Naxal-hit Bastar region in Chhattisgarh is set to become a hub of coffee production as coffee cultivation has increased in the region.
Four varieties of Coffee Arabica and one variety of Coffee Robusta were planted on 20 acres on an experimental basis in 2017-18. (Photo: Twitter/ANI)
Naxal-hit Bastar region in Chhattisgarh is set to become a hub of coffee production as coffee cultivation has increased in the region.
Dr K P Singh, a horticulture scientist, said four varieties of Coffee Arabica and one variety of Coffee Robusta were planted on 20 acres on an experimental basis in 2017-18.
“The first harvesting was done in 2020-21. When we sent the samples to the Coffee Board of India, our coffee got a rating of 6-6.4, which is a good rating. After that, it was cultivated on 100 acres in 2021-22. Farmers are reaping the benefits of coffee production in the region,” said Singh.
The coffee produced in Bastar got a rating between 6 and 6.4 from the Coffee Board of India. (Photo: Twitter/ANI)
Collector of Bastar Chandan Kumar said the coffee produced here will give a new identity to Bastar.
“It has always been a challenge for us to connect people to the mainstream by ensuring employment so that they can move towards prosperity. Today, the work on coffee plantation is underway on 350 hectares of land in Bastar,” said Kumar.
A ‘Bastar Cafe’ has also been established here to connect people with the taste and aroma of the coffee produced here. “People are liking it and definitely, its demand will increase in the coming days,” said the collector.
A ‘Bastar Cafe’ has also been established to connect people with the taste and aroma of the coffee produced here. (Photo: Twitter/ANI)
India is among the top 10 coffee-producing countries. Indian coffee is considered one of the best coffees in the world due to its high quality and gets a high premium in the international markets.
India produces two types of coffee–Arabica and Robusta. Arabica has a higher market value than Robusta coffee due to its mild aromatic flavor. Robusta coffee is mainly used in making various blends due to its strong flavor.
Coffee is largely produced in the southern part of India. Karnataka is the largest producer, accounting for about 70% of the total coffee production in India, followed by Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Odisha.
source: http://www.indiatoday.in / India Today / Home> News> India / by India Today Web Desk / New Delhi – February 16th, 2023
The National Barista Championship 2023 (The 21st Edition), hosted by the Coffee Board of India, Speciality Coffee Association of India, and United Coffee Association of India, is being organised from February 14th to 19th at Orion mall, Bangalore. With over 60 stalls offering more than 100 different types of coffee, the audience will be experiencing the largest collection of coffee ever under one banner. This year NBC is powered by Kaapi Solutions as the platinum sponsors along with Nescafe and SCAI (speciality coffee association of India) as the Gold sponsors) as the Gold sponsors for the event.
This year we have around 60 Baristas who would be battling it out for the Title of Champion. Making it the biggest tournament in Asia.
NBC is a prestigious annual event in the coffee industry where baristas from various regions of India come together to showcase their brewing skills and compete for the title of the National Barista Champion. All the best cafe brands such as Blue Tokai, Thirdwave, Lavazza along with many other speciality coffee brands all over India will participate in this unique event.
This year’s National Barista Championship is set to be the most competitive yet, as baristas push the boundaries of what is possible with coffee. A very strong committee has been set up where the volunteers under the guidance of Purnesh DM (President of the Speciality coffee association of India), Vikram Khurana (President United coffee association of India) and Srikanth Rao (Vice President United coffee association of India) who shares the same passion for coffee and have worked tirelessly to put this event together.
The event provides a unique opportunity for attendees to network with industry leaders, learn about the latest trends and techniques in coffee preparation, and sample some of the finest coffee blends from around the world.
“We are thrilled to host the National Barista Championship in Bangalore,” said Dr K G Jagadeesha, IAS, Secretary of the Coffee Board. “This city has a rich history and culture of coffee-making, and it’s an honor to bring the best baristas from top cafe brands, and specialty coffee brands from all over India to compete here. Last year’s event, held at Orion Mall in Rajajinagar, was a huge success with over 10,000 visitors, a multitude of coffee, 40+ stalls, and lively music. We look forward to welcoming both the competitors and the public to this exciting event.”
The competition, which will be held over 6 days – 14th to the 19th of Feb. This includes the preliminaries which will happen on the 14th -15th and the 16th post which 18th will be the semi-finals and it concludes on the 19th with the finals. The second day will feature the final round, where the baristas will be judged on their latte art and signature drinks. The winner of this highly regarded competition will then go on to represent India at the World Barista Championship 2023 to held in Athens, Greece.
The National Barista Championship is an annual event that brings together baristas from various regions of India to showcase their brewing skills and compete for the title of National Barista Champion. This coffee festival is a congregation of music, entertainment, a wide array of stalls and a whole lot of coffee and with some great jury to help make it a seamless judging process. NBC 2022 Had Ms Seonhee Yoon from Korea fly down to judge these world class brewers.
This story has been provided by NewsVoir. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of this article. (ANI/NewsVoir)
source: http://www.business-standard.com / Business Standard / Home / by ANI Press Release / February 15th, 2023
A large number of Kodava families attended the Kodava Convention organised by Kodavas residing in Mysuru at Kodava Samaja in Vijayanagar here recently.
The objective of the Convention was to discuss and deliberate various burning issues and problems concerning Kodavas and Kodagu.
Former Principal of Cauvery College in Gonokoppa, South Kodagu, Prof. Ittira Biddappa, who was the main speaker of the evening, narrated the history of Kodagu. He also mentioned various services rendered and sacrifices made by Kodava community in nation-building. He also remembered the gallant and valiant combatant men and officers of Armed forces and Para-military personnel.
Cheppudira Arun Machaiah, International Karate Master and a social worker, called upon Kodava community to protect their own interest in Kodagu. He urged the gathering to be cautious regarding the political atmosphere in Kodagu and to choose the best political leaders for Kodagu.
Former Additional Advocate General and Advocate Ajjikuttira S. Ponnanna, who was the chief guest, appealed to the Kodavas to unite themselves to protect the legacies left behind by their ancestors.
Ponnanna also briefed about various issues concerned with Jamma land, the difficulty in getting their name recorded in Record of Rights and RTC by all those who left Kodagu long ago to other districts, other States or joined the Armed Forces and Para-military forces.
He reiterated that the land tenure in Kodagu is entirely different from other States. If Kodavas cannot succeed to include themselves and their children in the 9th column/ RTC in the share of Jamma land belonging to them, then the future generation of Kodavas would lose their identity as Kodavas which would be a disaster.
He also spoke at length regarding a writ petition filed by a person in the Supreme Court questioning the exemption given to Jamma land owners and Kodavas by race to possess guns as per Indian Arms Act.
Regarding the increasing human-animal conflict in Kodagu, the Advocate expressed concern over tigers attacking and killing humans and the troubles faced by people with more than 200 resident elephants in coffee estates posing threat to the life and property of owners and workers constantly. He also highlighted the inability of the present Karnataka Government and Forest Department to minimise the human-animal conflict in Kodagu.
The Convention concluded with an interaction session. Chenanda Raghu Uthappa compered.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / February 13th, 2023
The parasitoid can be released across estates during the summer months, which is the breeding time of the mealybugs.
Madikeri :
Coffee plantations are prone to several diseases and the attack from mealybug pests is among the major reasons for crop loss across estates. However, the Coffee Research Sub Station (CRSS) in Chettalli of Kodagu district has come up with a unique and organic way to fight this pest. Leptomastix Dactylopii, a parasitoid, has been developed at the station that will be effective in culling the mealybugs in the most ecofriendly way. “Mealybugs are major pests affecting coffee and they cause considerable crop loss,” explained Dr Manjunath Reddy, Entomologist at CRSS.
Ovalshaped, soft-bodied insects, the mealybugs are a threat to the pepper vines and other fruit trees in the estates too. The bugs breed during summer and cause immense damage to the crops during monsoon. “The bugs are covered with white mealy wax, making it tough to eradicate them.
Leptomastix Dactylopii (left); File photo of a mealybug-infested coffee plant
They suck a large amount of sap from leaves and stems with the help of piercing mouthparts, depriving plants of essential nutrients,” he explained. There has been an increased buildup of the mealybugs in the estates and the wild in recent times and Dr Manjunath analysed that this might be due to the abiotic changes in climate and environment. While there are a few chemical sprays to fight the mealybugs, they have been proven ineffective as these bugs infest the estates during the monsoon. However, the CRSS has come up with the most organic way to fight these bugs.
The substation has reared Leptomastix Dactylopii, a parasitoid that attacks and hunts mealybugs. “Female parasitoids lay eggs on the third instar (a lifecycle stage) and young adult mealybugs. A single parasitoid emerges from one mealybug. The parasitoid larvae eat the mealybug from the inside out. After 20-30 days, a young adult parasitoid emerges through a hole on the top-end of the dead mealybug,” he detailed.
A female parasitoid lays 300- 400 eggs,which develop into adult parasitoids in 20-30 days. These adult parasitoids have a lifespan of 2-3 weeks. The Leptomastix Dactylopii can be left in coffee estates that suffer from mealybug infestation and 1,000 Leptomastix Dactylopii are required to be released per acre of estate.
The parasitoid can be released across estates during the summer months, which is the breeding time of the mealybugs. The parasitoids are available at the entomology department at the CRSS in Chettalli and they are priced at Rs 250 per 1,000 parasitoids. This method is seen as the most economical and organic way to fight the mealybugs that infest both Robusta and Arabica varieties of coffee plants.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Cities> Bengaluru / by Prajna GR / Express News Service / January 25th, 2023
Tourist footfall at Raja Seat in Madikeri has risen with the top tourist destination and one of the most visited sites in Kodagu hosting a flower show since Friday.
The flower show concludes on February 6.
Nearly 20 species of flowers and about 12,000 plants are part of the show with special floral decorations.
The highlights of the show include varieties of exhibits created in flowers, bonsai plants and others.
The Principal Secretary, Horticulture, Rajendra Kumar Kataria, visited the flower show with Deputy Commissioner B.C. Satish on Saturday.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> India> Karnataka / by The Hindu Bureau / February 04th, 2023
A school in Kodagu is knitting stories of success and seeding hope in the lives of specially-abled kids.
Apart from education, students also get training in various activities like tailoring. (Photo | Express)
Madikeri :
Smiling faces welcome one into the quaint ambience enveloping Kodagu Vidyalaya Opportunity School in Madikeri. Discipline, empathy, simplicity and serenity engulf one’s senses during a visit to the school – the first institution established in Kodagu to address the needs of specially-abled kids. Kodagu Vidyalaya was set up by late Biddanda S Kushalappa. As the institution grew, Kushalappa’s son, late Biddanda Subiah (a spiritual leader), envisioned a school to address the needs of specially-abled children. Thus, Kodagu Vidyalaya Opportunity School was founded in 1996 by BK Subiah, Meena Cariappa, and other like-minded visionaries.
Since inception, the institution has extended free, quality education to thousands of specially-abled children from across the district. “We strive for early intervention in addressing the needs of specially-abled kids in the district. The students are mostly from families with weak economic backgrounds,” explains Geetha Shridhar, the principal.
The school started its journey towards extending free education with help from benefactors and donors. Today, it receives a minimum grant from the state, alongside continued support from trustees and donors. The institution currently nurtures 61 students with special needs, who are provided an opportunity to join the mainstream. While inclusive society is still a far-fetched dream, the students here are taught to face the competitive world with finesse, confidence and creativity. Under the guidance of founders Meena Cariappa and Veena Chengappa, and Geetha Shridhar, a team of 10 special educators, including specialists trained in handling intellectual disabilities, prepare the special children to face the world.
The institution – which saw complete renovation in 2021, thanks to donations from Govind Bhat and Meenakshi Bhat Memorial Trust – currently carries an aesthetic ambience. Apart from special education by professionals, the students here grow in a tranquil atmosphere with ample space for sports activities. Hundreds from here have participated in Special Olympics and other national and international sporting events, and have also won medals.
“The institution caters to the needs of all specially-abled kids, including students with autism, cerebral palsy, hearing and speech impairments. We create awareness on the need for early intervention to address the needs of these children,” Geetha adds. Unique study plans are structured by the special educators for each individual and assistive technology is used to communicate with children with special needs. The campus also hosts a computer lab, functional kitchen, physiotherapy and sensory room, an audiology unit with audiometry chamber and vocational training centres.
A child’s ability is recognised by the special educators and suitable vocational training is extended. The institution has various training sections, including a stationery unit – where children learn to make notepads and other items; a catering unit – where kids learn to bake; a tailoring unit – where the students stitch cloth bags and other utilities; a phenyl manufacturing unit and a gardening section. The products made here are marketed at the school premises and at an outlet near GT Circle in Madikeri. Meanwhile, the kids are also taught to respect nature, even as they are skilled in scientific waste management.
ENCOURAGING STORIES The Kodagu Vidyalaya Opportunity School holds pride in turning a child into a source of inspiration. Fourteen-year-old Kalpanath joined the school in 1996. His abilities were identified by special educators, who trained him accordingly. He went on to represent India in the Special Olympics in Alaska, winning a medal for the country. Today, Kalpanath works as a special instructor in vocational training at a centre for people with special needs.
The institution promotes kids to take part in Special Olympics and a total of six students have won medals at state and national-level tournaments so far. Several students have passed the 10th grade exams too, and are placed in various private companies in areas ranging from computers, electronics to jewellery design. A first-of-its-kind in the district, the Kodagu Vidyalaya Opportunity School has given hope, confidence and new meaning to the lives of many specially-abled children. “The institution has many other visions, which can be achieved through support from donors,” concludes Gurudath CS, a trustee. The management now aims at establishing a corpus fund to ensure a self-sustainable model, which will help create more programmes for better integration of the special children.
Product sale In 2020, for the first time, the institution organised a sale of the products made on campus. It now plans to host this annually to raise funds and promote the talents of special kids.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Good News / by Prajna GR, Express News Service / January 29th, 2023
The event is being hosted by the Kodagu district administration alongside support from the Zilla Panchayat and the horticulture department.
Raja Seat gearing up for the annual Flower Show event to take place from February 3 to February 6. (Photo | EPS)
The historic mortar at the Raja Seat in Madikeri is blossoming in vibrant colours and happily stepping into the spring season. While greenery covered most parts of the park, it is now filled with brightly coloured, blossomed plants. The iconic tourist destination is now decking up for the annual Flower Show event, which will be held from February 3 to February 6.
The event is being hosted by the Kodagu district administration alongside support from the Zilla Panchayat and the horticulture department. The flower show will be inaugurated at 4 pm on February 3 with an entry fee of Rs 20.
“Raja Seat is getting ready to host the flower show, with almost 10,000 to 12,000 flowering plants already being set out at the venue,” confirmed Dr BC Sateesha, the Kodagu Deputy Commissioner and District Magistrate. Around 15 to 20 varieties of flowering plants including petunia, canna, salbia, chrysanthemum, marigold, zinnia, calendula, phlox and daliya have been seeded in the park’s garden and are already blossoming in vibrant colours.
Furthermore, the venue will have historical structures of Kodagu decorated in flowers, including the iconic Nalknad Palace. The event will also create awareness of voting where the ballot unit, VV Pat, control unit, etc. will be recreated using flowers. From cardboard cutouts of superheroes to well-known leaders, everything will be decorated with flowers along with bonsai and anthurium that will deck up the entire venue.
The event will also provide a platform for the farmers to exhibit their unique products, which will be judged for the competition. A total of 60 shops will be established at the Gandhi Maidan (a few meters away from Raja Seat)consisting of various outlets from various government departments and private partners.
Alongside the flower show, a Wine Utsav will also be hosted which will exhibit both homemade as well as wines from the Wine Board that will be available for tasting activity. The event is seen as a boost to the tourism sector as Rs 15 lakh to Rs 20 lakh has been funded.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Karnataka / by Express News Service / January 27th, 2023
It will provide a common platform for buyers and sellers of the spice industry to interact directly and establish effective business linkages.
The Spices Board of India will be holding a buyer-seller meet for spices at Hilldale resorts in Madikeri on January 24.
A press statement from the Assistant Director of Spices Board of India’s Divisional Office in Madikeri said the buyer-seller meet, which will be held between 10.30 a.m. and 5.00 p.m., will provide a common platform for buyers and sellers of the spice industry to interact directly and establish effective business linkages.
The Spices Board India, which functions under the Ministry of Commerce, Government of India, in its statement, pointed out that Karnataka holds a significant position in spice production in India by being a major producer of ginger and black pepper.
Karnataka also produces other spices such as cardamom, chillies, turmeric, garlic, coriander, nutmeg, clove, tamarind etc. During the year 2021-22, the State produced 7,09,546 metric tonnes of spices from an area of 3,75,082 hectares, the statement added.
Spices Board India, a flagship organisation for the development and worldwide promotion of Indian spices, said India’s spices exports with “a volume of 15,31,154 metric tonnes, valued at ₹30,576 crore during 2021-22, scaled the landmark level of USD 4.102 million in value realisation, besides recording a growth rate of 26.76 per cent, 38 per cent in rupee terms and 32 per cent in dollar terms, compared to 2019-20, despite the global pandemic situation”.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India> Karnataka / by The Hindu Bureau / January 21st, 2023
Shri Manoj Kumar, Chairman, KVIC distributed live Bee Colonies, Bee-keeping equipment and 200 Bee-Boxes to the trained beneficiaries at Sulia at Dakshina Kannada, Karnataka under the RE-HAB Project, an initiative under the Honey Mission Programme of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.
Under the Project RE-HAB, “Bee-fences” are created by setting up bee boxes in the passage ways of elephants to block their entrance to human habitats. The boxes are connected with a string so that when elephants attempt to pass through, a tug or pull causes the bees to swarm the elephant herds and dissuade them from moving further.
This is a cost-effective way of reducing human-wild conflicts without causing any harm to the animal. It is scientifically recorded that elephants fear the bee swarms that can bite their sensitive inner side of the trunk and eyes. The collective buzz of the bees annoys elephants which force them to return.
Speaking on this occasion Shri Manoj Kumar said “It was seen that Bees help the farmers in arresting the encroachment of elephants in their agricultural fields and destroy them.Not only this, some precious lives are also lost in that condition. Taking an initiative, KVIC initiated a pilot project with the Technical assistance of the College of Forestry, Ponnampet, Kodagu District and the results were encouraging. Hence, 6 such projects were sanctioned in the most wanted states namely Assam, Maharastra, west Bengal, Orissa, Uttarkhand apart from Karnataka.”
Under the RE-HAB farmers are trained in bee-keeping and each of them are supplied with 10 Bee boxes and installed in the elephant corridors so bee boxes and bee hives are placed in the Elephant corridor to restrict elephants from approaching the agricultural field. This Pilot project has shown very good results in Ponnampet. This project has also helped in the increasing agricultural output due to enhanced pollination as well as Honey Extraction, he informed.
Chairman, KVIC also emphasised the farmers to take benefit of the scheme for it’s long-term advantages. Speaking on this occasion he also shared in details about the PMEGP Scheme ok KVIC which has enhanced Loan ceiling from Rs 25.00 Lakhs to Rs 50.00 by the Prime Minister and encouraged the women and rural youth to take up the scheme.
(Release ID: 1892452)
source: http://www.pib.gov.in / Press Information Bureau, New Delhi / Home / byu Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises / January 20th, 2023
An e-book titled Kodagu (Post Office and Disaster Management) penned jointly by former CPMG Charles Lobo and Kumar was launched.
Customers throng the counter at the Evening Post Office, which opened on Museum Road in Bengaluru. (Photo | Nagaraja Gadekal, EPS)
The Evening Post Office was declared open by Chief Postmaster General, Karnataka Postal Circle, S Rajendra Kumar on Monday evening. It is located inside Museum Road Sub-Post Office, a heritage building. The office offers Speed Post, Registered Post, money orders and parcel booking services, and as soon as it opened shop, people began booking services.
“A total of 12 articles were booked today. The Museum Road Post Office closes for public transactions by 3.30pm,” said postal assistant C S Vinay, manning the counter. Assistant Postmaster General, business development, V Tara said, “It will be a separate unit and will be open from 1pm to 9pm. It was only because of feedback from the public that we decided to launch it.”
The staffers are dressed in cream sleeveless jackets with an India Post logo. Among the customers at the new office was Sushil Mehra, vice-president of Karnataka Philatelic Society, who was booking a greeting card.
“This is very useful for us, particularly the working public. It is the first time in 75 years since Independence that a PO in the evening has been launched,” he said. Asked about the possibility of launching more such offices, the Chief Postmaster General said, “Let us see the response from the public before taking a decision. We are keen to draw the youth into post offices and hence, philately items will be available.”
An e-book titled Kodagu (Post Office and Disaster Management) penned jointly by former CPMG Charles Lobo and Kumar was launched. It is available for free reading on the postal website.
HERITAGE WALK Earlier, the Circle, in partnership with Heritage Beku, conducted the first ever Postal Heritage Trail in the city. The three-hour walk, covering 4km, commenced at 3.15pm at Mail Motor Service on Millers Road. Around 50 walkers, comprising postal staff and heritage enthusiasts, took a look at the city’s oldest working post box at Taj West End (over 136 years), BeauLieu (CPMG Office), General Post Office, before winding up at the fascinating Sandesh Museum of Communication inside Museum Post Office building.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Cities> Bengaluru / by Express News Service / January 13th, 2023
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