Category Archives: Business & Economy

India’s Robusta Coffee Prices Hit Record High in Century-Old Industry

This spike, amidst stable Arabica pricing, signals a boon for Indian growers, leveraging robusta’s affordability.

India's Robusta Coffee Prices Hit Record High in Century-Old Industry (Photo Source: Pexels.com)
India’s Robusta Coffee Prices Hit Record High in Century-Old Industry (Photo Source: Pexels.com)

India’s coffee industry is experiencing a remarkable upswing with robusta coffee bean prices hitting an all-time high of Rs 10,080 per 50 kg bag, a historic milestone since the establishment of coffee estates in the Western Ghats region during the 1860s by the British. This is big news for Indian coffee growers who rely on the Robusta given its low-cost inputs.

In stark contrast to the traditionally stable pricing of Arabica coffee, renowned for its velvety shot layer, Robusta prices have remained relatively low, fluctuating between Rs 2,500 to Rs 3,500 per 50 kg bag for the past 15 years.

While export quantities witnessed a marginal decline of 2.5% at 3.88 lakh tonnes compared to 3.98 lakh tonnes in 2022-23, the Indian coffee sector reaped the benefits of soaring global robusta prices, which have reached a three-decade high due to supply disruptions in major producing countries like Vietnam and Brazil.

Commenting on this, Mr. M J Dinesh, Chairman of the Coffee Board says, “The change in the global temperature has impacted the shortage of coffee from Vietnam. The instant coffee market in India will gain from this; the same is gaining popularity too. Moreover, small coffee growers and laborers will reap the profit. They may witness an upsurge in their daily wages.”

The increase in robusta prices resulted in a 20% rise in per unit realization for Indian exporters, reaching ₹2.7 lakh per tonne during the 2023-24 period, up from ₹2.26 lakh in the previous fiscal year.

source: http://www.krishijagran.com / Krishi Jagran / Home> News / by Mrini Devnani / April 16th, 2024

The Guardian Of The Wild: Remembering K.M. Chinnappa’s Heroic Stand Against Nature’s Foes

The heroic conservation efforts of K.M. Chinnappa helped rescue the Rajiv Gandhi National Park from the brink of destruction.
The heroic conservation efforts of K.M. Chinnappa helped rescue the Rajiv Gandhi National Park from the brink of destruction. L: Sanctuary Nature Foundation R: Deccan Herald

A couple of days ago, a great man passed away. The streets of Karnataka, or rather its jungles, will never forget K.M. Chinnappa, the illustrious Range Forest Officer of Nagarahole who single-handedly stood against profit-mongering poachers, exploitative smugglers, wealthy hunters, mafia operators, and corrupt politicians and provided decades of unmatched service to make Rajiv Gandhi National Park one of India’s most thriving wildlife sanctuaries. His incredible mental fortitude along with his unrivalled knowledge of nature is now the stuff of legends.

He was born in 1941 in Kumtur village near Nagarhole. His father, a soldier who fought in the First World War, instilled in him a deep love for nature. Chinnappa spent his early years exploring the forests of his ancestral land, immersing himself in the rich ecosystem and developing a profound appreciation for the wildlife. Following in his father’s footsteps, he became a soldier , but with a unique calling – to become a gun-wielding, frontline defender of the forests, committed to safeguarding wildlife. He declared that protecting wildlife was his life’s sole purpose.

In 1967, he became a forester at Rajiv Gandhi National Park (Nagarhole), which was in a state of disrepair. The park had been heavily impacted by hunting. The practice was popular among people from various walks of life, from impoverished forest-dwelling tribes to the extravagant royalty and courtiers in bustling Mysore. As a result, there were very few deer remaining, let alone tigers and other large animals. Villagers had encroached on the swamps to cultivate rice, which were essential habitats for elephants. Tribesmen lived in groups deep within the park to gather forest resources, such as honey and berries. Livestock herders grazed their cattle on the park’s grasslands, while hunters and poachers targeted various animals and birds, including tigers and elephants. Additionally, illegal activities like timber logging and sandalwood smuggling were rampant.

Rajiv Gandhi National Park (Nagarhole)
Rajiv Gandhi National Park (Nagarhole)Unsung
Chinnappa, with the locals  at the Rajiv Gandhi National Park
Chinnappa, with the locals at the Rajiv Gandhi National ParkUnsung

The destruction of Nagarhole’s environment was facilitated by a variety of means, including the use of shotguns, snares, and poison. Wildlife protection laws were ineffective, and the Forest Department focused on logging, which led to the removal of diverse natural vegetation in favor of teak monocultures. Chinnappa knew for certain that if this devastation continued, there would be no wildlife left in Nagarhole in 30 years.

He single-handedly worked to reverse this process and he emerged successful. In less than 25 years, Nagarhole was rejuvenated, growing from 250 square kilometers to 640 square kilometres. Chinnappa was responsible for implementing the current patrol system and establishing camps in crucial areas, providing three layers of protection for the tiger reserve. Poachers have withdrawn, encroachers have disappeared, and hunters are almost non-existent, allowing Nagarhole to be reclaimed by its original inhabitants – tigers, panthers, leopards, sloth bears, jackals, wild boars, porcupines, hares, langur, and various deer species. In the past, tigers had to roam 200 square kilometres to find prey, but now they only need 12 square kilometres. The elephants have returned to their natural habitat in the lush swamps and bamboo groves.

A Gaur or Indian Bison in Nagarahole
A Gaur or Indian Bison in NagaraholeUnsung
Chinnappa with wildlife biologist Ullhas Karanth in Nagarahole National Park during the mid '80s
Chinnappa with wildlife biologist Ullhas Karanth in Nagarahole National Park during the mid ’80sUllhas Karanth

All you have to do is to stop human interference. Just leave the forests alone and they will regenerate themselves.”

K.M. Chinnappa, in an interview with Unsung

However, Chinnappa had ruffled many feathers and upset many powerful people whose profits depended upon the exploitation of the forest. In 1993, in the face of constant harassment and threats, he was compelled to retire prematurely from the Forest Department, but his crusade did not end there. Chinnappa established his own NGO, ‘Wildlife First’, intending to enlighten the local community, particularly children, about the importance of environmental conservation. By organizing forest camps, dialogues, shows, rallies, interactions and presentations, he introduced a captivating world of plant and animal life and inspired children to appreciate rather than destroy nature.

His NGO also used the legal system to battle those harming the environment for profits, no matter how powerful those individuals or organizations were. Most notable was his famous case against the iron ore mine operators in Kudremukh. They wielded their power and slapped Chinnappa with false criminal charges when he protested against their activities. The case dragged on for years but finally ended with the Supreme Court acknowledging the ecological devastation caused by those mining activities and consequently ruling in Chinnappa’s favour.

In his lifetime, Chinnappa has been awarded the prestigious Karnataka Chief Minister’s Gold Medal, WCS Certificate of Appreciation, Tiger Link Bagh Sevak Award, ESSO, and Sanctuary Life Time Achievement Award.

Chinnappa’s achievements are all the more praiseworthy as they were achieved despite great challenges. He faced setbacks, obstacles, threats, assaults, defamation, arrests, and legal battles. However, remarkably, he emerged unharmed, maintaining his innocence, bravery, commitment, and positivity. He harbored no resentment, opting to look past those who caused him trouble and instead cherish the support of both the senior officers and lower-ranking guards who stood by him.

In his death, he is fondly remembered by his family, loved ones and by kindred souls who value justice and integrity, even in the face of insurmountable odds.

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source: http://www.homegrown.co.in / Home Grown / Home / by Vaaswat Sarkar / February 24th, 2024

Madikeri’s Gandhi Memorial Park set to get a major facelift

Minister in charge of Kodagu district N.S. Boseraju inspects the works at the park; he says a sum of ₹50 lakhs has been sanctioned for the works by the government and an additional sum of ₹5 lakh will also be released.

Will the Gandhi Memorial Park that is coming up in Madikeri be modelled on New Delhi’s Rajghat?

Minister in charge of Kodagu district N.S. Boseraju inspected the Gandhi Memorial Park works and directed the officials to get the works done at the earliest. “Expedite and complete the memorial park works ensuring quality,” said Mr Boseraju.

He said a sum of ₹50 lakhs has been sanctioned for the works by the government and an additional sum of ₹5 lakh will also be released.

Mantar Gowda, MLA, said the work has to be completed at the earliest and there shouldn’t be any delay in its completion.

He assured to sanction a sum of ₹10 lakh from the MLA’s local area development fund, and added that steps will also be taken for releasing additional grants for the project.

Sarvodaya Samiti’s past president T.P. Ramesh said the project required more funds in addition to the funds already allocated by the government and the MLA. In this regard, a formal request has to be made to the government for additional allocation to the government.

Mr. Ramesh said the memorial park has to be constructed on the lines of Raj Ghat in New Delhi. The memorial in Madikeri has to become a model and the development has to be done keeping the concept in mind, he suggested.

Nirmiti Kendra Project Director Sachin explained about the blueprint of the project.

Sarvodaya Samiti President Ambekallu Kushalappa and others were present.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India > Karnataka / by The Hindu Bureau / January 04th, 2024

THE WEEK Sportsroom with Rohan Bopanna: A peek into the journey of a modern Indian great

The event was presented by HSBC

Racket science: Ayaz Memon and Rohan Bopanna | Amey Mansabdar

Age no bar, cartilage no bar. Rohan Bopanna, at age 43―or level 43 as he likes to call it―became the oldest man to win a Grand Slam when he and partner Matthew Ebden won the Australian Open earlier this year. Not only was the feat impressive in itself, the fact that he did so with no cartilage in his knees made it an insane achievement.

There was a time in 2006 when, following a shoulder surgery, Bopanna wondered if he would ever compete again. Nearly two decades later, he is world No. 1 in men’s doubles and has his sights set on the Paris Olympics.

It was this journey of grit and persistence that Bopanna shared with THE WEEK’s Sports Consultant Ayaz Memon at the magazine’s Sportsroom event presented by HSBC at the bank’s India headquarters in Fort, Mumbai, on April 4.

As the stories swirled inside the colonial-era art deco building, the audience got a peek into not just Bopanna’s life, but also that of Indian tennis as a whole. The conversation―breezy and insightful―covered a lot of ground, including why there is a paucity of talent in Indian tennis currently, how Iyengar yoga and ice baths kept his body going, his love of coffee and exploring cities, the loneliness of travel, and how he came back from the dark days of his career.

As it turned out, he is proficient not only with racket in hand, but also on the mic. Sitting on stage in a light-blue jacket, wearing a gold locket with two crossed knives―a nod to his Coorgi roots―Bopanna talked about how he went from being a young singles player to a grizzled doubles veteran who is now like an uncle on the international circuit.

“Age never worried me,” he said. “We set our limitations ourselves. When you change limitations into opportunities, you have a better perspective.”

Jaswinder Sodhi, Head of Customers, Digital and Marketing, Wealth and Personal Banking, HSBC India; Ranganath Ananth, Head of Distribution, Wealth and Personal Banking, HSBC India; Bopanna; Memon; and Shubham Golash, Director and Regional Head (West), Wealth and Personal Banking, HSBC India.

His lowest point, he recalled, was in 2021, when he did not win a match for five months. That is when he told his wife, Supriya, a psychologist, that he was thinking of quitting. He was not enjoying it anymore. She told him he could do it, but urged him not to do so when he was down. And that triggered something.

Bopanna talked candidly and at length about mental and physical toughness, but he also sprinkled in some amusing anecdotes. In 2008, for instance, he made a pact with his then physio Shayamal Vallabhjee that if he entered a Grand Slam quarterfinal, they would both shave their heads. It was a self-motivation tool. So, at Wimbledon 2010, when he lost in the quarterfinals, he headed to the locker room and straightaway went next door to the barbershop. After the deed was done, he walked past his family, and his mother did a double take. She had just seen her son, with a full head of hair, playing on court half an hour ago. “It tells you that you need to have a little bit of madness in you to become a champion,” noted Memon.

Talking of champions, Bopanna also weighed in on the GOAT debate, saying that while Roger Federer was his favourite, Novak Djokovic was the best athlete. As for Indians, he said he had seen a lot of improvement in Sumit Nagal in the past one year.

Bopanna did not shy away from some of the prickly questions Memon had. For instance, on the friction in the past between the Indian tennis federation and the players. “Any time the federation was involved in picking the team, we had an issue,” said Bopanna, evoking chuckles from the 50-odd invitees, some of them lifelong tennis fans and players. “When the federation was not involved, it was smooth sailing.”

Among those in attendance were THE WEEK’s Chief Associate Editor and Director Riyad Mathew, who talked about the importance of sport in life; those from the bank were: Jaswinder Sodhi, Head of Customers, Digital and Marketing, Wealth and Personal Banking, HSBC India; Ranganath Ananth, Head of Distribution, Wealth and Personal Banking at HSBC India; Shubham Golash, Director and Regional Head (West), Wealth and Personal Banking, HSBC India; Arkaprava Ray, Head, Marketing Strategy, Brand Partnerships, IP and Sponsorships, Wealth and Personal Banking, HSBC India; and Sandeep Sethi, SVP and Branch Head, Fort Mumbai, HSBC India.

Bopanna went on to explain that in professional tennis, a player essentially does everything themselves, like entering tournaments and funding their careers, which includes paying for air fare, coaches and physios. But for events like the Davis Cup, Asian Games and the Olympics, the federation has to enter them. Also, when picking teams, the federation might not go with the pair that has been playing together for a long time. This is where the problem lies. “Doubles is like a love marriage,” he said, “and when it came to the Olympics and such events, it was an arranged marriage.”

Asked if he was going to have a go at tennis administration and what changes he would affect were he sports minister, Bopanna said, “I would love to be part of it…. We need to come together to make the sport work.” He added that the first step would be to broadcast matches of all Indians representing their country in tennis worldwide. In fact, before the event, Bopanna had told THE WEEK that he had in the past called up broadcasters to ask them whether they were going to show his matches.

Those days are now over; that he is firmly a star was evident by the rush at the end of the event to get a photo clicked with the ace.

source: http://www.theweek.in / The Week / Home> Magazine> The Week / by Anirudh Madhavan, Mumbai / Issue Date April 21st, 2024 / Updated April 14th, 2024

Indian coffee growers cheer as robusta production drops globally, prices hit record high

Synopsis

India’s robusta coffee prices skyrocket to Rs 10,080 per 50 kg, a historic high. Growers face challenges, but the surge brings relief. Supply-demand dynamics and shifts in production contribute to this windfall, offering hope for the industry.

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India’s coffee industry is witnessing a windfall as robusta coffee bean prices skyrocketed to an unprecedented Rs 10,080 per 50 kg bag as of Friday. This surge marks a historic high since the establishment of coffee estates in the Western Ghats region during the 1860s by the British.

Unlike the relatively stable pricing of Arabica coffee, known for its creamy layer in a shot, robusta prices have typically ranged between Rs 2,500 to Rs 3,500 per 50 kg bag for nearly 15 years.

The surge in robusta coffee prices has brought relief and joy to coffee growers, especially those with smaller holdings who primarily cultivate robusta due to its lower input costs compared to Arabica. These growers have faced challenges such as erratic rainfall, crop damage by wild animals, and rising input and labor costs over the past decade.

G Nithin, a coffee planter in Chikkamagaluru, expressed his delight, telling TOI, “I never imagined, even in my wildest dreams, that prices would reach the Rs 10,000-mark.” Nithin had already sold a portion of his stock in anticipation of further price increases.

According to Nanda Belliappa, chairman of the Codagu Planters Association, the surge in robusta coffee prices can be attributed to the basic principles of supply and demand. Factors such as decreased coffee production in major robusta-producing countries due to adverse weather conditions and changes in cropping patterns have contributed to this windfall for Indian growers.

Sources within the Coffee Board of India also attribute the price surge to major robusta coffee growers like Vietnam and Indonesia shifting to more profitable crops such as dragon fruits and avocados. Additionally, there is an increasing demand for coffee in the cosmetics industry.

In India, Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu collectively contribute to 83% of coffee production, with Karnataka alone accounting for 70% of the total output. However, coffee plantations in Karnataka have faced  challenges in recent years, with many farmers selling their land to real estate developers or converting it into tourism ventures due to diminishing returns and labor shortages.

Somaiah, a coffee farmer, told TOI, “There is a severe scarcity of skilled workers to tend to the estates, coupled with a steep increase in labor costs.” Planters have increasingly relied on migrant laborers from Bengal and Assam, who bring experience from working in tea estates.

Moreover, wildlife encroachment poses a significant threat to coffee plantations, with elephants, bisons, monkeys, and giant squirrels damaging crops in search of food and water.

Despite these challenges, the surge in robusta coffee prices offers a glimmer of hope for Indian coffee growers, signaling a potential turnaround for the industry after years of struggle.

source: http://www.economictimes.indiatimes.com / The Economic Times / Home> News> Business News> News> Economy / by ET Online / April 13th, 2024

India’s coffee exports rise 13.35 pc to 1.25 lakh tonnes in January-March

Synopsis

India’s coffee shipments surged 13.35% to 1,25,631 tonnes in January-March 2024, driven by robust demand for Robusta coffee. Arabica and Robusta are the two varieties grown in India, with Arabica having a smoother taste and Robusta being more bitter. Export of Robusta beans increased by 18%, while Arabica exports declined. Instant coffee exports and re-exports also saw growth. The total coffee export value during this period was Rs 3,644 crore, ..with major destinations including Italy, Russia, the UAE, Germany, and Turkey.

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Coffee shipments from India rose 13.35 per cent to 1,25,631 tonnes during January-March period of this year on higher demand for Robusta coffee, according to the official data. The country had exported 1,10,830 tonnes of coffee in the same period in 2023.

India, Asia’s third-largest producer and exporter, grows Arabica and Robusta varieties of coffee.

Arabica coffee bean has lesser caffeine content than the Robusta. Arabica has a sweet and smoother taste, while the Robusta is generally more bitter and harsher on the taste buds.

According to the Coffee Board of India’s latest data, export of Robusta coffee bean rose by 18 per cent to 69,637 tonnes in the first quarter of the 2024 calendar year from 59,050 tonnes in the year-ago period.

However, the shipment of Arabica coffee bean declined to 13,419 tonnes from 15,468 tonnes in the said period.

Instant coffee exports rose 16,218 tonnes during January-March of this year as against 15,238 tonnes in the year-ago period, while re-export of coffee also increased to 26,239 tonnes from 20,952 tonnes in the said period.

In terms of value, total coffee exports were at Rs 3,644 crore during January-March of 2024, higher than Rs 2,604.44 crore achieved in the year-ago period. The unit value realisation was Rs 2,90,057 per tonne.

Italy, Russia, the UAE, Germany and Turkey are the major coffee export destinations for India.

In its post-blossom estimate, the board has projected the country’s total coffee production at 3,74,200 tonnes for the 2023-24 marketing year (October-September), higher than the actual output of 3,52,000 tonnes in the previous year.

In the full 2023 calendar year, India’s coffee exports had declined by 5.4 per cent to 3.77 lakh tonnes.

Yaduveer Wadiyar Intensifies Campaign In Small, Remote Pockets Of Kodagu

Focuses on safeguarding environment, PM Modi’s vision, Centre’s transformative programmes

Madikeri:

The BJP candidate for the Mysuru-Kodagu Lok Sabha Constituency, Yaduveer Wadiyar, has intensified his campaign in Kodagu. Venturing into remote areas of the district, he has opted for micro-meetings with party workers, leaders and residents alike, eschewing the traditional mass public gatherings typically held at commercial centres.

In these exclusive settings, Yaduveer articulated his vision for Kodagu, fostering opportunities for participants and the general public to engage directly with him and exchange ideas on sustainable development.

With Kodagu experiencing adverse environmental impacts, such as heightened temperatures in its typically cooler climate, discussions on preserving the region’s ecological balance took centre stage.

15 to 16 events daily

Yaduveer’s two-day itinerary comprises approximately 15 to 16 events daily, featuring corner meetings, interactions with the BJP cadre and engagements with the public. Yesterday’s schedule included 16 meetings spanning Ponnampet, Hudikeri, Birunani, T. Shettigeri, Srimangala, Kutta, Balale, Tithimathi, Gonikoppal, among others, with Yaduveer engaging with citizens at various public venues, including bus stands and temples.

In his campaign efforts, Yaduveer is accompanied by former MLAs K.G. Bopaiah, M.P. Appachu Ranjan and a contingent of leaders. Together, they are engaging with senior political figures from the Kodava and Gowda communities, as well as representatives from other demographics in village settings.

Recognising the unique demographic and caste dynamics of Kodagu, Yaduveer has redirected his focus to the region. His speeches and discussions, whether in Mysuru or Kodagu, are centred around the vision of a Developed India by 2047, as articulated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Viksit Bharat sankalp

This vision encapsulated as Viksit Bharat, serves as the cornerstone of Yaduveer’s campaign, resonating with constituents across diverse backgrounds and communities. Alongside Yaduveer’s addresses, local BJP leaders are amplifying the transformative initiatives spearheaded by Prime Minister Modi, such as the historic abrogation of Article 370 and the construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya.

They are also critiquing what they perceive as the detrimental impact of the Congress Government’s ‘freebie’ policy on Karnataka’s finances. Additionally, they are condemning the alleged corruption of Congress leaders spanning from Independence to the present day, as well as what they label as ‘anti-national’ actions by elected representatives affiliated with the Congress party.

These narratives form a crucial part of the BJP’s messaging strategy, aiming to garner support and sway public opinion in the lead-up to the elections. The BJP is attempting to win back the voter support it lost during the last Assembly elections.

Meetings were also held at Ponnampet, Kirugur, Balayamundur, Hudikeri, Birunani, T. Shettigeri, Srimangala, Kutta, Nalkeri, K. Badaga, Kanoor, Balele, Nittur, Ponnappasante, Thithimathi, Mayamudi, Devarapura, Gonikoppa, Aruvathokkalu, Hathur, Chennayyanakote, Pollibetta, Maldare, Siddapura, Karmad, Ammathi, Hosur, Bilugunda, Kanndangala, Chembebellur, Kakotuparambu, Kadanoor, Kedamullur, Bittangala, Arji, Betoli and B. Shettigeri.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / April 08th, 2024

5 Best Restaurants To Eat In Coorg

Explore the Top Culinary Delights in Coorg (Kodagu) – Must Visit Restaurants

Coorg, also known as Kodagu, is a small hill station located in Karnataka, India. Lush greenery and the Western Ghats envelop the region, which makes it ideal for growing coffee. However, foodies will be happy to know that Coorg isn’t just famous for its stunning scenery and rich cultural heritage. It’s known for its delicious cuisine as well.

In this article, we’ll go over the best restaurants in Coorg where you can indulge your taste buds in a variety of flavors. From authentic Kodava specialties to international dishes found nowhere else but here.

1. Local Cuisines – Raintree Restaurant

Raintree is a popular destination nestled inside a coffee plantation. They offer an array of traditional delicacies ranging from Pandi Curry (pork curry) to Kadambuttu (steamed rice dumplings) and Noolputtu (string hoppers). The cozy ambiance coupled with top-notch service will make you feel right at home while you dine on some true local grub.

2. Worldly Flavors – Beans n Brews Cafe

Beans n Brews boasts an extensive menu featuring dishes from all corners of the world. They’re also famous for their unique specialty coffee blends. Located in Madikeri town, you can choose between sitting indoors or out while enjoying pizza, sandwiches pasta and burgers along with freshly brewed coffees and other refreshing beverages.

3. Fine Dining – The Falls at Ambatty Greens Resort

The Falls restaurant can be found within Ambatty Greens Resort and offers patrons with a luxurious experience unlike any other in Coorg. Not only does it serve gourmet continental dishes made up of fresh ingredients sourced locally but they’re also experts at wine pairings! Dine in style with the scenic views of rolling hills and greenery in the background.

4. Cafe Culture – Tusk and Dawn Cafe

You’ll find Tusk and Dawn right at the heart of Madikeri. Its relaxed vibe coupled with colorful, picturesque surroundings makes for a perfect place to unwind while sipping on freshly brewed coffee or enjoying a hearty breakfast. In addition to these options, they also offer sandwiches, burgers and more.

5. Comfort Food – Coorg Cuisine Restaurant

Coorg Cuisine is located on the outskirts of Madikeri and has a homely ambiance that’s difficult to rival anywhere else in town. Their rustic Kodava decor is a breath of fresh air that will leave you feeling cozy as you sit back and enjoy some Akki Roti (rice flatbread) or their delectable Coorgi Chicken Curry among other dishes made from local ingredients.

When it comes to food, Coorg has got you covered. They’re dishing out a diverse range of flavors from all around the world. All while being surrounded by a beautiful landscape and scenic view. If you’re looking for some traditional dishes or just want to try something new, look no further! The best restaurants in Coorg are serving up an experience you won’t forget. You’ll be able to enjoy your meal with the misty hills and coffee plantations in sight..

source: http://www.travel.india.com / Travel by india.com / Home> Destination / by Kumar Utkarsh / April 03rd, 2024

AFFOREST Launches India’s First Jackfruit Skincare Range

Bangalore Based AFFOREST Green Beauty Brand announces all new culture of skin care.

“AFFOREST Green Beauty” a luxurious forest to skin, skincare brand that harnesses the power of exotic forest ingredients to revitalize and rejuvenate your skin. Inspired by the serene beauty and healing properties of forests around the world, AFFOREST was born out of their love for Coorg popular as mini Scotland of India.

Coorg’s beauty is a vision to behold. Undulating hills covered in lush green forests and a landscape dotted with coffee plantations, tea gardens and orange groves.

AFFOREST Team scouts through their vast estates and explore to unearth high performing vegan discoveries to be developed into the best of Skincare products that forests have to offer. They go through extensive rounds of Research & Development and Sampling before making the final jar of goodness that is clean, green, and filled with the AFFOREST Promise.

AFFOREST range of skincare products includes cleansers, serums, moisturizers, masks, and more, all designed to address various skin concerns and enhance your natural radiance. Whether you’re looking to hydrate dry skin, combat signs of aging, or achieve a radiant complexion, AFFOREST offers a solution to your needs. “Each product is carefully formulated with extracts from plants, herbs, and high performing plant based alternative extracts. We do not use any byproduct of animals in our products,” reveals, Yukta, CEO & Co-founder.

Key to the brand philosophy is sustainability and environmental consciousness. AFFOREST is committed to preserving the natural habitats that inspire their products, which is why they prioritize eco-friendly practices throughout their production process.

From responsibly sourcing ingredients to using recyclable packaging, AFFOREST strives to minimize its environmental footprint and contribute to the preservation of our planet’s precious forests. In this journey, they also carry their customers along with them. They contribute 1 tree towards each product bought and they become part of their community of, “AFFOREST RANGERS”.

AFFOREST RANGERS are responsible for:

•  Giving back to the forests

•  Building a greener tomorrow

•  Protecting our wildlife

•  Becoming a part of our green community

•  Promoting beauty that goes more than skin deep.

In addition to their dedication to nature and sustainability, AFFOREST is committed to inclusivity and transparency. “We believe that skincare should be accessible to everyone, regardless of skin type, tone, or background,” says, Yukta.

Their products are formulated to be suitable for all skin types, and they are committed to providing clear and honest information about the ingredients they use and their benefits.

Through the Journey

The brand founders have boot strapped the business and run lean operations. AFFOREST launched its 1st in India Green Coffee range of skincare products. The initial 4 product launch with cleanser, hydrating expert, mineral sunscreen & serum was the talk of the town. “These product’s well received feedback and positive support moved us to launch 6 more products in this range,” says Yukta. The 10 products became so popular as an India’s first ever launch that the founders started exploring more exotic forest ingredients to curate into their portfolio.

Challenges were plenty. “The biggest challenge for us was to maintain small batches of stocks to control the quality and efficacy of the exotic products before manufacturing at scale, convincing our manufacturers of the same was always the foundational challenge as we use exotic forest ingredients. With lot of efforts and dedication towards our products and brand aspirations we were able to convince our manufacturers to work on small capacities first to maintain our product quality which can be controlled by AFFOREST Green Beauty,“ reveals Yukta.

Everything revolves around the customers, “I personally interact with customers to understand in which direction the products and brand needs to evolve since we are new culture to skincare,” says Yukta.

India’s first Jackfruit Skin Care Range, nowhere else

AFFOREST, has launched yet another exotic forest hi performing science backed superpower ingredient, “Jackfruit Beauty Range”. India’s 1st ever launch which is backed as the hi performer for pigmentation and hyper pigmentation skin concerns. High amounts of vitamin C are present in jackfruit extracts which boosts collagen and firm’s skin. Powerful ingredient for Vitamin A and derivative retinoid delays ageing.

“The Jackfruit range will mark the luxurious era for AFFOREST,” says Yukta. The range consists of a foaming cleanser, gel crème moisturizer, under eye crème & bedtime serum blended with other science backed performing botanical extracts to target early signs of pigmentation & hyper pigmentation. 100% Vegan, Cruelty free, Paraben & Toxin Free, Exotic forests aromas will leave you wanting for more. AFFOREST products are not just to treat your condition scientifically, the experience is exotic, the aromas refresh your mind, body & soul helps you rejuvenate after a long day. “We will keep bringing the science backed, plant based exotic forest ingredient formulations to our customers which will not only treat and improve their skin needs but also make them feel good about themselves and relax their mental load by using AFFOREST products,” says Yukta.

Kudos to the team

•  AFFOREST Green Beauty has forayed into a marketplace with already existing strong players and has managed to create a niche for themselves from the exotic India’s 1st forest to skin products along with building an AFFOREST Rangers community and bringing New Culture into Skincare which is not just about treating skin scientifically but mindfully as well.

•  The brand received so much of appreciation from their Green Coffee range of skincare that they researched and developed another exotic forest ingredient the Jackfruit skincare range. They are going to keep bringing the customers exciting new forest goodness to bring freshness to their skin and lives.

•  The brand’s Hero Ingredient is always Certified organic, well researched backed with science and blended into the ultimate high performing potent formula. The most active part of the formulation is the hero ingredient which contains 10% of the actives.

“Our brand, AFFOREST ‘s journey is a testament to the transformative power of perseverance and passion. As we navigate the road ahead, we will continue to uphold our values of authenticity, transparency, and integrity, ensuring that every product we create reflects our unwavering commitment towards excellence & the environment,” Yukta Raghu, 1st Ranger, CEO & Co-founder, AFFOREST Green Beauty.

www.myafforest.com

www.instagram.com/myafforestgreenbeauty/?hl=en

www.linkedin.com/in/yukta-raghu-6047b9245/

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Image: AFFOREST Green Beauty Brand – All new culture of skin care

(Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with Newsvoir. PTI takes no editorial responsibility for the same.)

source: http://www.ptinews.com / PTI / Home> General / by Press Release / April 02nd, 2024

Special Puja Offered At Talacauvery For Rain

Madikeri:

Following severe drought condition in the State including Kodagu district, special puja was performed at Sri Bhagandeshwara Temple and Talacauvery, the birth place of River Cauvery in the district today, praying for a good spell of rain, said M.B. Devaiah, President of Sri Kaaveramme Kodava Amma Kodava Hitarakshana Charitable Trust.

Devaiah said, “Mother Cauvery should show mercy on us to come out of the present drought situation. The devotees, who came from various parts of the State have offered puja at Talacauvery.”

By performing puja, we prayed for rainfall and as per the advise of tantris (priests) we did yelaneeru (tender coconut) abhisheka during the puja. All the devotees took part in the puja rituals. Following drought in the State, people, livestock and wildlife are facing severe water scarcity. Kodagu had last witnessed such a severe drought condition in the year 1924. In the later years, the district had witnessed copious rainfall contributing to better agrarian output.

Now, we have been witnessing severe drought, leading to drying up of rivers and other water bodies. The Governments should be blamed for the current situation, for taking up massive deforestation by cutting trees arbitrarily in the name of development works. The people, livestock and animals are feeling the pinch, crying for water, said Devaiah. Prominent leaders of Sri Kaaveramme Kodava Amma Kodava Hitarakshana Charitable Trust Manu Muddappa, M.K. Aiyanna, Nandakumar, Somaiah and others were present.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / April 03rd, 2024