Category Archives: Business & Economy

12th Plan outlay for Coffee Board by month-end

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

Nirmala Sitharaman plans to have a meeting of all stake-holders of the coffee industry in Bangalore and for the Tea Industry in Guwahati.

Bangalore :
Union Ministers have assured Karnataka coffee growers that the 12th Five-Year Plan for the Coffee Board would be announced by August end.

In their meeting, coffee growers told Minister of Commerce Nirmala Sitharaman that the 12th Plan outlay for coffee is overdue by about two years and many small and large growers are eagerly awaiting the Plan proposals as they have held back some investments because of the impending notification.

After patiently hearing growers’ problems, she assured them that the notification will be made by the end of August. The growers also have urged Union ministers to revisit the Kasturirangan Report and remove plantations from the preview of the act for Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, just as it has been done for Kerala. The members of the delegation that met the Union Ministers included D Govindappa Jayaram, chairman, and K Kurian, vice-chairman, of the Karnataka Planters Association; MS Jayaram, president, Thirthamallesh, secretary, Nanda Belliappa and MS Boje Gowda of the Karnataka Growers Federation; Peter Mathias, president, and Ullas Menon, Secretary-General, United Planters Association of Southern India.

The planters’ delegation was in New Delhi from July 29 to August 1 to discuss issues with Commerce Ministry officials and Nirmala Sitharaman. The delegation also met newly-elected MPs from Karnataka and apprised them on various issues. Pollution control norms for pulping were also brought to the ministers’ attention. Growers urged them to consider studies done by the University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore. Ministers assured the delegation that SCTL for growers above 10 hectares would be looked into. They also said that recoveries of loans which have become non-performing assets and those before the Debt Recovery Tribunal would not be brought under the SARFAESI Act for any plantation lands.

Meetings
Nirmala Sitharaman suggested plans to have a meeting for all stake-holders of the coffee industry in Bangalore and for the Tea Industry in Guwahati.

She also suggested that the Rainfall Insurance Plan will be modified to include all plantation losses caused due to heavy rainfall, drought or heavy pest attacks, such as white stem borer or stalk/bean/leaf rot (Koleroga) etc. She also said she would explore ways of including research scientists from the agricultural department for doing research on coffee, as well as getting some funding from the Agricultural Ministry for the same.

The Ministers also assured help in getting the approval of the National Horticultural Package (for Pepper) for Karnataka.

source: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com / Business Line / Home> Agri-Biz / The Hindu Bureau / Bangalore – August 03rd, 2014

‘Mysore-Kodagu will be developed as tourism hubs’

Business & Economy

Higher Education and Tourism Minister R V Deshpande said, tourist places in Chamarajanagar, Mandya and Kodagu districts will be developed by creating a tourism hub with Mysore under focus.

He was speaking after inaugurating a Yatri Nivas constructed by the Tourism department at a cost of Rs 3.90 crore at Kanakagiri, in Chamarajanagar taluk, on Sunday. He also took part in Mokshakalyana puja and Mukuta Sapthami puja of Sri Vijaya Parshwanatha Swami. He said, the State government would soon announce a Tourism Policy and would seek financial assistance from the Centre. “The Yatri Nivas will provide accommodation, food and basic facilities for tourists at nominal prices.

Another facility, which will include a prayer hall, open air theatre, rest rooms, etc, will be provided at a cost of Rs 4 crore. A proposal will be forwarded to the Union government in this regard.

Tourism will be given priority as it provides employment to numerous persons and also generates revenue for both the people and the government,” he said.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> District / Chamarajanagar – DHNS, August 03rd, 2014

This Woman from Srirangapatna is the Queen Bee Among Entrepreneurs

Agriculture, Business & Economy, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Leaders, World Opinion
Chayaa nanjappa National Best Entrepreneur Award From the Confederation of Women Entrepreneurs of India was presented toher in Hyderabad on Monday. |EPS
Chayaa nanjappa National Best Entrepreneur Award From the Confederation of Women Entrepreneurs of India was presented toher in Hyderabad on Monday. |EPS

Bangalore :

From Srirangapatna to Europe, it has been a long and difficult journey for 42-year-old Chayaa Nanjappa. But she has battled the odds and today heads a rural enterprise which produces high-quality honey that sweetens many a home even in Europe and the United States.

As a reward for her hard work, Chayaa was on Monday awarded this year’s ‘National Best Entrepreneur Award’ in food processing by the Confederation of Women Entrepreneurs of India.

Her path to success has not been a smooth one; she had to overcome many an adversity, physical abuse and traumatic relationships. But now, this gentle, self-made woman provides a livelihood for not only many illiterates of Mysore and Mandya districts, but also some tribals across the state. She is also the largest buyer of forest honey from Malayalis and tribes like Siddis and Jenu Kurubas.

She began her journey by setting up a small unit at Bommanahalli with the help of a `10-lakh loan. She then shifted operations to Nanjangud and later, to Srirangapatna.

Today her enterprise Nectar Fresh, which produces monofloral honey, has a capacity of 200 tonnes and is worth `6 crore. It is one of the largest bulk suppliers and packers of honey in the country and falls in the top five bulk exporters of raw as well as processed honey. Nectar Fresh also has the ISO 22000:2005 certification.

Chayaa told Express, “With no work experience or exposure, I started a rural industry in 2007 that could be identified with my hometown, Coorg. After doing a basic course from Central Bee Research and Training Institute (CBRTI), I jumped into the industry completely, sourcing honey from tribes and farmers.” She has 20 mobile apiary vans across the country.

Going International

To earn her brand a significant international presence, she decided to market it as a basket of products, including jams and sauces. The result: it found a place in the European market. “I added jams and sauces to my basket by purchasing pulp from sick units run by women in places like Bangalore and Mangalore, and sourcing fruits like papaya and tomato directly from farmers,” she said.

With exports to Germany and France, Nectar Fresh has broken the monopoly of global companies like Bereenberg, Darbo and Bonne Maman. “We met the stringent standards necessary for approval to export to Germany and made a strong impact by packaging our honey and jam in polypropylene sachets for high quality and shelf life. The European competitors feel threatened by our presence,” said Chayaa, who is now busy tying up with a Saudi Arabian company for the production of jams from dates.

She credited the Karnataka Village Industries Board (KVIB), CBRTI, the Horticulture Department, the Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI), Le Meridien, ITC Foods and a host of others who supported her. “Any small and marginal farmer in Karnataka producing quality honey can contact me. My sole aim is to promote rural products and help women in distress by providing employment opportunities,” she said.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Karnataka / by Meera Bhardwaj / July 31st, 2014

‘Madikeri to get water from Kundamestri shortly’

About Kodagu / Coorg, Agriculture, Business & Economy, Green Initiatives / Environment, Nature, Records, All, Science & Technology

The work on a temporary project to supply water from Kundamestri is nearing completion. The water from Kundamestri is likely to be supplied to the citizens of Madikeri by the week end.

Sand bunds have been laid to store water. The collected water will be supplied to Kootuhole through pipes. After filtering the water at a Filter house at Stuart Hill, water will be supplied to the citizens.

Madikeri reels under water crisis every year during summer. The work on Kundamestri project was initiated to mitigate water crisis.

However, owing to delay in release of funds, the work could not be completed. Now the estimated cost of the project has been escalated.

The Kundamestri project is being implemented by Karnataka Water Supply and Sewage Board. It will take another one year to complete the work.

Board Executive Engineer Balachandra has expressed confidence of completing the work. The project has been taken up keeping in mind the development of Madikeri in the next 50 years.

When the water level declines in Kootuhole, water will be supplied from Kundamestri to Kootuhole.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> District / Srikanth Kallammanavar / Madikeri – DHNS, July 26th, 2014

‘Cauvery’ squad to help women in Kodagu

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy

To curtail rise in atrocities against women and to provide security to women, the Kodagu district police have constituted ‘Cauvery’ squad on the model of Hoysala.

Superintendent of Police M N Anucheth said that the ream will patrol in Madikeri, Virajpet and Kushalnagar. It will start its operation in Gonikoppa and Somwarpet shortly.

The team will patrol in a jeep and will have one ASI rank officer and police constables. The team will patrol near women’s colleges, schools, hostels and remand homes.

Woman constable in every station should visit children’s home during night patrol.

Women help desk has been opened in every police station.
A woman police will be deployed to women help desk started in every college and high school, for one hour. The names of the complainant in sexual atrocity cases will be kept in secret. Those who want to complaint can dial toll free number 1091 or 100.

11 sexual assaults

A total of 11 sexual assault cases have been reported in Kodagu district in the last six months. Twenty seven cases have been registered last year, said the SP.

Barring one case, in other cases accused has been arrested and produced to the court.

Eight sexual assaults have been committed on minors. Most of the cases, it is the relatives and neighbours who have committed the crime.

“Goonda Act can be invoked on the accused in sexual assault cases. There is no question of hushing up the case through dialogue.”

Any citizen can walk in to the police station to register a FIR. If any police station refuse to register FIR, then they can contact me directly at 9480804901.

CCTV cameras will be installed at Kushalnagar to maintain law and order.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> District / Madikeri – DHNS, July 23rd, 2014

George promises all-woman police stations in 10 more districts

Business & Economy

Home Minister K.J. George said in Madikeri on Saturday that the State government was serious about curbing atrocities against women.

All-woman police stations will be established this year in 10 districts of the State, he said. Addressing a press conference, he said already 10 districts had all-woman police stations. While 10 new all-woman police stations would be established this year, 10 more will come up next year.

In addition to this, the State government had introduced 20 per cent reservation for women for recruitment to the Police Department, he said. The government plans to constitute a panel which will submit a report on how to curb atrocities against women, he said.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> National> Karnataka / by Special Correspondent / Mysore – July 19th, 2014

Record coffee bean output likely

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

Despite widespread attack of the White Stem Borer (WSB) pest in all growing regions, the Coffee Board, a estimates India’s coffee production for 2014-15 at a record 344,750 tonnes – an increase of 13.2 per cent over the final estimate for 2013-14.

Although the Board projected an all-time high output of 347,000 tonnes for 2013-14, the final production came down to 304,500 tonnes, with 102,200 tonnes of Arabica and 202,300 tonnes of Robusta beans. Compared to 315,500 tonnes in 2012-13, the production was down by 3.5 per cent. For the current year, the pest has already affected 50 per cent of the Arabica plantations and the production loss could be the worst ever, if the monsoon continues to play truant. The Board has projected Arabica output at 105,500 tonnes and Robusta at 239,250 tonnes for 2014-15 crop.

“Our estimates are based on the conditions that prevailed during post-blossom period in April. The blossom showers were adequate this year, though the distribution was not uniform and there was a slight delay in receiving the backing showers in certain pockets. This year is an “on-year” for Robusta crop and the conditions are very good for the crop presently. The pest could come under control if there is a very good shower in the remaining months of monsoon. However, it will be known only in September, when we come out with post-monsoon estimates,” Jawaid Akhtar, chairman, Coffee Board, told Business Standard. He said last year, the Robusta crop suffered losses due to a heavy monsoon between July and September, after two months of drought earlier in the year. However, this year, the conditions might change with the monsoon rains in July and August.

CoffeeProductionkf17jul2014

Akhtar said coffee areas were facing long dry spell, followed by blossom showers. Agreeing with the Board, Ramesh Rajah, president, Coffee Exporters’ Association, said the Robusta crop has in excellent condition and depending on how the rains continue in the remaining days, the final production would vary. As WSB is rampant this year, the production of Arabica could come down by 10,000-15,000 tonnes, he said.

Planters have expressed surprise over the estimates for the current year. “Last year was an ‘on-year’ for Arabica and still it suffered losses due to WSB initially and later with heavy monsoons. This year, it is an ‘on-year’ for Robusta. With WSB surfacing, the Arabica production at the most could be in the range of 60,000 tonnes,” said Nishant R Gurjer, former chairman, Karnataka Planters Association.

source: http://www.business-standard.com / Business Standard / Home> Markets> Commodities> Food & Edible Oils / Mahesh Kulkarni / Bangalore – July 14th, 2014

Coffee Board projects record crop next season

Business & Economy, Coffee News, Coffee, Kodagu (Coorg), Records, All

ChartKF13jul2014

Growers sceptical due to prolonged dry period, borer menace

Chennai :
The Coffee Board has projected a record crop of 3.44 lakh tonnes (lt) for the new season beginning October, but growers are sceptical about the estimates.

According to the Coffee Board’s post-blossom estimate, Arabica output will be 1.05 lt and Robusta 2.34 lt. (The estimate of crop made after the coffee plant blossoms and spikes develop on the plant is the post-blossom estimate.)

This is against a revised estimate of 3.04 lt this season ending September (1.02 lt Arabica and 2.02 lt Robusta).

“I think this output could be difficult to achieve, especially with regard to Arabica. This is because even in best-maintained plantations, there is heavy infestation of the white stem borer,” said Anil K Bhandari, former president of the United Planters’ Association of Southern India, and an exporter.

Other opinions
“Such levels of production cannot come from the original area under coffee in the country. This year, most planters are complaining that their output will be down by at least 40 per cent as far as Arabica is concerned. In my own estates, the output will drop to 10 tonnes from 40 tonnes,” said Bose Mandanna, former Coffee Board Vice-Chairman and a planter in Kodagu, Karnataka.

Due to a prolonged dry season, the menace of the white stem borer, which has been wreaking havoc in coffee plantations over the past decade, is a serious threat this year.

“Maybe, the estimate put out by the Coffee Board was the situation prevalent during blossom. After that, there has been a tremendous loss in the estates due to the borer menace,” said Bhandari.

This year, coffee estates are reported to have received timely showers for blossoming of the coffee flower. Follow-up showers, required for growth of the plant, were also good before the borer menace spread panic.

According to the Board estimate, Karnataka will contribute 72 per cent of the coffee production next season, up from nearly 70 per cent this season. Output in Karnataka will be 2.48 lt (80,700 tonnes Arabica and 1.67 lt robusta) against 2.11 lt this season (78,440 tonnes Arabica and 1.32 lt Robusta).

Kodagu’s contribution will be 43 per cent with 20,150 tonnes of Arabica and 1.13 lt of Robusta (21,040 tonnes Arabica and 90,820 tonnes of Robusta). Last year, its contribution to the country’s coffee production was 36 per cent.

Fears of drought
“It is almost like a drought situation in Kodagu. It is unlikely that the district will provide so much coffee this year,” Mandanna said.

“It is likely that the Coffee Board could revise the estimate downwards after taking into account the effect of monsoon and other things. It should carry out another estimate later and put it out during October-November. That could perhaps reflect a correct picture,” Bhandari said.

According to plantation industry sources, for the last few years, the Coffee Board has been putting out a higher projection of the crop in its post-blossom estimate.

“This has been happening for sometime now. They come out with a higher figure and then revise it. Who gains from such estimates,?” a source wondered.

Last year, the Coffee Board initially estimated the crop at a record 3.47 lakh tonnes before pegging it finally at 3.04 lakh tonnes.

This season’s production estimate was lowered after heavy rains in the growing areas led to wet feet in coffee plants resulting in the roots growth freezing. This led to coffee berries falling off the plant, leading to loss.

“The Board has to revise its methodology in estimating the crop. Then, perhaps it could be nearer to reality,” the source said.

source: http://ww.thehindubusinessline.com / Business Line / Home> Markets> Commodities / by MR Subramani / Chennai – July 08th, 2014

Kodagu inches closer to rail connectivity

About Kodagu / Coorg, Business & Economy

Mysore :

A train to Kodagu could now be possible, which could sell tourism potential of the hill station to both domestic and foreign tourists and be the driver of economy.

Thanks to railway minister D V Sadananda Gowda, the only district in Karnataka without railway connectivity is inching closer to get on the rail map of India.

Gowda, whose wife Datty is from Kodagu district, on Tuesday approved the survey of new line that will connect Mysore to Madikeri, the district headquarters. He said: “I am happy to announce that the survey for Mysore-Kushalnagar portion of Mysore-Kushalnagar-Madikeri new line has been completed and the state government has agreed to share cost of the project. This will provide rail connectivity to important tourist destinations in Kodagu (Coorg). I propose to pursue this project for obtaining requisite approvals after completion of remaining survey up to Madikeri.”

Sources in the Mysore division of the South Western Railway said that the survey between Mysore and Kushalnagar has been completed in 2011. The preliminary survey between Kushalnagar and Madikeri is completed t the final location survey is not taken up. With the approval from the railway minister, the project is back on track, they told The Times of India. The Mysore-Kushalnagar section is estimated to be 89 kms long and is planned to have over five stations including one at Peripayapatna. But the estimate for this section is not prepared, they added. As the minister has said if the state government funds its share, the project can be taken up, they explained adding the survey for the remaining portion can be completed within an year.

The Mysore Industries Association welcomed the move and said it will help in the development of the area.

Besides, the track doubling works between Mysore and Bangalore is expected to completed year end, which will improve connectivity to the city. Gowda has said that they plan to open the double track by February 2015 and operate trains. Inclusion of Mysore-Bangalore-Chennai corridor for high speed train connectivity is also welcomed by the MIA.

Connectivity to Shimoga set to improve

Gowda has also announced new survey between Talguppa and Siddapura in Uttara Kannada, which could help link the costal Karnataka to the Malnad region. It was long pending demand of the public to extend railway connectivity from Talguppa near Jog Falls in Shimoga district and link it to Konkan Railway. Shimoga, represented by former CM B S Yeddyurappa in the Lok Sabha, has also got lucky with a new survey ordered between Shimoga and Mangalore via Sringeri. Shimoga has also got a bi-weekly train to Bangalore.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Msore / by H M Aravind, TNN / July 08th, 2014

Water from Kundamestri to flow to three water bodies

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

The ambitious Kundamestri drinking water project is all set to supply water to three keres (streams) in Madikeri. Deputy Commissioner Anurag Tiwari has given his nod for the laying of pipelines at an estimated cost of Rs 20 lakh to flow water Roshanara kere, Pampina kere and Kannandabane open well.

KundamestriKF07jul2014

There were no pipelines to flow water to these water bodies. Hence, barring these areas, water from Kundamestri was supplied to other areas. If the work on laying pipelines are complete, then water from Kundamestri project will reach entire Madikeri town.

Following delay in completion of work on Kundamestri project, the water was flowed to Kootuhole and later to filter house to be supplied to the residents.

Once the work on pipelines are complete, then water can be supplied to the residents directly from Kundamestri.

Normally, Kannandabane kere, Roshanara kere and Pampinakere goes dry during peak summer. The CMC was depending on tankers to supply water to the residents. If the project on supplying water from Kundamestri is success, then the CMC can save money.

The DC has given nod for an action plan of Rs 32.80 lakh for taking up 14 different works under second phase of SFC grant during 2013-14.

Kannandabane, Chaingate and surrounding areas, Raghavendra temple, Tyagaraja colony, Azad Nagara and Putani Nagar will be covered under Kundamestri water project.

The remaining 11 works include cleaning of borewells, installing pumps for borewells at Mangaladevi Nagara and Sudarshana Circle, deepening a borewell at Azad Nagara, drilling borewells at Dasavala Jayanagara and Chamundeshwari Nagara, sources said.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> District / by Srikanth Kallammanavar / DHNS-Madikeri, July 07th, 2014