Kodagu is situated around 150 km from Mangaluru and is geographically and culturally a different territory. The Mangalore University has colleges in Dakshina Kannada, Kodagu and Udupi under its purview.
Mangalore University Vice-Chancellor prof P S Yadapadithaya said no official communication has been received so far on the formation of the Kodagu University. (Representative image. Express photo)
The Mangalore University is likely to lose 24 undergraduate colleges with the setting up of a new university in Kodagu.
Decks have been cleared for the Kodagu University with the Karnataka Legislative Assembly passing a Bill last week, amending the Karnataka State Universities Act, 2000 to pave way for the constitution of eight new universities, including Kodagu University, which would be bifurcated from the jurisdiction of Mangalore University.
Kodagu is situated around 150 km from Mangaluru and is geographically and culturally a different territory. The Mangalore University has colleges in Dakshina Kannada, Kodagu and Udupi under its purview.
The new Kodagu University would also have about 10 colleges that presently come under the University of Mysore. The largest and oldest college in Kodagu district is the Field Marshal K M Cariappa College at Madikeri.
The Mangalore University postgraduate college and research centre on the Jnana Kaveri campus in Chikka Aluvara is proposed to be the headquarters of the Kodagu university.
K S Chandrasekharaiah, director of the centre, confirmed that Kodagu University administrative office is likely to be on the Chikka Aluvara campus.
He said students in Kodagu now have to move to Mysuru or Mangaluru for post-graduate studies, which can be avoided if more job-oriented courses are provided on the Jnana Kaveri campus.
Madikeri MLA M P Appachu Ranjan has requested the government to provide 200 more acres of land to the Chikka Aluvara campus, which presently has 70 acres.
The other universities proposed by the government in the Bill are to be set up at Koppal, Mandya, Bagalkot, Chamarajanagar, Bidar, Haveri and Hassan.
Mangalore University Vice-Chancellor prof P S Yadapadithaya said no official communication has been received so far on the formation of the Kodagu University.
As per the new National Educational Policy (NEP), priority is being given to local universities which can provide good education and environment to students, he said.
source: http://www.indianexpress.com / The Indian Express / Home> Education / by PTI, Mangaluru / September 30th, 2022
The Karnataka State Pollution Control Board and the Kodagu district administration conducted a meeting in Madikeri on Thursday to elicit public opinion on establishing a solid waste management plant at 2nd Monnangeri village.
The Deputy Commissioner B.C. Satish underlined the imperatives of establishing such a plant for scientific disposal of solid waste being generated in Madikeri and sought public cooperation.
A section of the people from 2nd Monnangeri village expressed reservation that their source of drinking water would be polluted.
World Tourism Day celebrations
The Kodagu district administration will launch a slew of programmes with stakeholders of the hospitality sector to mark World Tourism Day on September 27.
There will be a walkathon in Madikeri at 6.30 a.m. while a plastic clearance drive will also be launched on the day.
The stakeholders sought concessions on vehicle entry tax for 10 days so as to encourage tourists from other States to visit Kodagu.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India> Karnataka / by The Hindu Bureau / Mysuru – September 22nd, 2022
The Karaga Utsav of Madikeri Dasara will be inaugurated at 5 pm today at Pampinakere in the town.
The Karagas of Sri Kundurumotte Chowti Mariamma, Sri Dandina Mariamma, Sri Kanchi Kamakshiamma and Sri Kote Mariamma will be decorated with flowers and the Madikeri Dasara will be officially launched by offering pujas to the four Karagas.
The Karagas will be brought to Bannimantap, where special pujas will be performed and later, pujas will be performed at Sri Kodandarama Temple, Sri Chowdeshwari Temple and Pete Srirama Temple.
Madikeri MLA M.P. Appachu Ranjan, DC Dr. B.C. Satish, Madikeri CMC and Dasara Committee President Anitha Poovaiah, Working President K.S. Ramesh, General Secretary Rajesh Yallappa and others will be present.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / September 26th, 2022
The average coffee production in Brazil is 60 million bags a year, whereas in India, it is below six million bags.
Farm gate price of raw berries touch a record ₹106 a kg against ₹80 last year
Lending fresh hopes to coffee farmers, the price of the Robusta variety of coffee has reached an all-time high, thanks to a sharp decline in production.
The farm gate price of raw Robusta coffee berries touched a record ₹106 a kg in Wayanad market on Friday, as against ₹80 a kg during the corresponding period last year.
The State government had announced that it would procure coffee from farmers at a minimum support price (MSP) of ₹90 a kg when the market price of raw coffee was ₹61 a kg two years ago.
A sharp decline in coffee production in Brazil, a major coffee-producing country, owing to severe frost was the major reason for the rise in price, trading sources said.
The average coffee production in Brazil is 60 million bags (a bag of 60 kg) a year. But the production declined to 50 million bags this season. A drought-like situation in the coffee-growing regions of that country during the post-harvest period also contributed to price hike, sources said.
The average coffee production in India is below six million bags a year. A huge disparity in production and supply was the major reason for the price hike. Moreover, the depreciation of Indian rupee to US dollar was also reflected in the rise in price, sources added.
“However, the current upswing in price will not benefit coffee farmers in the country as most of them have already sold the produce at a low price,” Prasanth Rajesh, president, Wayanad Coffee Growers’ Association (WCGA), told The Hindu.
“The fortune of Indian coffee farmers depends on the misfortune of farmers in Brazil,” Mr. Rajesh said, adding that such a situation should change as it would not offer a sustainable income to farmers.
A quick intervention by the Coffee Board to increase internal consumption of coffee is the need of the hour, he said .
Though the State government had announced an MSP of ₹90 a kg, most farmers are yet to benefit from it as the government has fixed a ceiling limit of one acre for procurement, he said.
All farmers, irrespective of land holding, should get the MSP since input cost, especially that of fertilisers, had gone up by more than 200%, he added. The Coffee Board has projected a crop size of 3.42 lakh tonnes in the country during 2021-22 in its final estimates.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India> Kerala / by E.M. Manoj / Kalpeta – September 24th, 2022
Imagine staying in a beautiful property near the tributary of a river in a picturesque location of a village. The thought itself is so tranquil, imagine the level of tranquility the stay would offer. Well, this imagination can turn into reality.
All you have to do is pack your bags and travel to Coorg. Yes, Firefly by the river is a lovely Coorg Homestay which lies right beside Harangi river and in the middle of a bamboo forest. Keep reading to know more.
Firefly By The River, A Coorg Homestay
Nina and Captain Prio Chaubey are a Bengaluru based couple who built this Coorg Homestay in the most scenic location.
Firefly by the river offers an experience of waking up in a room which is surrounded by coconut, cinnamon, and betel palm trees, paddy fields, orchards, and coffee and pepper farms. It has 5 double rooms which are rustically designed with earthy colours to keep the soothing vibe intact. The lovely garden room has its own private entrance. The two superior and two deluxe rooms are designed as two separate cottages. The rooms have wooden closets, luxury mattresses and are super spacious. There is a hammock placed just beside the river for you to relax.
Satiate Your Taste Buds With Delicious Coorg Delicacies
Near the well is an elegantly designed common area right in the centre of this Coorg homestay where you can relish meals. You can sit back near the river listening to the sound of water as you enjoy delicious food.
The food is customised as per the taste palate of the guest keeping their preferences in mind. All the meals are prepared using local and fresh ingredients.
The property manager, Rithvik is a local from Coorg and serves meals which are experimented out of his Grandma’s recipes. The food is cooked by the locals using local spice mixes, who are hired for the same. Delicacies like Pandi Curry , Akki Roti, Coorg-style River Pomfret, Nool Puttu, Coorgi mutton pulao and their special south indian breakfast.
So make sure to consider this place in Coorg for you next close to nature stay !
A few months back I went to my ancestral house in Kodagu and also availed the opportunity to go to the nearby Igguthappa Temple — dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is the most famous temple in Kodagu located at the foothills of Thadiyandamol near Kakkabe. This deity is considered the God of rain and grain (ಮಳೆ-ಬೆಳೆ). Understandable, Kodagu being an agricultural land of hills and valleys. A land of heavy rains and rich forests.
There in the temple was a senior priest, talkative and gently assertive, overseeing the puja proceedings and general conduct of the devotees. Being in a secluded place surrounded by greenery of paddy fields, coffee estates and forests, the rush of visitors is only during festival days.
As usual, I engaged the priest in a brief conversation standing at the front outer door, as only those who follow the specified ritual practice (vrata) are allowed inside for maintaining madi (sanctity).
Listening to his chatter was both an education about the temple and the local people, a majority of whom are Kodavas. I would like to share one episode he narrated from his experience at the temple.
It happened that once a person went to the temple at a time its doors were being closed. When the person asked this priest to oblige him saying he had come from outside the district, the response was negative with a reprimand. Recognising him as a Kodava, the natives of Kodagu, the priest told him that the temple was of Kodavas, for Kodavas and run by the Kodavas. And for centuries, it was managed and patronised by that native community. Yet they, like this person, do not observe the temple tradition and work to develop it.
I am inclined to agree. Though at present the temple is open to all, it has a Kodava family by name Paradanda as Devathakka (care-takers of the deity) to manage its religious functions.
Since the dim past, the Pattedara (Head) and the Thakka (the spokesperson) of that family (Paradanda) has been responsible for temple pujas, rituals, festivals including Kailpoldh and Puthari, fairs, astrological predictions etc. Of course, times have changed, it is now alleged that a group of Bhaktas is trying to sideline the Paradanda family from this position which is hereditary.
The person said, ‘Of course, I would help’ and suggested that sculptured stone reliefs with images representing Kodava customs, festivals, etc., could adorn the outer walls of the temple.
‘Who would spend money for it?,’ wondered the priest, still adamant refusing to open the door just for the darshan of the deity.
“What’s your name?” asked the priest.
The person, already at the tether end of his patience, simply said, “My name is Bhakta !”
“Bhakta? Not a Kodava name,” the priest said with a derisive smile and added, “anyway, you may come tomorrow.”
The next day, to the person’s surprise, the priest had already spoken to the President of the Temple Management Committee and the President was waiting.
Anticipating a bonanza of a donation, the priest, as was his wont, paid special attention to him in performing puja, offering aarathi and theertha.
As the person was about to leave, the priest beckoned him to meet the President to talk about the wall plaques he had talked about the previous evening. The person began explaining his idea in english, a language he was proficient with, but the President suddenly objected and said, “Being a Kodava, you must speak in Kodava language.
The person, taken aback, shot back: “If that is so, why should you have an english name Charlie?” That one bullet-like shot made President Charlie shut his mouth.
That ended their conversation and also the hope of the priest deeply dedicated to the temple. Whatever it was, I saw beautifully carved stone plaques, embedded on the outer walls, as if to assert the fact that primarily it is a Hindu-Kodava temple.
Recently, there was a news report about non-conventional practices at this temple being objected by the Devathakka. Modern constructions too have come up all around the temple. The stone pavings around the temple premises looks good and enables easy maintenance. But, during summer, these stone slabs get very hot for the comfort of the devotees who traverse that area barefoot, specially those who circumambulate the temple after worship. They must be allowed to wear socks or provide walk-way carpets around the temple.
Be that as it may, to this day, nobody knows who is that generous donor of those beautiful, sculptured stone plaques. The identity seems well wrapped in mystery inside an enigma. However, the donor must be a Bhakta, devotee, of Lord Igguthappa. I believe that those who donate anonymously are like divinity — invisible.
e-mail: voice@starofmysore.com
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> abracadabra> Columns / by K.B. Ganapathy / September 11th, 2022
Traveling to Coorg? Get your hands on these 5 items.
Coorg garners a lot of love and attention for its picturesque landscapes, coffee plantations, steep hills, lush forests, and countless streams.A favorite travel destination of many around the world, the “Scotland of India” has so much to offer that you just can’t get enough of.So if you’re visiting “Kashmir of the South”, here are five souvenirs you must get home.
Coffee cup of India
Coffee
As mentioned above, Coorg is famous for its coffee plantations. In fact, it’s known as the “Coffee cup of India”.The coffee here is aromatic, full-bodied, and tastes mild, so you must grab some for home. Additionally, Coorg also produces the world’s costliest coffee called civet coffee (kopi luwak) and is a major exporter of coffee beans including Arabica and Robusta.
Flavorful
Homemade wines
Homemade wines in Coorg are popular, utterly delicious, and won’t burn a hole in your pocket.These hearty concoctions feature not only grapes but also have the goodness of ingredients including ginger, apricot, pineapple, litchi, gooseberry, passion fruits, etc.Some even include saffron and dry fruits.You can score wines in flavors including pomegranate, cheeku, coffee, etc on your way back home.
Choco goodness
Homemade chocolates
Chocolates are among the most sought-after souvenirs that tourists buy in Coorg.These chocolates are homemade and feature 100% organic ingredients sourced from the plantations at this gorgeous hill station.They are available in a variety and are known to be irresistibly tempting.Although you can find them at all local stores, Choci Coorg is a place you must bookmark for chocolaty shopping.
The ‘sweet’ side of Coorg
Honey
Coorg was once the leading exporter of honey and its quality is absolutely second to none.The honey produced is cent percent organic, so you can easily buy some bottles and take home.However, before you purchase, make sure they feature an AGMARK as it ensures its quality.This will also help you steer clear of honey that’s adulterated and sold at exorbitant prices.
Information
What is AGMARK?
AGMARK is a certification for all agricultural products which ensures that they are of the highest quality, conform to hygiene standards, and are fit to use. The mark is given to fruits, vegetables, pulses, cereals, honey, oils, ghee, spices, wheat, butter, flour, oilseeds, etc.
As spicy as it gets
Spices
Coorg’s agricultural scene is quite impressive as it’s blessed with a bounty of nature.The hill station offers an eclectic array of spices that you can use for cooking and get reminded of your #CoorgDiaries one bite at a time.So when you visit this idyllic destination, do shop for cardamom, black pepper, basil, cumin, oregano, rosemary, clove, thyme, mint, sage, etc.
Information
What else can you buy in Coorg?
Coorg is also famous for oranges, dry fruits, herbal oils, silk sarees, handmade soaps, flavored teas, wooden and coconut artifacts, traditional jewelry, etc.
Each of these items is easily available across the hill station and makes for the perfect souvenir that you can take home.
source: http://www.newsbytesapp.com / News Bytes / Home> News> Lifestyle News / by Anujj Trehaan / September 14th, 2022
Coffee Board of India has decided to launch four premium coffees under the ‘India Coffee’ brand as well as two affordable coffees under the ‘Coffees of India’ brand on Amazon. | Photo Credit: MURALI KUMAR K
As international price volatility challenges prevail, the Coffee Board is strengthening the domestic appeal for pure coffee across the country
Coffee Board of India, a body that represents coffee growers and coffee industry in the country, has decided to expand its reach by launching four premium coffees under the ‘India Coffee’ brand as well as two affordable coffees under the ‘Coffees of India’ brand on Amazon, said K.G. Jagadeesha, IAS, CEO & Secretary, Coffee Board on Monday.
“Now, we are expanding our reach by launching four premium coffees such as Coorg Arabica Coffee (GI), Chikmagalur Arabica Coffee (GI), 100% Arabica coffee and a blend of Arabica and Robusta under ‘India Coffee’ brand,’‘ he said.
The launch would also include affordable coffees such as 100% Arabica and a blend of Arabica and Robusta under the ‘Coffees of India’ brand, he said.
“Coffee Board’s collaboration with Amazon is expected to boost domestic coffee consumption. Our coffees are sourced from the best coffee estates to suit the taste of millions of coffee connoisseurs across the country,” Dr. Jagadeesha added.
As international price volatility challenges prevail, the Coffee Board was in the process of strengthening the domestic appeal for pure coffee across the country, Coffee Board CEO further stated.
Sourced from Karnataka
Coffee consumption in the country is on the rise. Through this association, a premium range of coffees will be available on Amazon.in, that are sourced from the coffee-producing regions of the country in Karnataka, as per Amazon.
“This is in line with our endeavour to offer flavours of Indian coffee at value offers to our customers,’‘ said Nishant Raman, Director – IN Consumables, Amazon India, in a statement.
The country’s coffee exports stood at a rise of 90% in April-June 2022 over the same period in FY 2013-14. As the seventh largest coffee producer in the world, India exports 70% of its coffee overseas. Acclaimed as a region known for the origin of high-quality coffee, India has created a niche for itself with seven GI-registered coffees that are offered globally, according to Coffee Board.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India> Karnataka / by Special Correspondent / Bengaluru – September 12th, 2022
The fragrance of coffee itself dissolves every stress in your mind. Drinking coffee is like giving your soul that much needed hug. Coffee is more than just a beverage to all the coffee lovers for sure. It’s their escape sometimes and sometimes just a companion. Just like libraries are heaven for book lovers, Coffee estates are the same for coffee lovers. If you too are someone who loves coffee and want to grab a brew at a coffee estate, here are the five best ones in India.
1. Kerehaklu Eco Retreat, Chikmagalur
Kerehaklu Eco Retreat is nestled in the lush greenery of Chikmagalur’s coffee plantation. The old water body that lies within the confines of the coffee farms bears the name Kerehaklu. This resort with rustic setting also promises the most spectacular panoramic views of the Kudremukh Mountain Range. With coffee plantations spread across 275 acres, the air here is filled with the divine aroma of coffee.
2. Palace Estate, Coorg
The Palace Estate is nestled in the lap of the highest mountain peak in Coorg, “Thadiyandamol ” peak of the Western Ghats. The Palace Estate is a 50-acre traditional farm that grows fruits like oranges, bananas, avocados, and cardamom as well as coffee, cardamom, and pepper. The homestay offers luxurious wooden rooms with all needed facilities and a small library. You can take a tour of several different coffee plantations from the homestay.
3. Rainforest Retreat at Mojo Plantation, Coorg
If you are someone who loves nature and coffee both alike, then Rainforest Retreat at Mojo Plantation is just for you. The delicious meals are made using biogas from their gobar-gas plant, and the cottages here were created using environmentally responsible construction techniques. Do not miss having a warm cup of coffee here while overlooking the plantations.
4. Tranquil Resort, Wayanad
The Tranquil Resort is tucked away peacefully among a 126-year-old coffee and spice estate. This stay offers pure serenity amidst the divine aroma of coffee. You can choose from the type of stays as per your preference from cottage to treehouses. You can go on a tour of this 400 acre spread plantation and enjoy your freshly brewed coffee. You can choose from 10 of their bio-diverse walking trails.
5. Grassroots, Kerala
The land of spices and coffee offers you a glamping experience like no other. What is more beautiful than sipping on some hot coffee as you overlook lush green coffee plantations. Grassroots resort in Kerala offer you to stay amidst the coffee plantation in spacious luxury tents and feel pure serenity. The sound of the river flowing, the bird chirping, lush greenery and the fragnance of coffee is surely going to give you the best experience to all your senses.
A capacity building programme for Kodagu coffee growers was organised by the Federation of Indian Export organisation in Madikeri.
A capacity building programme for Kodagu coffee growers was organised by the Federation of Indian Export organisation in Madikeri.
The initiative was hosted under the flagship of the ministry of commerce with support from the state agriculture department.
Experienced coffee growers of the district attended the event.
The need for the promotion of international coffee trade was highlighted during the programme. The facilitators sensitised the entrepreneurs, farmers and exporters on the potential of exporting coffee and spices from the district.
The various trade opportunities in the international market, the role of various agencies, the role of free trade agreements and various other schemes under the Directorate General of Foreign Trade were explained to the growers in detail.
A total of 75 participants comprising farmers, farmer produce organisations and entrepreneurs took part in the session.
Lokesh HD, ITS, Jt. DGFT Bengaluru was the chief guest of the event. Babu Reddy DR, DD of Coffee Board spoke on coffee exports and GI Coffee. The role of banking, industrial policy, Indian trade portal and schemes under spices board were highlighted during the session.
Shabhana M Sheikh, JD of district agriculture department was also present .
source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> News> City News> Mysuru News / by TNN / September 08th, 2022
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