Pesticides residues were found in a huge amount in the coffee powder exported to European countries. Following this, the Coffee Board has directed the farmers to control the use of pesticides on crops.
The European countries have informed that the pesticides are detected in the coffee powder and advised not to export similar products again. In this context, the Coffee Board has warned the farmers that the European countries and other importers will ban the import of Indian coffee if a similar quantity of chemical components were detected again in the products.
The pesticide Chlorpyrifos has been detected in an excess amount in the coffee powder exported from the country. Instead of Chlorpyrifos, another pesticide Phenthoate 50 EC can be used by mixing 400 millilitres of it in 200 litres of water with 200 millilitres of glue.
The Coffee Board had recommended the use of “Chlorpyrifos 20 EC at the dosage of 600 ml in 200 litres of water along with 200 ml of any wetting agent may be used just prior to the flight periods or during the early part of the flight period,” as a “last resort.”
Project to improve treatment of neurological disorders was launched January
Soon diagnosis and timely treatment of common neurological problems, such as epilepsy, headache, stroke, dementia and brain infections, can be done from the grassroots level of primary health centres, secondary-level district hospitals and NIMHANS at the tertiary level in the State.
Recognising the need to improve treatment and prevent neurological disorders in the community, the State Government in association with NIMHANS and Niti Ayog launched the Karnataka Brain Health Initiative (Ka-BHI) in January.
While training of doctors and preparations to start Brain Health Clinics in the three pilot hospitals – Jayanagar General hospital in Bengaluru Urban, SNR Hospital in Kolar and District Hospital in Chickballapur – has begun, the Government has appointed cricketer Robin Uthappa as the brand ambassador for brain and mental health programmes. The pilot project has also been announced in this year’s State Budget.
State Health Commissioner Randeep told The Hindu that brain health promoting activities such as physical exercises, yoga, sports, traditional art and crafts, stress reduction and nutritional support will be initiated in three pilot districts. “This is a first of a kind initiative in the country that will facilitate early diagnosis and timely treatment, for common neurological diseases,” he said.
NIMHANS Director Pratima Murthy said the burden of neurological disorders is rapidly increasing in India and is posing a challenge to the health of the society. “Neurological diseases, including stroke, epilepsy, headache, dementia and brain infections, contribute to immense disability in the community. Since brain health, mental health, non-communicable diseases, maternal and child health and elderly care overlap, coordination between the different national programmes under the National Health Mission is being strengthened through this pilot project,” she said.
“Ka-BHI will develop a model for prevention and management of neurological diseases and promote brain health, from grassroots level of primary care to tertiary care. This pilot study in three districts can become a model and be implemented in the whole State and at the national level in the coming months,” Dr. Murthy said.
Suvarna Alladi, professor and head of the Department of Neurology at NIMHANS, said the training programme for PHC medical officers was initiated on March 11. “Three in-person training workshops have been conducted for all the PHC doctors in the pilot hospitals. Overall 180 doctors, including 26 neurologists from NIMHANS, are involved in this. The protocols for diagnosis and management of neurological disorders have been drafted and weekly online neurology interactive teaching sessions are going on,” she said.
“The training of PHC doctors will be completed in June and they will be certified in treatment of common neurological diseases. Training programme for ASHA workers and community health officers has been developed. They will be provided with a 15-point questionnaire that can be used to screen patients with neurological disorders from the community level and Health and Wellness centres for early identification and timely treatment in referral centres,” Dr. Alladi explained.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> National> Karnataka / b y Afshan Yasmeen / Bengaluru – April 15th, 2022
The artist’s debut solo show opens at Hyderabad’s State Art Gallery on April 15.
The excitement is palpable in artist Bhavani G S’ voice. “This is my first solo show in Hyderabad and I have not been able to sleep for the past few days due to the thrill of coming to the city. I am glad I could come early,” she says ahead of her multi-disciplinary exhibition, Fragmented Memories, that opens at the State Art Gallery on April 15. The show consisting of paintings and video art brings memories to the fore connecting the past to the present and vice versa.
Besides a few short videos, around 35 works done in acrylics and watercolours promise to give artlovers an uncanny sense of being in the woods. The works done two years ago were to be displayed at Jehangir Art Gallery in March 2020 but got postponed due to the outbreak of COVID-19 (she displayed at Jehangir Art Gallery two months ago). “Our lives changed in two years of the pandemic; My works also changed,” she shares.
Talakaveri by Bhavani G S
Bond with Cauvery
Hailing from the mountain ranges of Kodagu in Karnataka surrounded by coffee plantations, Bhavani’s works represent the deep connection she shares with her native land and the river Cauvery. In fact, the artist has been working on a decade-long sustained project on Cauvery and has shot a few videos on water issues. This is part of a research-based work on her journeys that started in 2012 when she travelled (around 65 kilometres) along the river from TalaCauvery (in Coorg district where Cauvery originates) reaching the Bay of Bengal in Poompuhar and observing the changing shores of the confluence of the river.
Poompuhar by Bhavani G S
Her journey started as a probe into water issues like pollution, ended up forging a bond with the river. “I fell in love with Cauvery and wanted to travel with it. Hence a bit of the river will always be there in my works.” Memories evolved as COVID-19 triggered uncertainties and took her back to her home town that was witness to unscientific man-made changes leading to disasters.
“Television and the internet kept us connected but our relationships had changed and we were disconnected from each other. The pandemic taught us the value of many things, especially freedom,” she points out. She connected images emanating from her childhood memories to her current stay in Bengaluru. The migration issue made her ponder her life when she migrated to Bengaluru. The elephant corridor has disappeared as people have moved in. I am responsible in a way for that disappearance.”
Milestone 3A Talakaveri by Bhavani GS
The anxieties also took her back to her childhood when she recollected the solace she got as a child by hearing the howling of Western Ghats fox and the jackal. “The Western Ghats fox is on the verge of extinction,” she says. The various images that touched her mind and soul have found a place on her canvas.
Fragmented Memories by Bhavani G S will be at the State Art Gallery till April 24
source: http://www.newsazi.com / News Azi / Home> Entertainment / by Anindita Das / April 15th, 2022
It is quite natural for small children to develop an affinity towards their toys or toy vehicles. Unlike other children of his age, this boy never thought of buying toy vehicles from shops. He created his own toy vehicles and had fun. At that young age itself, he would wish if he could manufacture his own vehicles.
By the time he finished school and entered college, his desire to manufacture vehicles grew by leaps and bounds.His ITI education supported his aspirations. He has made several vehicles and sold them. His vehicles have a uniqueness or fingerprint of his own.
The prodigious boy is Akash, a resident of Biligeri village near Madikeri. After completing MMV in the ITI, he started to work for some vehicle manufacturers. As the urge to manufacture his own vehicles catapulted into a passion, he left his job and returned home.
Initially he began with bikes and also cars which could be pedaled. He then fixed engines to them and succeeded in making indigenuous vehicles. In the past few years, he has forayed into manufacture of bikes, agricultural machinery, various equipment and also other vehicles.
Another unique skill he has is custom making the vehicles as per the client’s desire by procuring spare parts of different makes and assembling them at home. He has also sold bikes without gears and scooters with gear. So he could rightfully be called the Frankenstien of automobiles.
Akash has now made a unique bike that also grabs eyeballs. .So far he was making fuel driven vehicles. Now he has manufactured vehicles which run on a battery. The bikes and small cars made by him ideally suit the requirements of resorts and homestays in Kodagu district. Therefore, owners of some resorts have purchased their custom made vehicles from him.
He has immense interest in making agricultural machinery. Machines which dry cardamoms and pepper, those which separate chilli from their stalks etc. He has also made four trolleys that can carry different weights, and sold them. Some organizations which have noticed his achievements, have come forward to help him. They are thinking of providing him with a showroom so that this rural talent gets recognition in the outside world.
source: http://www.daijiworld.com / Daijiworld.com / Home> Karnataka / by Daijiworld Media Network – Madikeri (SP) / February 23rd, 2022
NGO Swastha Centre is training people with disabilities in beekeeping, giving them a source of income & sense of independence.
The establishment of the beekeeping society will ensure sustainable and inclusive living, says Arathy Somaiah, director, Swastha Institution | EXPRESS
Madikeri :
In the misty hill country of Kodagu, the bee offers hope. Apiculture has been one of the main economic activities of the region, known for its coffee, pepper and tourism, while Coorg honey is said to be rich in medicinal properties.
Tapping into the ancient activity of bee-rearing, the Swastha Centre for Special Education and Rehabilitation in Kodagu is striving to establish a sustainable society for persons with disabilities, especially in the rural areas of the district. Started in the year 2003, Swastha Institution is managed by The Coorg Foundation Trust.
While educating students with special abilities has been the focus of the institution, it is also involved in providing vocational training to enable the rehabilitation of children. In a country where a day is observed each year to promote the wellness and rights of persons with disabilities, it can be challenging to create an inclusive environment for them, and keep it going too.
The community-based rehabilitation initiative of the institution is empowering many persons with disabilities (PwD) in the rural parts of Kodagu. What is unique is that the institution has introduced beekeeping and is training them in the vocation, said to be the first-of-its-kind initiative in the country.
“Receiving support from the Horticulture department, the institution first trained 25 students in beekeeping in 2017,” explained Arathy Somaiah, director of the institution. Though the students were trained in the vocation, opportunities to earn from it were bleak. Hence, the institution looked to establish an agrarian system to create opportunities for self-employment, which also promotes economic growth.
“The institution sought help from NABARD, and the 25 students were further trained for three years. Beehive boxes were handed over to them, and the first bee harvest was sold last year. The students earned incentives and have now set up beehive boxes in their homes,” said Arathy. To ensure that the students don’t face any challenges in beekeeping at home, the institution extended training to their parents too. Persons with disabilities were identified across Karike, Bhagamandala, Sampaje and Madenadu villages, trained in beekeeping and given beehive boxes.
“There is a government scheme where beehive boxes are provided at subsidised rates if residents provide RTC documents of the land. Through this scheme, beehive boxes were given to them, and they were trained by the horticulture department,” explained Arathy. The harvest from the community rearing in the district was collected by the institution; it was processed, purified and bottled at the Research and Development sector of Tata Coffee.
“The honey extracted and processed is free of adulteration, and marketed under the Swastha label. The profits are paid to the bee rearers. A trained staffer from the institution visits the rural areas once a month to help them handle the work of beekeeping, and helps them in the cleaning process. Once the harvest is ready, they help them extract and collect the honey. They have the option to market the harvest through Swastha or any other means,” she shared.
While the beekeeping initiative is running successfully, the institution is looking at providing them with holistic training. It aims to identify persons with disabilities in all the taluks, and establish a ‘Beekeeping Society of Persons with Disabilities’ soon in the district. The institution also plans to train them to plant bee-friendly trees and shrubs in rural areas. Kodagu has a large number of massive bee-nesting trees.
“The establishment of the beekeeping society will ensure sustainable and inclusive living. It will help generate self-employment, rural employment and economic growth,” concluded Arathy.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Good News / by Pragna GR, Express News Service / April 10th, 2022
The Allana Group, one of India’s largest exporters of Coffee today announced its foray into the Indian domestic market to meet the burgeoning demand in the brewed beverage business. The Group has been a pioneer in the green bean exports since the year 1987 and aims to introduce international grade coffees to the Indian consumers.
Curating the finest beans with its in-house quality control, the group will remain focused on a B2B supply to domestic players as well as startups. The group will set up a state-of-the-art roast and ground coffee unit in Karnataka and distribute in all major cities of India. Further, the group will also invest in roaster and instant coffee machines and cater to industrial customers and cafes.
The Allana group exports on an average 25000 tons of green coffee beans per annum with an advanced facility having the capacity to cure 30000 tons. India’s coffee market has witnessed an exponential growth with a CAGR of 10% over the last five years. Allana Group’s foray into the domestic coffee market will address the rising demand, catering to the capsule market in addition to special coffees and also cater to the medium to high end commercial sector.
Commenting on the foray Mr. M. P. Devaiah, Business Head – Coffee, Allana Group said, “Allana has been at the forefront of the green bean coffee business in India. Our strong network in sourcing the finest beans as well as our inhouse quality control differentiate and bring out the uniqueness in our coffee. Our introduction into the domestic market will aim to cater to true coffee aficionados and deliver a premium experience.”
Asim Allana, a sixth-generation member of the Allana Group promoter family said, “Coffee over the years has become a mainstream consumer drink especially amongst the vibrant young generation in India. Our foray into the domestic coffee market is our commitment to provide one of the highest grades of coffee to our consumers. Being a veteran player in the industry, our extensive experience and expertise in the food business along with our world class infrastructure, we aim to create a superior and healthy domestic coffee market in India.”
With its over three decades of expertise in the coffee business, Allana Group has been acknowledged and conferred with awards as the largest over all exporters of green coffee beans by the Coffee Board of India. The group exports all grades of washed and un-washed Arabicas and Robustas as well as Monsooned Coffees.
Further the Company continues to be one of India’s largest exporters of Specialty Coffee, thus catering to the needs of all types of buyers, be it specialty coffee, single estate coffee or commercial coffee particularly in Europe.
source: http://www.apnnews.com / APN News / Home / April 07th, 2022
Minimal designs, foldable furniture, technology to control locks and lights… the home decor trend in 2021 was simplistic and practical.
Interior designers find 2021 to be a year of contemporary, trendy and eco-friendly home decor styles.
Bengaluru :
The years 2020 and 2021 have seen many turning homebodies out of little option. Thanks to the raging pandemic and subsequent lockdowns, people have been forced to stay indoors. It’s no surprise then that the trend of doing up homes to suit working from home continued into 2021.
According to interior designers, this was the year when people cleared clutter. Tasneem, studio manager at Design Café Bangalore, says, “The use of multi-functional furniture was a huge factor this year. Clients wanted something that is practical and something that takes up minimal space in the house.
It was more about utility than looks this year.” She goes on to add, “For instance, most homes required two study/ work tables. But many clients just wanted a table that could be attached to the wall or something that is foldable. This also led to customers opting for ‘zoning’, where there’s a visual divide of the different spaces in home – be it the study space, drawing or bedroom and kitchen. Different corners to unplug was also an important factor.”
With Bengalureans spending extended periods at home, many were particular about open spaces and well-lit spaces. Anagha Bhaskar, principal architect of Pradyotha Associates, says, “Whether it was people building brand new homes or renovating their current ones, they wanted fewer walls, more windows – long ones to be precise – and plenty of natural light coming in throughout the day. This also led to dedicated spaces for indoor gardens as people had the time to care for them while working from home.”
The buzzword has been sustainability which spilt into the home decor space too. Various other redecorations with the use of bottles, eco-friendly products and old materials were added to homes, giving them a story of their own. “On the other hand, digitally-focused homes were also a trend we saw in 2021. They used technology to control the settings of the home – from locks to lights within the house,” explains Bhaskar.
Nain Belliappa, founder and creative director of Houseof9design, adds that marble and stone finishes were preferred over laminate products. “As for the design style, people wanted something contemporary. For example, plantation-style homes like fireplaces or pillar designs were opted for even in apartment spaces. This is something we only saw in independent homes previously,” she explains.
Long study and work desks for both children and parents were an additional factor. With many welcoming pets during the pandemic, pet parents wanted their home to not have any sharp edges or wallpaper. There was also the use of rugs or carpets for pets. “The colour schemes that were popular through the year were monotones and muted colours. Homeowners wanted minimalistic designs in classic and contemporary styles. Home with a spirit is the vibe of 2021,” says Belliappa.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Cities> Bengaluru / by Anila Kurian, Express News Service / December 27th, 2021
Works are in full swing to set up the third Elephant Camp in Kodagu at Harangi. The State Government has released Rs. 50 lakh for the project that is expected to ease the burden of the existing elephant camps.
Already, Kodagu has two elephant camps, one at Dubare and another at Mathigodu near Anechowkur Gate that borders Mysuru. There are eight elephant camps in Karnataka including the two in Kodagu and the Harangi Camp will be the ninth in the State.
The eight jumbo camps house more than 100 tamed elephants that are used to rescue wild animals and for logging purposes at Government timber depots. The new elephant camp is expected to reduce the burden on the nearby Dubare Elephant Camp, which currently has over 31 elephants, the highest in the State.
90 percent works complete
Over 90 percent of the works have been completed at the Harangi Elephant Camp and interestingly, the Camp houses a Tree Park, also in the same vicinity. From 2017 till 2021-22 Rs.1.38 crore has been released by the Government and works are on to create the Tree Park.
The Forest Department is establishing the elephant camp in a 40-acre land at Athur Reserve Forest beside Harangi Reservoir in Kushalnagar Taluk. The place, located near the Harangi Dam backwaters, is ideal to set up the elephant camp. The camp per se is eight to 20 acres. The Athur Range Forest extends up to 2,000 acres and it is an ideal elephant habitat with plenty of water and green swathes.
Four houses have been constructed for the mahouts and their families to stay, a vast kitchen has been constructed to prepare food for the elephants and store rooms has also been constructed. Basic facilities including toilets have been constructed for tourists who come there.
Abundant water source
Borewells have been sunk to provide a steady stream of water and as the land comes near the Harangi Dam backwaters, there is no shortage of groundwater. Electricity works are on now at the camp and enough care is being taken to ensure that the forest area is not damaged while erecting the power poles and when the power lines are drawn.
The funds for the camp have been released from Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA). Apart from setting up a new elephant camp, there are plans to initiate other related development programmes including developing the camp as a tourist centre and at the same time provide shelter to the elephants.
Other tourism projects
The Government has also plans to closely develop Cauvery Nisargadhama in Kushalnagar and together with the new elephant camp in the region, the initiatives are set to boost eco-tourism activities.
Kushalnagar Range Forest Officer J. Ananya Kumar told Star of Mysore that once the Harangi Elephant Camp works are completed, five elephants will be shifted from Dubare Elephant Camp to immediately ease the burden. Later, 15 more jumbos will be shifted in phases. Appointment of staff and doctors will be decided by the State Government.
Among the State Government plans to improve tourism in Harangi are water sports on behalf of Jungle Lodges and Resorts, Jet Ski and para-sailing. The Kodagu District Administration is weighing various options for tourism promotion once the Harangi Elephant Camp is fully established.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / March 21st, 2022
The Kodagu coffee growers have been demanding free electricity supply to up to 10 HP pump sets installed in coffee estates across the district.
Karnataka CM Basavaraj Bommai (Photo | Special arrangement)
Madikeri :
The state government has announced a subsidized power supply to up to 10 HP pump sets installed in coffee estates in Kodagu. The decision was announced by chief minister Basavaraj Bommai during the Zero Hour of the state Legislative Assembly. The request for the same was raised by Kodagu MLA Appachu Ranjan.
The Kodagu coffee growers have been demanding free electricity supply to up to 10 HP pump sets installed in coffee estates across the district. While assurances had been extended by the state, the same had not been sanctioned. On Tuesday, MLA Appachu Ranjan raised the issue during the Zero Hour of the legislative session and he was supported by MLA KG Bopaiah, MLA CT Ravi and MLA Kumarswamy.
The legislators argued that the district supplied Cauvery water to the state, but it has been neglected. They argued that while tobacco and areca nut estates are eligible for power subsidy, coffee has been neglected and ignored.
Following these discussions, CM Basavaraj Bomai said, “Power subsidies extended by the state are increasing every year and it adds up to Rs 12,000 to Rs 14,000 crore. However, we understand the problems of the coffee growers, and following the discussion with the power minister and other ministers, the state will grant a subsidy to the power supply to up to 10 HP pump sets installed in coffee estates. However, terms and conditions will be released to control misuse of the same.”
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Karnataka / by Express News Service / March 22nd, 2022
Vishwa Cariappa is a native of Kodagu and currently resides in Bengaluru. He is the Chairman and Managing Director of Vasan Infrastructure Private Limited.
Madikeri:
A native of Kodagu has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi urging for the establishment of a multi-speciality hospital in the district. The uniqueness of Kodagu has been highlighted in the letter alongside the immediate need for a multi-speciality hospital.
Vishwa Cariappa is a native of Kodagu and currently resides in Bengaluru. He is the Chairman and Managing Director of Vasan Infrastructure Private Limited. He has written to the Prime Minister urging for the establishment of a multi-speciality hospital in Kodagu.
In his letter, Vishwa highlights the uniqueness of the district and the people’s increased contribution to the Indian Military. The contributions of Field Marshal KM Cariappa, General Thimmayya and other noted personalities have been highlighted in the letter. Further, the dire situation of the people of the district post the 2018 natural disaster has been brought to the fore and the absence of good road connectivity and the absence of improved medical facilities especially in hilly regions have been highlighted.
The plight of the patients who are forced to travel out of the district to get medical treatment has also been highlighted. He has then requested the Prime Minister to establish a multi-speciality hospital in the district and Vishwa has assured to donate Rs One Crore to the government for the establishment of the same. He also assured to help the government find land in the district for the establishment of the hospital. The letter has been posted to the PM and other cabinet ministers of the central government.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Karnataka / by Bosky Khanna / Express News Service / March 20th, 2022
WELCOME. If you like what you see "SUBSCRIBE via EMAIL" to receive FREE regular UPDATES.
Read More »
