildar M M Nandish said five Covid-19 infected were admitted to the Morarji Desai CCC eight days ago and all of them have been discharged after recovery.

“Four other Covid-19 positive persons from South Kodagu were admitted to the Covid Care Centre at the Morarji Desai Residential School on Thursday. At the Morarji Desai Residential School, 80 people can be accommodated and there is space for 40 people at the Ekalavya school. Both the centres are equipped with all necessary facilities, including doctors”, Nandish said.

ITDP Officer Shivakumar, district Health Officer and taluk level officers were present.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> State> Karnataka Districts / by DHNS, Virajpet(Kodagu) / July 24th, 2020

Old Kodava weddings stage a comeback

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Historical Links / Pre-Independence, Records, All
A kodava bride and groom being wished by relatives during muhurtha.
A kodava bride and groom being wished by relatives during muhurtha.

Weddings are perhaps the grandest celebrations in any community. This is especially true of the Kodava wedding which is strikingly unique in the fact that the weddings are not solemnised by priests but by family elders.

While the modern-day weddings are typically held in convention halls, the current restrictions due to Covid-19 have led to people reverting to simpler ceremonies, offering a glimpse of how Kodava weddings, called mangala, took place a few generations ago.

In the earlier days, the wedding would be conducted at ainmanes – the ancestral homes of the groom and the bride – and was purely a family affair. Unlike common perception, there is more to Kodava weddings than just merriment, and each ritual is invested with a deeper meaning.

The wedding ceremonies are held for two-days. On the day before the wedding, Karik Muripa, Punda Pani and Oor Kooduvo ceremonies are held separately at the groom’s and the bride’s homes. It is interesting to note that, Karik Muripa means cutting vegetables for curry; Punda Pani means erecting bamboo stumps as pandal and Oor Kooduvo means gathering of villagers.

On this day, all the villagers and family members of the groom and the bride gather at their respective homes and make all the arrangements for the wedding to be followed the next day.

The bride and the groom offer prayers to the gods and the ancestors before the nellakki bolcha (sacred lamp) at their ainmanes and seek blessings from their parents and all the elders assembled there. The groom’s mother then puts a pavala (coral) mala around his neck, and similarly the bride’s mother ties a pathaak (necklace) around her neck, to solemnise the wedding.

While people pitch in to help during the day, the evenings are reserved for festivities. There’s good food, liquor, music and dance.

On the day of the wedding, the groom dressed in traditional white Kupya Chele goes to the bride’s home, along with other family members, where the Baale Kethuva ceremony is held. In this ceremony, maternal uncles of the groom and the bride cut a row of nine or more banana stumps (in multiples of three) symbolising the obstacles that had to be conquered and the ultimate victory of the groom over other suitors.

The groom is then led inside the bride’s home by the bojakara (the best man), and the bride draped in Kodava sari is accompanied by the bojakarthi (bridesmaid). They offer prayers, are blessed by the elders and exchange garlands during the muhurtha.

The bride is granted all the rights at the groom’s home by the elders. The groom also gives her a bag containing gold, silver and copper coins to symbolise the sharing of his wealth with her.

A bride fetches a pot of water from a well during the 'neer edpo' ceremony.
A bride fetches a pot of water from a well during the ‘neer edpo’ ceremony.

The bride then embarks on a journey to her new home with the groom and his relatives. There, as part of the Ganga Pooja or Neer Edpo ceremony, which literally means fetching water, she has to draw water from the well. As a symbol of becoming a part of her husband’s family and taking up the household work, she carries two pots of water from the well to the kitchen. However, the path is blocked by members of the groom’s family, to imply that as a married woman she may have to face hardships. Meanwhile, the youths dance to volaga (traditional music) in merriment.

After her way is cleared, she enters the house and places the pots near the sacred lamp. She is now formally the lady of the house.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> Spectrum> Spectrum Statescan / by Dhanyata M Poovaiah / July 25th, 2020

Staying afloat

Business & Economy, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg

Undeterred by the absence of much fanfare or grand fashion shows, designer Aviva Bidapa launches her second swimwear collection.

Model in Aviva Swimwear
Model in Aviva Swimwear

Bengaluru :

A grand launch was what Aviva Bidapa had planned for the launch of the second collection of her swimwear line.

But her plans took a completely different turn due to the Coronavirus outbreak. But taking things in her stride, the fashion designer is now promoting her new collection digitally, even getting a shoutout from actor Anushka Sharma on Instagram.

“Anushka has always been a gem of a person. I had just sent her a box containing some of my work as a gift. But she posted it on social media, and that meant so much to me. She didn’t have to do that but it was a sweet gesture from her side,” says Bidapa, the daughter of popular fashion consultant Prasad Bidapa.
Talking about her new collection, which was supposed to come out in March-end, she says it has been designed keeping every body type in mind. “If someone picks a swimwear that means they want to wear something easy and have a good time.

I wanted to come up with something that fulfilled those two primary requirements. That’s why some of my pieces have full sleeves or some of them are one-piece suits to keep the tummy area covered,” says Bidapa, whose swimwear line is called Aviva Swimwear. Having been exposed to the fashion industry at an early stage, Bidapa has worked with models with ‘perfect’ bodies, but she has no qualms in admitting that she too grew up with body image issues.

“While growing up, I was always a chubby kid and struggled with my body. I used to dread going to poolside parties. Now, I don’t want to be the one who tells people if their body is suitable for swimwear or not,” she says, adding that the best part of her collection is that people are free to pick the top and bottom of different sizes according to their body.

The venture was started by her father, but Bidapa says she took to it like fish to water, doing her own research and working with various designers to understand the basics of designing swimwear. “My father clearly told me that for this venture I am on my own. So I did my research by working with designers like Ajai Vir Singh, who runs his swimwear label called Pigeon Island in Sri Lanka and has been one of the main persons behind Colombo Fashion Week,” say Bidapa, who also wanted to bridge the gap between street-style brands and designer collections through he collection.

“I wanted the collection to have a designer feel and an affordable price,” she says, adding that the collection priced starting at Rs 1,000. Though the Covid-19 outbreak has become a spoiler for the launch, she is sure that people would not mind shopping now since “they are classic pieces which are a must-have in the wardrobe”. Bidapa was gearing up to launch her next collection in December this year, but due to the pandemic, she now hopes that it will be out in March 2021.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Cities> Bengaluru / by Monika Monalia / Express News Service / July 13th, 2020

Water, soil from Kodagu sent to Ayodhya

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Green Initiatives / Environment, Records, All
Water and soil collected from Talacauvery. DH Photos
Water and soil collected from Talacauvery. DH Photos

Soil from Kodagu and water from River Cauvery were sent to Ayodhya, on Thursday.

The soil and water from the district will be used while performing ground breaking for Sri Ram Mandir on August 5.

Workers of Bajrang Dal, Vishwa Hindu Parishat and Hindu Jagarana Vedike collected the soil and water from River Cauvery at Talacauvery Kshetra.

Meanwhile, special pooja was offered at Talacauvery, praying for the timely completion of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya.

Talacauvery Kshetra Chief Priest Narayana Acharya said that justice had been made in Ayodhya issue, which had efforts of many people behind the same.

Speaking on the occasion, MLC Sunil Subramani said that the dream of constructing the Ram Mandir was getting realised. He recalled that he had visited Ayodhya in 1992.

Leader Chakkera Manu said that the long cherished dream of Ram Mandir in Ayodhya was being fulfilled.

Vishwa Hindu Parishat leader Chi Na Somesh, Bajrang Dal District Convener Chethan, VHP Madikeri taluk President Suresh Muttappa and VHP district Secretary Pudiyokkada Ramesh were present.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> State> Karnataka Districts / by DHNS, Madikeri / July 24th, 2020

Kodagu’s progressive farmer honoured with national award

Agriculture, Business & Economy, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Green Initiatives / Environment, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Nature, Records, All

Smart farming

Somengada Ganesh Thimmaiah.
Somengada Ganesh Thimmaiah.

Even though coffee and pepper are the prominent commercial crops in Kodagu, several farmers have been growing both agricultural and horticultural crops in integrated farming method, thereby, contributing to food security.

Somengada Ganesh Thimmaiah from Nallur village of Ponnampet in Virajpet is one such agriculturist who has scripted success through his innovative methods in farming.

Somengada Ganesh Thimmaiah was felicitated by Virajpet MLA K G Bopaiah. DH Photos
Somengada Ganesh Thimmaiah was felicitated by Virajpet MLA K G Bopaiah. DH Photos

He is the winner of the National-level Babu Jagjivan Ram Krishi Samman award this year. Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), New Delhi, conferred the prestigious award on Thimmaiah during a function held recently on the occasion of its 92nd Foundation Day.

Thimmaiah has been following the integrated method in agriculture where he grows areca, coffee and paddy as main crops and a variety of vegetables and fruits and sub-crops.

Along with agriculture, he is also into apiculture, poultry and pisciculture, which gives him additional income. Thimmaiah has also been growing the ‘Beth’ plants required for honey bees.

He has successfully experimented with more than 60 paddy varieties and has implemented a mechanised system in agriculture and his paddy field is tech-savvy.

The annual produce of paddy on his farm is 350 to 400 quintal while that of coffee is about 200 bags. He said that pepper also is one of his main sources of income. He has also been cultivating butter fruit, sapota, mango, jackfruit, orange, egg fruit and rambutan as well.

A lot of youth have been visiting Thimmaiah’s farm and seeking his guidance in farming to which he says youth showing interest in agriculture and horticulture is a good sign.

Virajpet MLA K G Bopaiah visited Thimmaiah’s farm and felicitated him for winning the much-coveted award.

Forestry College, Ponnampet, too, honoured Thimmaiah. College Dean Dr Cheppudira G Kushalappa, Extension Unit Head Dr R N Kenchareddy, Agricultural Officer Teetamada Meera were present on the occasion.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> State> Karnataka Districts / by Aditya K A, DHNS, Madikeri / July 22nd, 2020

Doctors, nurses made me feel at home: 11-year-old Covid-19 survivor

Inspiration / Positive News and Features
Mehera Banu. Credit: DH
Mehera Banu. Credit: DH

If a person takes good care of oneself and stays cheerful, there is no need to be scared of novel coronavirus, said 11-year-old Mehera Banu, who recovered from Covid-19 and returned home.

Mehera is a resident of Apparanda Layout in Suntikoppa.

She recalled that after being affected by high fever, her parents took her to the government hospital, where her throat swab sample was collected for testing. Eventually, the family was home quarantined.

“During the quarantine, personnel from the health and police departments and the gram panchayat authorities came to my house and instilled confidence among my family members,” she said.

Mehera was tested positive for Covid-19 on July 12, following which she was admitted to the designated Covid-19 hospital in Madikeri.

“The doctors and nurses in the hospital made me feel at home. They took care of me like their own daughter. I was given hot water to drink and food to eat, on time. I was not afraid or worried, even though my family members were away from me”.

Mehera meanwhile said she has been taking medicines and rest as per the advice of the doctors. “I am healthy now. Nobody should be afraid of Coronavirus. However, one has to be aware and take care of their health”, she said.

Warm welcome

Residents of Apparanda Layout in Suntikoppa welcomed Mehera Banu, when she returned home after getting recovered from the Covid-19.

After a successful treatment, she was discharged from the hospital. Her neighbors offered her a hearty welcome by clapping and showering flowers on her as she arrived. She was presented with a flower bouquet.

Mehera said she was touched by the welcome she received from her neighbors. They also treated my family members well, she added.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> State / by DHNS, Suntikoppa / July 21st, 2020