Category Archives: Business & Economy

Once A British Colony, This Place In Karnataka’s Kodagu Now A Major Tourist Attraction

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy, Historical Links / Pre-Independence, Records, All, Travel, Tourism & Homestays (wef. Oct 03rd, 2021), World Opinion, , , , , ,


A fountain is also situated in the Raja Seat’s garden.

Paddy plains between the coffee and cardamom plantations, vehicles, and the settlements on the adjacent hill are other attractions of the Raja Seat.

Raja Seat is one of the most famous tourist hotspots in the Madikeri town of Kodagu, Karnataka. According to the Local 18 Karnataka, there is a pleasant atmosphere in Raja Seat, the whole day. This culturally significant site has been constructed on the border of Madikeri town.

After the British rule had ended, the coffins of the natives were moved to different places and a garden was developed there. A moat (deep and wide trench around the rampart of a fortified place (such as a castle) that is usually filled with water) and a garden are situated on both sides of this tourist attraction. Features like the tall mountain peaks and the trees growing on the slopes between them add to the charm of the Raja Seat.

Paddy plains between the coffee and cardamom plantations, vehicles, and the settlements on the adjacent hill are other attractions of the Raja Seat. If you visit this site early morning, you will witness the paddy field covered with a dense fog. The trees on the hills are covered with a mist (a cloud made of very small drops of water in the air just above the ground, that makes it difficult to see).

A fountain is also situated in the Raja Seat’s garden. Ziplining sports are a major source of attraction as well for the children and elders. Zip lining is an action-filled recreational activity that involves riding a steel cable on a protective seat or a belt. In this sport, the people have to ride between two points and generally on a valley that exhibits spectacular scenery. There is also a play park for the younger children. An interesting fact related to Raja Seat is that it was once a British colony.

Raja Seat was known as the place where the King and Queen enjoyed the view of the sunset during the time of King Chikka Virarajendra. During British rule, a grand pavilion with four arches was built here using cement and tiles.

Visiting Hours – Monday to Sunday 9 am to 5 pm

source: http://www.news18.com / News18 / Home> News> India / by Newsdesk, Local18, Bengaluru / July 29th, 2024

Planters seek GST exemption for black pepper, cardamom

Agriculture, Business & Economy, Pepper, Samajas, Associations, Clubs (wef. Sept. 03rd, 2022)), , , , , , , , , ,

Planters seek GST exemption for black pepper, cardamom

Hunsur:

A delegation of Codagu Planters Association (CPA) met Mysuru-Kodagu MP Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar on Aug. 20 during the 109th birth anniversary of former CM Devaraj Urs at Kallahalli, Hunsur.

The CPA presented a memorandum requesting the MP’s intervention to secure GST exemption for black pepper and cardamom. The delegation was led by CPA Chairman A. Nanda Belliappa and comprising Vice-Chairman A.A. Chengappa, members K.K. Vishwanath, K.K. Belliappa, Muthu Cariappa, and Secretary C.K. Belliappa.

The CPA’s memorandum highlighted that GST authorities have been issuing notices to coffee growers, insisting on GST registration due to the tax on black pepper. They argue that while green pepper is not subject to GST, dried black pepper attracts tax.

The CPA contends that the drying process does not alter the fundamental nature of the produce and should not impact the tax-exempt status of black pepper and cardamom.

This stance is supported by Section 2(7) of the CGST Act 2017, which exempts individuals or Hindu Undivided Families engaged in cultivation by their workers or with the help of family members or hired workers from GST registration.

The CPA also pointed out that imposing GST on black pepper and cardamom is inconsistent with the treatment of similar commodities like paddy and red chillies, which are exempt from GST.

The delegation briefed MP Yaduveer Wadiyar on the issue, who assured them that he would raise the matter with the Union Finance Ministry. A memorandum has also been submitted to the Union Finance Minister and the Finance Secretary through the MP.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / August 22nd, 2024

Pilgrim names Rashmika Mandanna as hair care brand ambassador

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Records, All, Women/Girls (wef. Sept 03rd, 2022)

Beauty and personal care brand Pilgrim has named actress Rashmika Mandanna as its new brand ambassador for its hair care product range. Harnessing Mandanna’s pan-India popularity, the brand has launched a new campaign titled ‘The Secret is in the Mix’


Rashmika Mandanna for Pilgrim – Pilgrim

“I’ve always believed that haircare goes beyond just using the right ingredients- it’s about how they’re brought together,” said Rashmika Mandanna in a press release. “This campaign is truly special because it highlights that while trends come and go, the real magic lies in how ingredients are expertly combined to deliver results. Pilgrim’s haircare products masterfully blend natural and active ingredients, making them truly transformative. I look forward to a great association with Pilgrim and can’t wait to share these remarkable hair care secrets with everyone.”

Chosen for her popularity amongst young Indian audiences, Mandanna will help Pilgrim to further build upon its Gen Z customer base. The new campaign shows a herd of consumers following the latest viral trends and juxtaposes this with Pilgrim’s products, which Mandanna presents as having a superior mix of ingredients.
 
“As Pilgrim continues to grow and take its next big leap, Rashmika is the perfect person to represent the spirit of our brand and lead us into this new era,” said Pilgrim’s co-founder Gagandeep Makker. “This partnership is a significant milestone as we continue to innovate and provide exceptional solutions to our dynamic consumers, and we look forward to scaling new heights together. Our hair care range has received tremendous love, with products like the Hair Growth Serum and Patuá & Keratin Smoothening Shampoo becoming game-changers in the market. Today’s young audience is always searching for innovative solutions for healthy and silky hair, and Rashmika embodies this quest perfectly. We are thrilled to welcome her to the Pilgrim family.”

source: http://www.in.fashionnetwork.in / Fashion Network / Home> India> News> People / August 13th, 2024

Karnataka High Court upholds amendment to Land Revenue Act on Kodavas’ land rights

Agriculture, Business & Economy, Historical Links / Pre-Independence, Records, All, , , , ,

Bengaluru:

The entry can be made without partition being effected among them, or an 11-E sketch obtained as regards area falling to the share of each individual family member, the court added.

The Karnataka High Court upheld the amendment brought to the Karnataka Land Revenue Act, regarding the entry of names of all family members of Kodava families in land records as occupants of the land, including Jamma Bane land.

The entry can be made without partition being effected among them, or an 11-E sketch obtained as regards area falling to the share of each individual family member, the court added.

Noting that there is no violation of law in bringing the amendment, Justice Suraj Govindaraj passed the order while dismissing a batch of petitions filed by Brigadier Maletira A Devaiah (retired) and others, questioning the legality of the amendment in terms of Section 20(2) of the Karnataka Land Revenue (III) Amendment Act 2011.

By way of amendment, the names of all members of the family would be entered into Column 9 of the RTC to recognise the rights of the entire family with respect of property owned, including Jamma Bane land.

The High Court directed the Kodagu district administration to issue a circular giving clarity and stating in detail the due process for entering names of joint family landowners into revenue records in terms of the amendment.

The petitioners have contended that the customary law of Kodavas restricts them from alienating the joint family property and there is no individual right for any member of the family in the joint family property.

The state, by way of the impugned amendment, has done away with the culture of Kodavas, thereby violating Article 51-A(f) of the Constitution, they claimed.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Karnataka / by Express News Service / August 03rd, 2024

Codagu Agritech launches Biocapsules for agriculture

Agriculture, Business & Economy, , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Mysuru:

Codagu Agritech at Kudlur in Kushalnagar has come out with Biocapsules for agriculture to provide beneficial bacteria and biocontrol agents to enhance growth, root production, nutrient mobilisation and better yield.

Disclosing this at a press meet at Pathrakartara Bhavan here on Saturday  Dr. Chaitra Narayan of Codagu Agritech said that the biocapsule is the world’s first technology where biocontrol agents like Trichoderma and good bacteria are delivered in capsule form which is convenient as one capsule is equivalent to one kg or litre of formulation and handling is easy along with cost effectiveness.

She further said that the biocapsule technology is researched and patented by Indian Institute of Spices Research (IISR) in Kozhikode, Kerala, invented by former IISR Director Dr. Anand Raj.

Dr. Chaitra added that MP Pratap Simha had launched the biocapsules at IISR in Appangala near Madikeri last year.

Continuing, Dr. Chaitra said that Codagu Agritech is the first and only licensed commercial manufacturer of biocapsules with a wide market base in Kodagu, Chikkamagalur and gaining momentum in Maharashtra and a few other States with positive response from farmers.

She added that the biocapsules also protect crops from soil-borne pathogens and it is eco-friendly, easy to store and handle, with a long shelf-life of one year at room temperature and can be applied through drip irrigation.

She further said that the biocapsules are available in two forms — Trichocap (pure formulation of Trichoderma) and Powercap (combination of three plant growth-promoting bacteria strains).

The website of the company www.codaguagritech.com was launched by Dr. P.G. Chengappa, former Vice-Chancellor, University of Agriculture Sciences, Bengaluru.

Dr. B.C. Nanjappa was also present at the press meet.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / July 17th, 2017

President Kovind witnesses Kodagu firm’s Biocapsule Technology

Agriculture, Business & Economy, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, , , , , , ,

Mysuru:

 Dr. Chaitra Narayan, Co-founder of Codagu Agritech, Kushalnagar, Kodagu district, was selected as one of the 17 Start-Up entrepreneurs among 150 Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) Institutes for a presentation of ‘Biocapsule Technology’ before President Ram Nath Kovind.

The event was held at Rashtrapathi Bhavan as part of Festival of Innovation and Entrepreneurship between Mar.19 and 23, 2018. The programme was conducted by the President’s Secretariat in association with National Innovation Foundation and Department of Science and Technology.

At the event in Delhi, Dr. Chaitra Narayan demonstrated the concept of ‘Biocapsule Technology’ to the President and a host of science and technology leaders and heads of research institutions.

Codagu Agritech is the only commercial manufacturer of ‘Biocapsules – Trichocap’ (encapsulated formulation of Trichoderma harzianum) and Powercap (encapsulated formulation of Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria – PGPR).

This is the world’s first patented technology that has been developed by ICAR – IISR (Indian Institute of Spices Research), Kozhikode. These Biocapsules are extensively recommended for all plantation (pepper, ginger, cardamom etc.) and horticulture (fruits and vegetables) crops.

Farmer feedback in the past two years have proven that Biocapsules efficiently increase the yield, control soil-borne diseases and act as an efficient plant growth promoter.

According to Dr. Chaitra, the main advantage of this technology is that farmers can use a single capsule instead of 1 kg or 1 litre of Trichoderma or PGPR. There is a reduction of cost by 10 times and also with a guarantee of best quality product with a longer shelf life of one year.These Biocapsules can be easily used by dissolving one capsule in 100 litres of clean water.

“We want to make a difference in eco-friendly sustainable  agriculture. Due to extensive usage of chemical fertilisers, soil health has been drastically damaged in most cultivable lands. We want to promote eco-friendly solutions to farming community to take agriculture to next level by making latest innovations in chemical-free solutions,” she said.

Codagu Agritech was started in June 2016 by Dr. B.C. Nanjappa of Kodagu and Dr. Chaitra Narayan of Mysuru. While Dr. Nanjappa is a well-known environmentalist in Kodagu, Dr. Chaitra Narayan holds a Ph.D. in Microbiology from the University of Mysore.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / March 30th, 2018

Patience helps Nagarathar kin to enter TN coffee market

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

With coffee running in the blood lines of the family the Mother Mirra Group has owned coffee plantations for four generations.

Sundar Subramaniam, executive director of Mother Mirra Group of companies releasing their company product in Coimbatore. (Photo: DC)

Coimbatore:

His family is introduced as the ‘first Asians’ to own a plantation in Asia. Ironically, it took several years and four generations of entrepreneurs of the ‘Mother Mirra Group of Companies’ to foray into retail coffee market.

Speaking to DC, Mr. Sundar Subramaniam executive director of group said, “way back in the 1930s, my great grandfather Mr. PPR. Subramanian Chettiar owned and managed estates in Malaysia at a time when only British and Scots owned coffee plantations. Since then on, my family is in the business of supplying coffee powder and roasted beans from our estates in Coorg to different parts of India. Entering into the domestic filter coffee market is a dream come true for my father Mr. S. Subramanian, who is a third generation entrepreneur of our family.”

With Mirras Coffee the company has entered the domestic filter coffee market. Two options of coffee powder were launched in Coimbatore recently. Mirras Premium blend is a combination of 85 per cent coffee and 15 per cent chicory while the Mirras Gold variant is a combination of 53 per cent coffee and 47 per cent chicory.

Available in 200 grams sachets, for a cost that is affordable, the traditional filter coffee tastes just like home-made coffee, sticking to the tag line of the product ‘idhu namma veetu kaapi’.

The product is available across big and small stores and supermarkets across the city. The firm has a strong dealership network in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. “We have partnered with 350 dealers across both the regions. In a year’s time we are hopeful of capturing 3.50 per cent to 4 per cent of the filter coffee market,” Mr. Sundar Subramaniam said.

The company already has a strong market hold in the wholesale filter coffee market segment with regular consignments of their coffee powder delivered across India.

Karnataka and Tamil Nadu is where the company does thriving business. The coffee is customized for their wholesale clients.

source: http://www.deccanchronicle.com / Deccan Chronicle / Home> Nation / by Lakshmi L Lund / April 08th, 2018

A luxurious retreat nestled in the heart of Coorg

Business & Economy, Travel, Tourism & Homestays (wef. Oct 03rd, 2021)

Inventree Hotels & Resorts unveils Inventree Aranya Resort & Spa in Kushal Nagar, Coorg, featuring 34 rooms and cottages, an all-day dining, bar, swimming pool, and banquet facilities

Inventree Hotels & Resorts launches Inventree Aranya Resort & Spa, a luxurious retreat nestled in the heart of Coorg. This latest addition to the Inventree portfolio is situated in the serene environs of Thondur Road, Suntikoppa Hobli, Kushal Nagar Taluk.

The resort features 34 exquisitely designed rooms and cottages, including the Cardamom Nest (Deluxe Room), Peppercorn Balcony (Deluxe Balcony), Bay Leaf Cottages, and Clove Aqua Villa (Pool Villa). Each accommodation option, complete with private balconies and beautiful garden views, is meticulously crafted to provide comfort and tranquillity.

“Our aim with Inventree Aranya Resort & Spa is to offer travellers the best of experiences, blending luxury with the serene natural beauty of Coorg,” said Sudipta Deb, Managing Director and Founder of Inventree Hotels & Resorts. “We have created a haven where guests can unwind and reconnect with nature while enjoying top-notch amenities and services. From our multi-cuisine restaurant to the infinity pool and adventure activities, every aspect of the resort is designed to provide an exceptional stay.”

The resort boasts a range of facilities to cater to diverse guest needs, including the Turmeric Trail, an all-day dining restaurant; the Dispense Bar; a swimming pool; and the Raisin Rafters poolside bar. Additionally, the resort’s banquet hall offers indoor and outdoor spaces, making it an ideal venue for conferences, weddings, and other special events. Guests can also explore nearby attractions such as the Tibetan settlement (Golden Temple, Bylekuppe), Dubare Elephant Camp, Abbey Falls, and the Coffee Plantation.

Inventree Aranya Resort & Spa stands out not only for its luxurious accommodations but also for its commitment to providing an enriching guest experience. The resort offers exciting excursions and adventure activities, ensuring guests can engage with the local culture and natural surroundings. With services like a 24-hour front desk, security, housekeeping, laundry service, travel desk, and valet parking, the resort ensures a seamless and comfortable stay for all guests.

source: http://www.hotelierindia.com / Hotelier India / Home> Development / by Staff Writer / July 25th, 2024

abCoffee announces 50th store opening

Business & Economy

Indian coffee chain abCoffee has announced the opening of its 50th store, located in Mumbai.

The company launched the new store with the inauguration of four outlets across several different locations in the city, officially surpassing its 50th store mark.

“Our journey from our inaugural outlet in Versova-Andheri West in June 2022 to now 50 locations has been remarkable. With a strong focus on customer satisfaction, love for our guests, and robust technology-enabled backend operations, we are well poised to achieve our target of 150 outlets by March 2025, bringing our exceptional coffee experience to even more people across India,” says abCoffee’s VP of Operations Narsaya Gajji.

To commemorate its achievement the company offered its signature cold coffee at a reduced price, reflecting the brand’s mission to bring affordable coffee to India.

According to abCoffee, its grab-and-go format combined with its specialty coffee offering has helped it achieve this milestone, as well as the serving of over 500,000 coffees since in 2022.

In its commitment to quality the chain has endeavoured to source 100 per cent of its specialty coffee beans from India’s premier coffee plantations which, according to its statistics, has resulted in a 61 per cent customer loyalty rate.

With the launch of its new outlets, abCoffee aims to continue to enhance coffee experiences for its customers and to achieve new benchmarks in the Indian coffee industry.

The company says that as part of its progression, the recent expansion will help continue its journey in making specialty coffee accessible through technology.

abCoffee is committed to bringing Indian-grown coffees to the local coffee market. With a mission to democratise specialty coffee, the company’s main aim is to make coffee more accessible and to encourage the development of local coffee hubs nationwide. Its grab and go specialty coffee outlets are located across Mumbai and Delhi.

For more information, click here.

source: http://www.gcrmag.com / Global Coffee Report / Home> News / by Aisling Geraghty / July 22nd, 2024

Tourists head to Kodagu and Chikkamagaluru to enjoy monsoon in Karnataka

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy, Travel, Tourism & Homestays (wef. Oct 03rd, 2021)

Rather than going for traditional lodging options, tourists are now looking to stay in homestays and resorts on the outskirts, away from the buzz of cities.

A file photo of tourists at Honnammana Halla waterfalls at Baba Budangiri in Chikkamagaluru district of Karnataka. | Photo Credit: File photo

After a dull monsoon in 2023, this time, rain has picked up in Karnataka, especially in the coastal region and Malenadu (Malnad) along the Western Ghats. Tourists, especially from Bengaluru, are heading to destinations in these regions to enjoy the rains.

“If there is too much rain, then the tourists are a little scared of landslips. But otherwise, they are majorly going to Kodagu, Chikkamagaluru, Kabini and Mysuru. We are expecting bookings to go up further by Independence Day,” said a staff member at Arjun Tours and Travels in Shanthala Nagar. 

Karnataka Tourism Development Corporation (KSTDC) has seen a slight increase in the number of bookings to Madikeri (Kodagu district) and Jog Falls (Shivamogga district). “We are introducing a Wayanad package and are planning to launch our Gaganachukki and Barachukki Falls package,” said K. S. Sreenath, General Manager, Transport, KSTDC. 

Rather than going for traditional lodging options, tourists are now looking to stay in homestays and resorts on the outskirts, away from the buzz of cities.

“Be it in Chikkamagaluru, Kodagu or Mysuru, bookings have picked up in hotels and resorts on the outskirts. We are expecting this trend to continue in the coming months,” said K. Syama Raju, president, Karnataka Tourism Society. 

Tourists say that such accommodation options lets them enjoy the weather and live in the moment rather than stay in crowded areas.

Nikitha Kumar, a resident of Basavanagudi., said, “For our vacation in Mangaluru, we booked a resort that is very close to the beach, and was isolated. We stayed for three days and just watched the rain and tides of the sea instead of going into the city.”

Officials of the Tourism Department acknowledged that monsoon tourism has picked up this year. “We are seeing quite a bit of footfall in all hill stations and waterfalls in Uttara Kannada and Kodagu districts, and even at Gaganachukki, Barachukki and Hogenakkal falls,” said a senior official. 

With many accidents in tourist destinations in Maharashtra, the official offered a word of caution to tourists in Karnataka: “Wherever they go, they should behave responsibly. We have railings and police security near waterfalls. They should not cross them. When they go with families, they should enjoy the place instead of littering and drinking. In this season, the entire districts of Kodagu and Chikkamagaluru have become tourist destinations. Tourists should avoid creating chaos in remote areas.”

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India> Karnataka / by Jahnavi T R / July 05th, 2024