Category Archives: Business & Economy

‘Demand for bamboo is on rise’

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

BambooKF30mar2013Bamboo cultivation will fetch good income for the growers, said Chief Conservator of Forest Keshavamurthy.

Speaking at a workshop on bamboo organised by the Bamboo Society of India, Kodagu Model Forest and Forest College, he said the bamboo can be grown inside the coffee estates as well. Bamboo is used in furnitures, as a fodder for animals and in preparations of medicine. The demand for bamboo is on rise in the international market.

He said that bamboo is grown on five lakh hectare land in the State. The demand for bamboo is 26.26 lakh tonne. Bamboo sticks are used in the preparation incense sticks. Along with growing ginger, farmers can also grow bamboo.

Forest College dean Dr N A Prakash also spoke. Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (retd) Dr K Sundar Naik also spoke. Bamboo growers Dr L C Sona, Sanjeev, Ahammed and Sandeep spoke.

source: http://www.DeccanHerald.com / Home> District / Gonikoppa, DHNS / March 29th, 2013

Centre plans boost for cardamom biz

Agriculture, Business & Economy, Science & Technology

Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar reviews the functioning of Cardamom Research Centre in Madikeri, Karnataka

Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar today reviewed the functioning of Cardamom Research Centre in Madikeri in Karnataka.

Pawar, who is on a two-day tour of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)-affliated institutes in Karnataka, is scheduled to return to Delhi on Saturday.

On Sunday last, Pawar had taken ill at a public function near Sangli in Maharashtra and had to be air-lifted to Pune. “He is fine now and travelling,” a close aide of Pawar said.

Cardamom Research Centre, Appangala, is located in Hervanadu village of Madikeri Taluk, Kodagu, Karnataka on the Madikeri- Bhagamandala Road, 8 km from Madikeri, in an area of 17.4 ha. The CRC Appangala is the only ICAR Research Centre working on cardamom, has been playing an important role in conducting research on cardamom and cardamom-based cropping systems, for increasing cardamom productivity.

During 2012, the centre celebrated its 50th anniversary and has been working closely with many stakeholders for development of the crop.

“I recall with nostalgia the day the centre was handed over to us in 1986 with “Queen of Spices” as the mandate crop. The release of the first IISR cardamom variety ‘Kodagu Suvasini’ in 1997 followed by ‘IISR Avinash’ and ‘IISR Vijetha’ in 2001 was a watershed in CRCs research agenda.

Subsequent research endeavours included our commitment to deliver technologies for sustainable use and evolve varieties tolerant to pests and diseases, climate change, drought etc not only for cardamom but also for black pepper. The technology to get sustainable production of black pepper despite delayed monsoon is well-accepted and appreciated by planters of this region.

Germplasm collection and conservation has always been our forte and the CRC now has in its fold around 436 accessions of cardamom, making it one of the largest germplasm collections in the world besides being the National Active Germplasm Site (NAGS),” M Anandaraj, Director, Indian Institute of Spices Research Said recently.

source: http://www.Business-Standard.com / Home> Markets> Commodities> Foods & Edible Oils / Press Trust of India / New Delhi, March 29th, 2013

‘Coffee has not affected environment’

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

MuthannaKF29mar2013Coorg Wildlife Society president Col (retd) C P Muthanna said, coffee cultivation, which is considered as the lifeline of the people of Kodagu, has not harmed the environment in any way. No restrictions should be imposed on farming practices, which are being followed for more than a century, he said.

Speaking to presspersons here recently, he said, in the wake of opposition to Dr Madhav Gadgil committee recommendations, the Centre had constituted a committee headed by Kasturirangan. “Members of the society met Kasturirangan committee members recently and raised objections against a few recommendations made in the Madhav Gadgil report, he said.

“We will accept a few recommendations made by Gadgil on the need for conserving rivers, flora and fauna on the Western Ghats. However, the point that horticulture crops, especially coffee, affects bio-diversity badly is unaccepted. Coffee is being grown under huge trees in Kodagu. Along with coffee, growers also plant fruit bearing trees,” Muthanna said.

He said: “We are opposed to the recommendation on restriction on use of pesticides. Without the use of pesticides, coffee cannot be grown. There is a need to create awareness on the ill-effects of excessive use of pesticides and convince growers to go for alternative methods to save the plants. However, the recommendation that there should not be a single-crop pattern on private lands in Western Ghats region has created fear in the minds of the farmers.”

Muthanna said, the society will welcome the recommendation to declare Kodagu as an eco-sensitive zone. Conversion of agriculture land for other use should be banned. It should clearly mention that farmland and coffee plantations should not be used for non-agriculture activities.

“We welcome the recommendations of the committee on giving forest rights to forest dwellers as per Forest Rights Act. Instead of allowing the forest dwellers to reside inside the forest, they should be allowed to reside on the periphery of the forest. If they are allowed to reside inside the forest, the authorities will not be able to provide basic facilities to forest dwellers,” he said.

Society vice-president B A Poonaccha, secretary Shyama Appanna and others were present.

source: http://www.DeccanHerald.com / Home> Dsitrict / Madikeri, DHNS / March 28th, 2013

Army recruitment rally

Business & Economy, Uncategorized

An army open recruitment rally will be organised at Centenary Stadium, Jyothi Nagar, Chikmagalur under the aegis of Deputy Director General of Headquarters Recruiting Zone (Bangalore) and Army Recruiting office (Mangalore) from April 16 to 23.

The rally will benefit candidates of eleven districts of Karnataka such as Uttar Kannada, Dakshina Kannada, Hassan, Kodagu, Udupi, Chikmagalur, Chitradurga, Davangere, Shimoga, Bijapur and Dharwad.

Candidates will be tested for enrollment into the Indian Army in categories of soldier general duty, soldier clerks/store keeper, soldier technical, soldier nursing assistant and soldier tradesman.

As the army enrollment is conducted on all India basis, all documents are required to be English. Candidates should bring all their civil education certificates in original along with two xerox copies duly attested.

For details contact ARO Mangalore on 0824 – 2458376, according to a press release.

source: http://www.DeccanHerald.com / Home> District / DHNS / Mangalore, March 20th, 2013

Widening of roads in Ponnampet begins

Business & Economy, Historical Links / Pre-Independence

ponnampetKF24mar2013Ponnampet in South Kodagu, known as cultural town, is all set for a facelift. But, it has some negative effects as buildings — some of which are centuries old — are being demolished for widening of roads.

The town, which so far had narrow roads, is now getting wider roads. Several houses and shops are being demolished — either completely or partially.

Ponnampet town was built in 1845 by Madaiah in memory of Cheppudira Ponnappa, who was the Dewan during the regime of Raja Chikkaveera Rajendra. Mahatma Gandhi visited the town once during the freedom struggle. Ramakrishna Girani, Ramakrishna Sharadashrama and government primary and high schools were built during the British era.

Although the town has seen development in various phases, it has maintained its beauty and serenity. In fact, it is considered as the cleanest town in South Kodagu. With the town connecting to the Mysore-Manandavadi road between, and due to thousands of students studying in several educational institutions here, the narrow roads had become a problem.
Realising this, the public works department took up the task of widening the roads. As Basaveshwara temple, situated in the heart of the town, could not be demolished, considering the religious sentiments of people, the houses nearby are being demolished.

The road widening works have resulted in severe drinking water problem as the pipes have been either damaged or removed. Along with the gram panchayat, Ponnampet Golden Jaycee is supplying drinking water to citizens through tankers.

source: http://www.DeccanHerald.com / Home> District / by Gonikoppa (Kodagu Dist) / DH News Service / March 18th, 2013

Investors discuss land conversion, power woes

Business & Economy

MadikeriKF22mar2013The follow-up meeting of the Kodagu investors conclave that was held in last December, was convened at Balbhavan in Madikeri.

The investors discussed various issues like land conversion, electricity problem, various regulations laid down by the Environmental Pollution Board etc.

Addressing the participants, District Industrial Centre Joint Director Varadaraju said that the progress report of the investors is reviewed every week and actions will be taken to find suitable solution to the problems.

He assured of directing all the officers to co-operate with the investors.

State Forest Industry Development Board President M B Devaiah said that organising the conclave will help to provide employment opportunities to the youth, hence it will help to retain the youth power.

District Chamber of Commerce President G Chidwilas expressed happiness over the investment of Rs 4,000 crore from 375 investors that was pooled in the conclave that was organised in December.

source: http://www.DeccanHerald.com / Home> District / DHNS / Madikeri, March 22nd, 2013

‘Hard work bring moments of success’

Business & Economy, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg

Newly-appointed Additional Advocate General of Karnataka Meriyanda Sajan Poovayya said that hours of hard work bring moments of success.

Poovaiah was reacting to a query from Express on his journey from Virajpet, a small town in Kodagu, to Bangalore, New Delhi, London and the pinnacle of his profession.

He assured of never leaving or forgeting Kodagu which gave him such an opportunity at a young age of 38. “Due to the support and encouragement of my parents and family members, I achieved this unique milestone,” he said.

Starting his career in 1996 in Bangalore, it was determination, dedication and continuous efforts that propelled him.

On the clash between scribes and advocates, he said that it should be termed a misunderstanding where both parties come to a stage and agree to settle the issue in an amicable manner.

He said that if both join together, it will be a formidable force.

Poovayya said that advocates cannot take any stand as they should uphold the Constitutional rights and ethics of advocacy. Advocates should provide all possible legal assistance to their clients. Who is right and who is wrong will be decided by the Court, he added.

He considers Madhava Menon, one of the founders of the National School of Law, as his guru.

He also recalled the impression made upon him by former chief justices of the Supreme Court E S Venkataramaiah and M N Venkatachalaiah, former advocate general of Karnataka B V Acharya and present Advocate General Vijayashanker with whom he started his career as a lawyer.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / Home> States> Karnataka / by B.C. Dinesh – Madikeri / March 18th, 2013

Karavalli at The Gateway Hotel, Bangalore Awarded one of the Top 50 Best Restaurants in Asia

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Records, All, World Opinion

The legendary Karavalli, the well-known South Western Coastal cuisine restaurant, at The Gateway Hotel, Bangalore has been voted 44th of the top 50 restaurants in the Eleventh annual listing of The S. Pellegrino World’s Best Restaurants.
KaravalliKF09mar2013
Karavalli at The Gateway Hotel, Residency Road

Bengaluru, Karnataka :
The legendary Karavalli, the well-known South Western Coastal cuisine restaurant, at The Gateway Hotel, Bangalore has been voted 44th of the top 50 restaurants in the Eleventh annual listing of The S. Pellegrino World’s Best Restaurants.

This list organized by William Reed media, a British trade publishing house celebrates the top 100 restaurants of the world annually, a credible indicator of the best places to eat in different parts of the world. The list of Asia’s best restaurants was voted for by The World’s 50 Best Restaurants Academy, made up of 936 voters from the hospitality industry.

Chef Natarajan Kulandai, Corporate Chef, The Gateway Hotels & Resorts, acknowledged the recognition and said, “Being 44th on the Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants list is a great honour for us as this is also the highest rank and recognition achieved by any restaurant from Bangalore. Critics, gourmets and celebrities across the world celebrate Karavalli. The chefs at this culinary destination continue to delight diners with exceptional meals, using the wealth of local spices, red chillies, coconut, pepper, fresh fish, meats and vegetables unique to these coastal regions. It reiterates our place among gourmands at the global platform, and is testament to the highest standard of an authentic culinary experience that we offer our guests”.

Chef Naren Thimmaiah, Executive Chef, The Gateway Hotel Residency Road Bangalore adds, “We are delighted and proud to be voted among the best in Asia. Karavalli captures the essence of 22 years of extensive research, reflecting the culinary legacy of the coastal regions of south west India We have been exploring the mystique of the region and have been fascinated by the bouquet of flavours of the south western coast It gives us immense joy to share these epicurean pleasures with you at Karavalli.”

Having embarked on a journey in 1990 to offer guests traditional and authentic cuisine of the South Western Coastal region, Karavalli promises to give connoisseurs and gourmands a rejuvenated epicurean experience. Authenticity is the hallmark at the iconic Karavalli, where well-researched home-food recipes come together to ensure an experience like never before – be it a refreshed blend of novel additions to the menu which includes a distinctive compilation of vegetarian and non-vegetarian delicacies with extensive culinary journeys ranging from the best of the Mangalorean Bunts and Konkani’s, Kodavas from Coorg, Malayalees, Calicut Muslims and Syrian Christians of Travancore, Havyaka Brahmins of Vitla and the Portuguese of Goa; innovative desserts or unique dining proficiencies. Another acclaimed highlight of the restaurant is its West Coast Seafood Grills section in the alfresco area, which gives guests the opportunity for an interactive session with the chef and co-creation in the cooking experience.

Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants list features the restaurants in Asia that have received the most votes from The World’s 50 Best Restaurants Academy. The S. Pellegrino World’s Best Restaurants List 2013 also included restaurants like Narisawa (Tokyo), Wasabi (Mumbai), Nahm (Bangkok), Ultra Violet (Shanghai), Varq (New Delhi) and others from the world over.

source: http://www.indiaprwire.com / Home> Restaurants, Awards / India PRWire / March 01st, 2013

Govt is committed to provide sites for siteless, says district-in-charge minister

Agriculture, Business & Economy

District in-charge minister M P Appachu Ranjan said the state government is committed to provide sites for the siteless, who have been residing on paisari land for generations.

Speaking to presspersons here on Monday, he said an amendment has been brought to the Land Revenue Rules and has been sent for approval in view of providing facilities for those who have been residing on paisari land. “Once the process is complete, all those who have been residing on paisari land in Kodagu, Dakshina Kannada, Shimoga and Chikmagalur districts will get sites.

Action

Stringent action will be initiated against those who had regularised paisari land.
However, all those who have encroached upon government lands recently will be evicted,” he said.

Cheque

The minister presented a cheque for Rs 15 lakh, released under CM’s special fund to Madapura Kodava Samaja.

Zilla panchayat member B B Bharathish, BCM department officer Puttaraju, Madapura Kodava Samaja member M A Ponnappa, M C Bopaiah and others were present.

source: http://www.DeccanHerald.com / Home> District / DHNS, Madikeri / February 20th, 2013

The right blend of coffee and tourism

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy, Coffee News, Coffee, Kodagu (Coorg)

Fascinating trails

Coffee lovers and those with wanderlust have something to rejoice over. Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL), in collaboration with the Ministry of Karnataka Tourism and Thomas Cook (India) Ltd, recently launched the Kaapi Trail, a tourism product which allows one to experience coffee in its homeland with a single click.

The trails will cover coffee regions like Coorg, Chikmagalur, BR Hills and Araku Valley and offer three types of tourism packages – heritage trail, wild trail and leisure trail.
Depending on the package chosen, travellers will visit coffee plantations, stay in carefully handpicked homestays, go for jeep safaris in the wild and on cycling tours and more importantly, experience the local culture, traditions and cuisine.

Interestingly, this project had its beginnings place last year itself, when the City airport was full of little kiosks selling different varieties of coffee for domestic and foreigners to get a taste of the South.

“Last year, the promotion began as a way of introducing people to the pleasures of coffee drinking and to strengthen the diversity of tourism attractions of the state. Trails like this have been successful world over. The Scotch trails, for example, combine scotch whiskey with the wonderful landscape of Scotland. This is our version of it with the common thread of coffee,” says Hari Marar, President, operations, BIAL.

For Jawaid Akhtar, chairman, Coffee Board, this move will make Bangalore the gateway to South India.

He points out the benefits of this trail – “This will not only increase the coffee grower’s income and the occupancy of the homestays in the coffee regions. But the microclimate in which Indian coffee is grown will be exposed to tourists,” he shares.

“We need to take this product to tour operators around the world and get it incorporated into brochures. This will ensure that tourists see it as a part of the Indian offering,” informs Madhavan Menon, managing director, Thomas Cook (India) Ltd. He adds, “We’re not trying to create a new genre of products but a new destination.”

In fact, this is the first time that tourism and coffee are coming together, and the convenience aspect of having a readymade travel plan is truly a big step forward.

“It’s great that this concept has germinated into a product. This is chance for Karnataka to show that coffee’s a way of life in this part of the world; it’s integrated in our culture. We live coffee, drink coffee and dream coffee,” wraps up Arvind Jadhav, additional chief secretary, Karnataka State Tourism.

source: http://www.DeccanHerald.com / Home> Supplements> Metrolife / DHNS / January 15th, 2013