Category Archives: Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg

What Makes an Officers’ Mess ‘Real’?

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Defence Services (Air,Land,Sea),Police (wef. Dec 09th, 2021), Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Leaders, , , , , , ,

Napoleon Crossing the Alps by Jacques-Louis David is among some famous paintings that are commonly seen in Army Messes

The portraits, paintings and caricatures commonly seen in the messes across arms

“His eyes were brown, dark brown.”

That was a detail missing from the image I had received on my phone; it was a pencil drawing.

“His moustache would cover the upper lip,” said the next message. “Couldn’t see the shape. So, only the eyes are left.”

I looked at the picture again. A handsome man in his military uniform, two stars and an Ashoka emblem on each shoulder, surrounded by a buff passe-partout, sporting a mustachio markedly niftier than my memory of it. His name tag read: C T Somaiah.

Colonel C T Somaiah

I was on WhatsApp with his wife, Indra, discussing his portrait for this article. She is a naturally indulgent person and, at seventy-four, has perfected the art of generosity. Notwithstanding the questionable shape of the facial hair, she said she liked the sketch. “It brings out the essence, somehow.”

The sketch was a memento, presented to the late Colonel Somaiah by one of the two Air Defence regiments he commanded. It was a replica of his likeness that hangs in its Rogues’ Gallery.

Rogues’ Gallery. The term carries not-so-reputable connotations. Traditionally, it stood for a collection of mugshots of criminals, used by the police to identify suspects. The name is also familiar to DC fans: a group of supervillains that Batman has had to face over the years.

But the Rogues’ Gallery I am writing about features heroes.

In a military setting, it is meant to highlight the Commanding Officers, a.k.a. Tigers, of a unit. A set of portraits, typically photographs, is displayed in the office of the incumbent CO. Another set of pictures may be found in the Officers’ Mess.

The very nature of a Rogues’ Gallery evokes esprit de corps. The greatest binding force in the Army is unit cohesion, and the two institutions by which we can gauge discipline and standard are the Quarter Guard and the Officers’ Mess. The Quarter Guard is where the guidon — a flag or symbol used to represent the unit — is housed, and is the most important establishment in the unit lines. For the purpose of this article, we will focus on the Mess.

Wedded to the Olive Green — a book considered to be the vade mecum for Army wives in India — has this to say: “As an institution, it has a great influence on an officer’s life… The customs and etiquettes, which are observed, are essential for fostering pride in the Service.”

The Mess, however, is one of the most misrepresented elements of Army life in popular culture, especially cinema. The glamour — the uniforms, the legends, the mythology — proves too much to resist, and filmmakers end up depicting a fantasy world with ballroom dances and designer gowns.

Some of the films guilty of such distortion are Hum (1991), Sainik (1993), Pukar (2000), Ab Tumhare Hawale Watan Saathiyo (2004)…the list is long. Even sensible directors like Vishal Bhardwaj and Mani Ratnam couldn’t help going over the top in 7 Khoon Maaf (2011)  and Kaatru Veliyidai (2017), respectively. Films that fare much better on the authenticity scale are Prahaar (1991) and Lakshya (2004); we could add Govind Nihalani’s Vijeta (1982) to this list, but it is an Air Force film, not an Army one.

Caricatures

So, what makes an Officer’s Mess “real”?

“The Mess should be martial,” said Kuki Bawa, one of the most pukka Army ladies I know. “It must have a lot of wood, brass, and, of course, silver. Maybe some leather as well.” Jutimala Thakur, another accomplished memsahib, added vintage paintings to the list.

Some famous paintings that are commonly seen in Messes across arms are Napoleon Crossing the Alps by Jacques-Louis David, Collision of Moorish Horsemen by Eugène Delacroix, and The Combat of the Giaour and Hassan, also by Eugène Delacroix.

Then there are paintings that are specific to a battalion or regiment. “No Bengal Sappers Mess is complete without The Storming of Ghuznee Fort,” said Shabana Chowdhury Ali. As a First Lady, she has a significant role to play in matters of Mess décor. “Sensibilities are changing,” she explained. “A lot of the artwork in our Mess comes from travels of officers and veterans.”

Collision of Moorish Horsemen by Eugène Delacroix

The Combat of the Giaour and Hassan by Eugène Delacroix

Most such paintings are reproduced at Mhow, Meerut, and Kolhapur, according to artist and fauji wife Monika Tomar Saroch.

Monika was commissioned by her husband’s unit to make thirteen portraits for its Golden Jubilee of Raising. She was given oil portraits as a reference, and she replicated them in pen-and-ink. It took her about a week to complete each picture.

“What do you keep in mind while making these portraits?”

“For me, the character has to come out,” she replied. “How he was as a CO.”

Illustrator Maryam Hasan Ahmad said she looks for the most defining feature of a person. “Also, I have to be very particular about the uniform. I cannot go wrong with hard-earned medals.”

Maryam was a new bride when she saw a Rogues’ Gallery for the first time eighteen years ago. “It was a dream of mine to make my husband’s pencil sketch when and if he took over command. And my dream did come true, Alhamdolillah!”

Maryam has since made portraits for many regiments, also experimenting with canvas prints.

The bar in an Officers’ Mess is where one can see more such inventiveness. At one Mess, I saw caricatures, complete with playful captions: The Connoisseur, The Meditator, Scholar Warrior, Top Gun… The Commanding Officer wanted something quirky for that space.

A former CO — who wants to be identified simply as “a senior veteran who had the privilege of leading his regiment” — said that whatever the occasion or constraints, a Mess should be grand enough to make a visitor’s jaw drop. “But a Mess is not a five-star hotel. And it certainly isn’t a boudoir with floral curtains and valances.” He reiterated that the Mess is one of the bedrocks of a unit, and its folklore and traditions must be carefully documented.

Portraits made by illustrator Maryam Hasan Ahmad 

During his tenure as a CO, he had enlisted the skills of a gifted soldier to sketch a picture of his predecessor. He had also commissioned two portraits in oils to commemorate the achievements of unit officers.

One of those paintings features a much-admired officer who was awarded the Sena Medal as a young Major. I wrote to his son, a high school student with a strong sense of history, to ask him how he feels when he sees that portrait.

“I am really glad that the unit duly honours its gallantry awardees,” replied Raunaq Singh Bawa. “It is also very heartening to see his portrait alongside the other Tigers of the unit. I feel really proud.”

As I scrolled on my phone to download Colonel Somaiah’s image, I wondered if his wife felt the same way. Mrs. Somaiah called before I could tap on Save.

“You know, Sahana?” she revealed, “This is the only picture of his that I have kept on display. Sometimes, when I am alone, I like to just stand there and gaze at him. I see only his eyes. They talk to me.”

source: http://www.thepunchmagazine.com / The Punch Magazine / Home> Non Fiction – Essay / by Sahana Ahmed / September 30th, 2020

Sainik School salutes the ‘Pioneers’

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Fifty years after its inception, the cadets, staff and employees of Sainik School Kazhakoottam met for a reunion.

Sainik School principal Group Captain B Janardanan with Kannu Somaiah and former master N Balakrishnan Nair

Thiruvananthapuram :

Back then, the ‘65 and ‘71 wars had not yet happened, ‘Sholay’ was not even in the making and Raj Kapoor was still big-time. And in that once-upon-a-time era, a bunch of youngsters walked in to the newly-opened Sainik School at the Pangode barracks. That was then. Friday was now. But 50 years vanished in the blink of an eye at the Sainik School, Kazhakkoottam, on Friday afternoon as cadets, staff and general employees who were part of the school in 1962 met again after a gap of decades for a felicitation of the pioneers organised by the school as part of the golden jubilee celebrations.

“The school was first set up at Pangode, and by the end of 1963, it shifted to Kazhakkoottam,’’ recalled Col Balasubramaniam, the first school captain. “I’m the oldest Boy, but I don’t feel that old,’’ he quipped.

It’s really hard to imagine this army-moustached, stern-looking man with receding hair as a young boy trotting about in a school ground. But there it is. All around the Colonel are men who were part of his childhood, men who walked out of this school to become officers in the armed forces, film directors, technocrats or doctors.

“Four of the first batch, including me, joined the NDA,’’ Balasubramaniam, who is on his first visit in 48 years, said.

 Perhaps the one person who was the centre of attention on Friday was Kannu Somaiah, wife of the late Col Somaiah, the first principal of the school. Known to one and all as just ‘Mrs Somaiah,’ she was the ‘mother in residence’ back then – the first First Lady of the Sainik School. ‘’I left here in 1966,’’ said Kannu, who lives in Coorg and came down for the function with her sons, and alumni, Vinod and Anand. Vinod now lives in Singapore.

“We came down to Thiruvananthapuram in December ‘61 with father. The discipline that we got at the school holds us through,’’ said Vinod Somaiah, who is visiting his alma mater after 45 years.  Does he recognise anyone? “Oh yes!’’ Vinod says, as his gaze wanders to the school auditorium named after V K Krishna Menon, the Defence Minister who made it all possible back in 1962.

Three of masters were also present. The oldest of the three, K Madhavan Nair, the Physics master, George Joseph, the Biology master, and N Balakrishnan Nair, who taught Chemistry.

On Saturday, Chief Minister Oommen Chandy will inaugurate the valedictory of the golden jubilee celebrations. Minister of State for Defence Pallom Raju and Air Marshal S P Singh will be present.

Friday’s function – presided over by school principal Group Captain B Janardanan – was also followed the ‘Satish Chandran musical evening’ organised by All-India Radio.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Thiruvananthapuram / by TNIE Online Archives / May 16th, 2012

The Honest Always Stand Alone: A tribute to power-bureaucrat CG Somaiah

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During Rajiv Gandhi’s regime in 1980s, Delhi police commissioner Ved Marwah had a “security breach” as his car had reportedly intruded in the route of the visiting Russian Prime Minister. Then home minister Buta Singh almost made up his mind to suspend the senior cop, but it was one influential IAS who persuaded Singh not to punish Marwah. He was CG Somaiah who began his career as an assistant collector in Orissa only to rise up the ladder to become Comptroller and Auditor General of India.

CG Somaiah is no more. Somaiah died in Bangalore  on Monday following brief illness. Somaiah, 79, is survived by wife Indira, and one son and a daughter. Incidentally, his daughter Pria (In picture with her father) is married to Nikhil Alva, son of Congress leader and Uttarakhand Governor Margaret Alva.

As the home secretary of the country during Buta Singh’s regime, Somaiah played a key role not only in fighting Punjab terror, but was instrumental in clinching a deal with student leaders from Assam who were agitating against illegal Bangladeshi migrants. He also served as Central Vigilance Commissioner and had a six-year-long tenure as Comptroller and Auditor General of India

Only two months ago, Somaiah’s book titled, “The Honest Always Stand Alone”, was released in New Delhi  by former president APJ Abdul Kalam.

STANDING TALL Former President APJ Abdul Kalam releasing C.G.Somaiah’s “The Honest Always Stand Alone” / pix credit: The Hindu (July 21, 2010)

source: http://www.babusofindia.com / Babus of India / Home / posted by BOI Team / September 15th, 2010

On The Half-Tones Of Truth

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C.G. Somiah’s memoirs, in both form and content, reflect his famed qualities: uprightness and modesty.

On The Half-Tones of Truth

It is perhaps an acknowledgement of whatever fairness is left in the system that C.G. Somiah managed to make it to the top echelons of the Indian Administrative Services without ever swerving from his values and convictions.

Born in 1931, Somiah joined the IAS in 1953, beginning in Orissa and ending up in Delhi. It was from his father, a forest officer to whom he was deeply attached, that he internalised the value of honesty. Later, he forged a similar companionship with his wife, Indira, whose counsel he seeks in tricky work situations.

But one wishes he was more introspective on some of the situations he describes. His struggle against the politician-contractor nexus on tendu leaves, for instance, which he won to a limited extent, is now a more serious problem in Orissa, stained with the blood of Maoist and state violence.

There are other passages that break through these self-imposed boundaries. Returning from Koraput, after the inauguration of a chromium factory, he reflects: “On the way back we passed by the Sunabeda where once a virgin forest stood!…. Instead of the twinkling lights of the new township, my eyes could only see the ancient forest that once occupied this land with majestic trees. This is the forest that I had once helped to uproot to make way for the township.” This ambivalence of the administrator, bereft of a universally accepted vision of development, still lingers. On the other hand, his spare style ensures that there is no sensationalising of the many exciting matters of state that could certainly have turned the book into a bestseller. 

Union home secretaries always live in interesting times. Somiah’s tenure seems to have been especially so, given the demands of a young prime minister in a hurry, the delicate relationship between the then home minister Buta Singh and his deputy Arun Nehru, negotiating the mistrust between the President and the PM to avoid a constitutional disaster, the successful conduct of Operation Black Thunder and fashioning the Mizo and Gorkhaland accords. Somiah describes these from his vantage point, always careful to narrate only the facts.

What stands out is his innate decency in these difficult situations. After Operation Black Thunder and the successful flushing out of terrorists from the Golden Temple in Amritsar, and when his suggestion to Buta Singh and Governor Siddhartha Shankar Ray about him visiting the Golden Temple and paying his respects is overlooked, he makes the trip with his wife, which assuaged much of the perceived hurt. As home secretary, Somiah was once caught by a Delhi constable for jumping a traffic light while returning from a dinner outing with his family. He paid the fine and got away without disclosing his identity. What is not lost on the reader is that they dined at a very modest restaurant and that the Union home secretary was driving his personal Maruti.

Somiah emerges as a deeply spiritual person, proud of his Kodava heritage.  There is no pretended conflict of interest when he, as part of the home ministry, rejects the suggestion to ban the Kodava right to possess guns—he compares it with the right of the Sikhs to hold kirpans. Of course, he also wryly notes that the first time his community chose to honour him was when he had the word ‘general’ suffixed to his name as Comptroller and Auditor General of India!

Somiah is genuinely proud of his contributions even if he recounts them in a manner that would warm the hearts of accountants. On the Shah Bano case, he acknowledges that it is the flip-flop between a decision that was right in secular India and the subsequent backtracking that led to the situation spiralling out of control.

This is an unpretentious book, without any name-dropping on matters of high state policy to suggest the author was the backroom guy who made it possible. Similarly, no pontificating on governance, the staple of many boring civil service memoirs. Instead, just as he diligently worked to excel in tennis in school and later in bridge, Somiah seems to have gone about reaching the top of his profession with his fair share of tribulations, which he takes in his stride.

“C.G. Somiah…stands by what he has written and takes full responsibility for it,” says the publisher’s note. It’s a good summation of Somiah’s approach to work and life—showing the courage to stand for what one believes in.

(R. Gopalakrishnan is additional secretary to the Prime Minister)

source: http://www.outlookindia.com / Outlook / Home> Books / by R Gopalakrishnan (see above) / Outlook Web Desk / February 05th, 2022

Shiv Cariappa

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Obituary –

Codanda Shiv Cariappa, 72, passed away peacefully on February 9th, 2024, in Northampton (Boston), MA, USA.

Shiv was predeceased by his parents, Lt. Col. Codanda M. Cariappa (Carson) and Dr. Pearl Cariappa, (maiden name: Chendanda Muthama Ponappa), and his brother, Codanda Babla Cariappa.

Following the demise of his father at a young age, he attended Lawrence School in Lovedale and was raised in Chettalli Estate Kodagu by his mother while living together with his uncle and aunt, the late Mr. CP Appanna and late Mrs Seethama Appanna, his brother Babla, his cousin Chandanda Appanna Ponappa (Ponnu), and his grandmother Chendanda Muthama Ponappa.

Shiv Cariappa worked as a journalist for the international Christian Science Monitor newspaper in Boston, MA. Later, Shiv became a Senior Loss Prevention Analyst for the Staples Corporate headquarters in Framingham (Boston), MA. In this position, Shiv was responsible for investigative crime, particularly fraud, intervention and prevention for all Staples stores throughout the US.

Shiv is survived by his community of loving friends and family, including former wife and close friend Ellen Loos, his sister-in-law Victoria Cariappa, his aunt GM Codanda Vani; cousins Peggy Pratap Sunil, Arathi Muddaiah, Kandrathanda Harini Kariappa, Chedrimada Beena Somaya, Pattamada Seetha Kuttappa, Pattamada Kavita Muthana,Deep Chinnappa, Sumitha Somiah, the Chendanda family, Kongetira Gayathri Belliappa, Codanda Ashit, Codanda Chinnappa; and Ponnu Appana’s former wife Vipul Ponappa with their two grown children Gauri Ponappa and Sasha Ponappa.

Shiv will be deeply missed.

A public gathering to celebrate Shiv’s life will be held at Leverett Crafts & Arts Center, 13 Montague Rd., Leverett, MA. 01054 this coming Saturday, February 17, 1:00-4:00.

source: http://www.metrowestdailynews.com / MetroWest Daily News / Home> Life Story / February 15th, 2024 ( published in MetroWest Daily News, Milford Daily News)

It was the most rewarding journey: Shubra on becoming a certified yoga instructor

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Actor Shubra Aiyappa went off the grid for a month to achieve her wellness dreams.

Shubra Aiyappa receives her certificate after a month of rigorous training

Actor Shubra Aiyappa recently decided to become a certified yoga instructor. Sharing her motivation around this step, she says, “I’ve been practising yoga for a few years now. The benefits of the practice drove me to go deep into it. This was definitely the most rewarding and transformative journey of my life.”

Despite the benefits, becoming a yoga instructor wasn’t an easy stint for the Thimayya & Thimayya (2022)actor. To work on her yoga practice, Aiyappa decided to cut off from the world for a month to join a yoga school in Mysuru. “We weren’t allowed to have our phones except for an hour during the day,” the 33-year-old actor shares, adding, “For the first few days, I couldn’t take this rigorous routine. I had some breakdowns and I kept asking why I chose to do this to myself. But, as time went on, I got used to it.”

In addition to the challenges at the school, Aiyappa admits she was terrified to put her acting on hold for a month. “There’s always an itch which makes you feel you’re missing a call or a scene that can change your life — It was really difficult for me to let that go. I was afraid I’d become irrelevant if I wasn’t active on social media. But that’s never the case. It was all about setting boundaries. I even put a film I’m currently doing on hold for this course,” the Prathinidhi (2014) actor quips.

The actor, now a certified yoga instructor, is happy to impart knowledge about the mind-and-body practice to her family and friends. Ask if she’s ready to take it professionally, she shares, “Teaching it professionally is not on the cards yet. I’ve always wanted to do something in the wellness space. While I don’t know how I’d execute it, I have some ongoing plans,” she signs off.

source: hindustantimes.com / Hindustan Times / Home / by Aayushi Parekh / March 06th, 2024

Reports: Rohan Bopanna chooses N. Sriram Balaji as doubles partner for Paris Olympics 2024

Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Sports, World Opinion

(Courtesy : rohanbopanna0403/insta and sriram.balaji/Insta)

Rohan Bopanna recently played against N Sriram Balaji at French Open 2024.

Indian tennis legend Rohan Bopanna has set his sights on the upcoming Paris Olympics , aiming for one last shot at an Olympic medal. According to reports, in an email sent to the All-India Tennis Association (AITA), Bopanna expressed his desire to partner with N. Sriram Balaji, who he recently played against in the French Open men’s doubles third round.

Bopanna’s decision comes after witnessing Balaji’s performance at the French Open 2024, where the latter and his Mexican partner MA Reyes-Varela Martinez faced off against Bopanna and Australia’s Matthew Ebden in the third round of the men’s doubles. Despite the loss, Balaji’s display convinced Bopanna that he would be the ideal partner for the Olympics.

Commenting on his decision, Bopanna told PTI from Paris, “I have sent an email to AITA,” adding that he would provide further remarks once he receives a response from the national federation.

AITA Secretary General Anil Dhupar has welcomed Bopanna’s choice, stating, “Rohan has written to us that he wants to play with Balaji, who is a good player. He played well in Pakistan also, rising to the occasion. He also did well on clay at ongoing French Open. Balaji is a big server. If Rohan wants to play with him, we have no objection to that.”

While Yuki Bhambri, India’s number two doubles player, was also considered for the partnership, the selection panel, led by former Davis Cupper Nandan Bal, has indicated their support for Bopanna’s decision.

Bal emphasized, “In my personal opinion, we should give Rohan what he wants. At the end of the day, it’s his last shot at an Olympic medal and if he feels that it is better to play with Balaji, he would be sure of the choice.”

The panel, which includes former Davis Cupper Balram Singh, Mustafa Ghouse, and Sai Jailakshmi, will convene to discuss the combination once the ITF releases the final list of qualified athletes after the French Open concludes. Bal noted, “Still we will discuss the combination whenever AITA convenes the meeting.”

The Olympic qualification process will consider the ATP/WTA rankings on June 10, with the ITF notifying all associations about their qualified athletes by June 12. National Olympic Committees have until June 19 to confirm their entries, and any unused quota places will be reallocated by the ITF on July 8.

As Bopanna, only the third Indian to win a Grand Slam title, prepares for his final Olympic appearance, he will be hoping to go one step further than his narrow miss in the mixed doubles event at the Rio Games with Sania Mirza.

source: http://www.khelnow.com / Khel Now / Home> Sports / by Ajay Gandhar / July 05th, 2024

Cheppudira Arun Machaiah Appointed As Joint Chief Of Karate India Organisation (KIO)

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Former MLC and International Karate expert from Kodagu, Cheppudira Arun Machaiah has been appointed as the new Joint Chairman of the Technical Commission of Karate India Organisation (KIO).

Director of World Shitorio Karate Council and President of All India Shitorio Karate Organisation, Arun is the first Kannadiga to achieve the highest post of KIO.

source/content: starofmysore.com (headline edited)

Exclusive: Gulshan Devaiah on his bond with Sanjay Leela Bhansali

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A few months back, the actor known for his work in Ram Leela and Dahaad, Gulshan Devaiah spoke to Filmfare. He was honest and did not shy away from answering questions about his relationship with his ex-wife, his equation with Anurag Kashyap and his overall journey in the industry. 

When asked about his equation with Sanjay Leela Bhansali and his experience of working with him, the actor said, “ People say Sanjay Leela Bhansali has a short temper, but this is not the case. Like other directors, he does not communicate openly with you. People are hesitant to talk to him. But I would share my ideas with him without hesitation.”

He further went on to add, “He became fond of me. He’d listen to me. He pays close attention to detail. He takes an entire day to frame a single shot. Perhaps some would find this strange, but when the film is finished, the meticulous detailing stands out. As an actor, he allows you to do whatever you want. However, during editing, he will only retain what he has instructed you to do, not what you have done on your own.”

Now, the actor will soon be seen in the Janhvi Kapoor starrer Ulajh. The film is directed by Sudhanshu Saria and will be released in cinemas on July 5.

source: http://www.filmfare.com / Filmfare.com / Home> News> Bollywood / by Filmfare / May 28th, 2024

Europe To Receive First EUDR-Ready Coffee Verified By Rainforest Alliance

Agriculture, Amazing Feats, Business & Economy, Coffee News, Coffee, Kodagu (Coorg), Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Green Initiatives / Environment, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Leaders, Nature, Records, All, World Opinion, , , , , , , , ,

India’s High Range Coffee Curing is poised to become the first farm verified by the Rainforest Alliance to ship EUDR–ready coffee beans to Europe later this month.

The coffee farm partnered with the Rainforest Alliance to meet the necessary compliance requirements of the regulation.

Established in 1995, High Range Coffee Curing is located in the Periyapatna and Kushalnagar Coorg districts, among 142 hectares of tropical forests, and is known for its quality beans.

The farm supplies coffee to leading global coffee brands, roasters and traders in India, including Nestle , Unilever, E-Com Commodities, Olam, Continental Coffee, Louis Dreyfus Company , Vidya Coffee and Allanasons.

EUDR-Ready Coffee

Zaidan M Saly, director of High Range Coffee Curing stated, “Implementing EUDR  [EU Deforestation Regulation] posed significant challenges for our team, but with the invaluable guidance from Rainforest Alliance representatives in our region, we overcame them and gained confidence in the process.

“Their expertise made the seemingly daunting task entirely feasible, facilitating a smooth and successful implementation, which now not only guarantees adherence to EUDR regulations but also sparked a revolution in our approach to traceability.”

Rainforest Alliance certification enables coffee and cocoa farmers to opt in for EUDR-aligned criteria.

This allows companies to source from these farms, track ingredients along their supply chains, and leverage farm data to demonstrate compliance with the regulation’s deforestation risk assessment and mitigation requirements by the deadline, at no additional cost.

‘Sustainable Practices’

Miguel Gamboa, coffee sector lead at the Rainforest Alliance stated, “The EUDR represents an important step forward to shift the global coffee sector towards more sustainable practices.

“Yet, many smallholder coffee farmers need support to align with the requirements, including traceability, deforestation risk mapping, local laws, and practical and technical guidance on key environmental practices.”

The Rainforest Alliance has urged the EU Commission not to dilute or delay the legislation or postpone its deadline in response to calls from some companies and governments.

It has also called on companies not to scale back purchases from smallholder coffee farmers, but rather support them in meeting the deadline of this legislation.

Gamboa added, “We are also piloting a deforestation risk assessment offering for companies buying non-certified coffee and cocoa, which we plan to roll out more widely later this year.

“With this offering, we aim to support more companies in their journey to compliance, but more importantly, to also reach non-certified farmers so their products can still be sold on the EU market.”

source: http://www.esmagazine.com / ESM, European Supermarket Magazine / Home> Supply Chain / by Dayeeta Das / May 06th, 2024