Category Archives: Business & Economy

Karnataka coffee growers welcome Modi’s praise, seek action on long-pending challenges

In his monthly radio broadcast, Modi lauded the distinctive character and diversity of Indian coffee, saying it has carved a ‘unique identity’ on the world stage.

For many growers in Kodagu, the Prime Minister’s mention has brought a sense of pride but also renewed hope for government intervention. | Photo Credit: For many growers in Kodagu, the Prime Minister’s mention has brought a sense of pride but also renewed hope for government intervention.For many growers in Kodagu, the Prime Minister’s mention has brought a sense of pride but also renewed hope for government intervention.

Planters in Karnataka have welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s praise for the global recognition earned by coffee from the State’s key producing regions Kodagu, Chikkamagaluru, and Hassan during his ‘Mann Ki Baat’ address on Sunday. However, growers have urged the government to take concrete steps to address persistent challenges affecting the sector.

Coffee Board of India chairman M.J. Dinesh thanked the Prime Minister for recognising the efforts of lakhs of growers and said the acknowledgment would inspire renewed enthusiasm in the sector. “The Prime Minister’s words will encourage planters, traders, and exporters alike. It comes at a time when the board has undertaken several initiatives to boost both productivity and domestic consumption,” he said.

For many growers in Kodagu, the Prime Minister’s mention has brought a sense of pride but also renewed hope for government intervention. “It is heartening that the Prime Minister has spoken about coffee from Kodagu, which produces the largest share of India’s coffee. His words reaffirm the importance of our work,” said coffee planter Ravi Chengappa from Virajpet in Kodagu.

However, Mr. Chengappa noted that the sector continues to face serious difficulties. “Coffee growers are struggling with rising input costs, labour shortages, damage caused by erratic rainfall, and wild animal attacks. Fluctuating international prices and a lack of adequate crop insurance have also left many growers financially vulnerable,” he said.

Another farmer Dinesh H. from Chikkamagaluru urged both the Central and the State governments to take immediate steps to protect the livelihood of coffee farmers. “We hope the Prime Minister’s appreciation will translate into stronger policy support. The government must address these long-standing issues from better price realisation to support for sustainable cultivation so that the next generation of planters can continue this legacy,” he added.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India> Karnataka / by Darshan Devaiah B P / October 27th, 2025

Indian coffee brews global success story

Indian‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌ coffee of different varieties grown in diverse regions was the theme of a “Mann Ki Baat” address by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Besides the traditional areas like Karnataka (Chikmagalur, Coorg, Hassan), Tamil Nadu, and Kerala, he talked about the North-East as the new frontier of coffee cultivation.

Prime Minister also talked about the revolutionary effect of coffee plantation on the living of the people, especially tribal farmers and women, by giving the example of Koraput coffee which not only revived the degraded forest but also ensured the income of the people. The Ministry of Commerce and Industry added that Indian coffee is a highly export-oriented product, as 70% of the production is going to more than 120 countries, resulting in a $1.80 billion revenue in 2024-25.

Indian coffee exports have been on a dramatic rise over the last three years, in fact, the value of exports has gone up from $1.29 billion in 2023-24 to $1.81 billion in 2024-25. The increase is more than 40%, and it is solely due to the increased global demand for both raw and value-added coffee products like roasted and instant coffee. India is the seventh-largest coffee producer, and the coffee plantations cover 4.9 lakh hectares while the production is 3.63 lakh metric tonnes.

Demand for the Indian coffee in the international markets is primarily due to the introduction of specialty tribal coffees like Koraput and Araku, which have started to command premium prices. These coffees attract highly selective international markets that put quality, sustainability, and traceability at the forefront.

The Coffee Board’s intervention in the form of support to farmers and new market linkages has not only raised the farmer’s income but also their living standards, especially in the tribal communities. In India, the culture of coffee consumption has grown significantly in the last 4-5 years. Average coffee consumption increased step by step from 1,180 thousand 60-kg bags in 2020 to roughly 1,235 thousand bags in 2022.

The change in consumer behaviour, caused mainly by millennials and GenZ, has made the coffee consumption gradually comparable with the traditionally dominant tea consumption. The demographic change combined with the advent of specialty coffee chains like Blue Tokai, Third Wave Coffee, and the extension of internationally recognised brands such as Costa Coffee and Starbucks is driving a dynamic coffee market growth that is expected to continue for the next 10 years at a CAGR of around 7.5%.Merchants and startups in the Indian coffee industry have created a culture around specialty coffee focusing on domestic bean sourcing and the generation of higher consumer awareness.

Specialty coffee brands in India have attracted a substantial amount of funding from global investors such as Verlinvest, who sees India becoming not only a major coffee-consuming country but also a hub for coffee exports. In addition to ready-to-drink coffee beverages and urban café culture, the Indian coffee market has deepened in terms of variety and has more potential consumers to target.

Beyond economic metrics, the coffee sector has delivered significant environmental benefits. Koraput coffee has helped restore degraded forest land, reduced soil erosion, and provided tribal farmers with steady cash income in place of subsistence farming. This sustainable approach aligns with global trends favoring environmentally responsible sourcing, further enhancing Indian coffee’s international appeal.

In conclusion, the points of Prime Minister Modi about Indian coffee going global are supported by solid facts: the rapidly growing and diversifying coffee farming landscape, robust export performance, changing domestic consumption pattern, and the rise of new premium coffee brands. With the backing of government schemes, eco-friendly farming methods, and rising foreign demand, Indian coffee is set to realise further market penetration, higher farmer incomes, and improved global standing over the next ten ‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌years.

source: http://www.thepamphlet.in / The Pamphlet / Home> Economy> Opinion / by Surabhi Singh / October 28th, 2025

New President and Vice President of UPASI

Mr.Ajoy Thipaiah has been elected as President of The United Planters Association of Southern India (UPASI) for the year 2025-26 at the Annual General Meeting of the Association held on 20th September 2025 at Kochi.

As a fourth generation coffee planter attached to the traditional coffee grower family, he joined the family owned and run plantations of Guddadamane and Kerehaklu Estates situated in Aldur of Chikkamagaluru District, Karnataka, after completing his under graduation at Christ College,  Bangalore in the year 1983. He was actively involved in the Karnataka Planters Association (KPA) from the late eighties and had a long stint as its Executive Committee member, culminating in heading the Association as Chairman in the year 2008-09. He was also actively involved with the UPASI and KPA Sports Clubs  and served as the President of both clubs.

Mr.Ajoy Thipaiah was nominated to the Coffee Board of India in the year 2009 and served a full term as a representative of Coffee growers from Karnataka State. He served in the UPASI Executive Committee during the year 2007-08 and 2008-09, and has been in the Committee since 2017-18. He served as the Chairman of the UPASI Coffee Committee for the period 2021-22 to 2023-24.

Mr.Abhishek Poddar of Matheson Bosanquet Enterprises Pvt Ltd  has been elected as Vice President of UPASI for the year 2025-26.

source: http://www.afternoonnews.in / Afternoon / Home> Tamil Nadu / by Staff / September 23rd, 2025

Tata Starbucks Unveils Its Indian Single-Origin Whole Bean Specialty Coffees

Bringing Coorg’s rich stories, soil, and spirit to every cup

Bengaluru :

Tata Starbucks is celebrating India’s deep-rooted coffee heritage with the launch of its first-ever estate-exclusive single-origin coffees, sourced from the Nullore, Margolly, and Karadibetta Estates of Coorg, Karnataka.

Building on the success of the India Estates Blend, which first spotlighted the country’s coffee origins, this new range brings the focus even closer to the land and the people behind each bean. Through this launch, Starbucks shines a light on India’s coffee-growing heartlands and the generations of farmers whose craft and care shape every cup. As one estate manager expresses on the coffee pack, “This coffee is our legacy – I warmly welcome you to experience it in your cup.”

Joining Starbucks celebrated lineup from coffee growing regions of Africa, Asia Pacific, and Latin America, this curated trio underscores the brand’s commitment to showcasing the world’s most distinctive coffees while championing India’s own specialty coffee estates.

Rooted in the heart of Coorg’s coffee belt, the Nullore, Margolly, and Karadibetta estates each embody a unique legacy of craftsmanship, biodiversity, and care passed down through generations.

  • India Nullore Estate: Growing at an altitude of 910 meters above sea level this Arabica coffee offers tasting notes of red apple and nutty sesame flower, with a sweet lemon acidity, a medium-light body, and medium-high acidity creating a balanced yet vibrant cup. Nestled in Madikeri’s mist-covered hills, the estate is a model of circular farming, where nature nurtures every bean under a two-tier canopy of native trees.
  • India Margolly Estate: With roots dating back to the 1850s, Margolly Estate is in the undulating highlands of southern Coorg. Grown at 980 meters above sea level, this washed Arabica features Barhi date and cinnamon bark notes, rounded by a forest honey finish. The estate’s dense canopy, thriving pepper vines, and rainwater harvesting practices mirror the cool, humid conditions of evergreen forests, producing beans with balanced acidity, clean finish, and distinct character.
  • India Karadibetta Estate: Perched at 1000 meters above sea level, Karadibetta Estate produces high-altitude Arabica with tasting notes of jamun plum, ginger, and sweet tulsi herbal. Its high acidity and medium body create a layered, aromatic profile that reflects the biodiversity and lush terrain of Coorg’s highlands.

From the Grey Hornbill of Nullore, a natural seed-sower of Coorg’s forests, to wandering elephants through Margolly’s lush pepper trails and the vibrant flora of Karadibetta’s highlands, each package has been thoughtfully designed with illustrations that celebrate the wildlife, biodiversity, and ethical sourcing practices that define these estates and the communities that sustain them.

Mitali Maheshwari, Head of Product & Marketing, Tata Starbucks, said, “India’s coffee origins carry the rich legacy of their people, with stories spanning centuries. We’re proud to share the distinct flavors and craftsmanship of Coorg through these iconic estates that have been harvested for the first time for Tata Starbucks. Each single origin coffee in this range reflects its unique terroir, biodiversity, and the passion of its farmers, brought to life in every cup.”

source: http://www.passionateinmarketing.com / Passionate in Marketing / Home> Marketing / October 28th, 2025

Maddu thoppu: Magic leaves of monsoons

And one such way, followed traditionally and scientifically, is consumption of dishes made from a highly medicinal plant.

Dishes prepared from bamboo shoot are also the highlight of ‘Kakkada padinent’ I Prajna GR

Madikeri :

Monsoon in Kodagu is synonymous with chilly weather due to continuous rainfall. While the traditional houses in the district are equipped with fireplaces to warm up the ambience, the people of Kodagu follow certain indigenous ways to stabilise the body temperature. And one such way, followed traditionally and scientifically, is consumption of dishes made from a highly medicinal plant, locally known as ‘Maddu thoppu’ (medicinal leaves). And this festival of leaves was celebrated on August 3.

With scientific name ‘Justicia Wynaadensis’, ‘Maddu thoppu’ grows abundantly as a bushy shrub in the humid tropical belts of Kodagu. “In 1921, botanist J S Gamble, former official of the forest department, had recorded the abundance of this plant in the evergreen forests of the Western Ghats – from South Canara, Kodagu to Wayanad, Eastern Nilgiris and South Malabar,” says Ulliyada Daty Poovaiah, ex-president of Kodava Academy.

With slender stems and hunter green leaves, they grow like an army of soldiers at places where there is scanty sunlight. They earn special status during ‘Aashada masa’ in the Hindu calendar, also known as ‘Kakkada masa’ in Kodava calendar. This month begins on July 17 and ends on August 16. “The ‘Kakkada’ month is considered inauspicious and no important ceremonies or celebrations take place during this one month,” says historian Bacharaniyanda Appanna.

While tradition says that this month is inauspicious, there is a reason behind it. This monsoon month demands complete attention in the paddy fields and since Kodagu is an agriculture-based district, every household involved themselves in agricultural activities and there was no time for any other kind of celebrations,” explains Daty.

And the continuous work on farmlands in cold weather demanded one to be fit, which is when ‘Maddu thoppu’ came into attaining special status during this inauspicious season. ‘The presence of numerous phyto components lends credence to the use of the plant as a medicinal herb by the local community,” states Dr Latha  D in a study conducted on this medicinal plant. With anti-microbial effects, they fight various pathogens that spread widely during the monsoons. “While Justicia Wynaadensis has high medicinal value and is used widely in Ayurveda medicine, the plant attaining maximum medicinal value on the 18th day of ‘Aashada’ month is more of a belief,” explains Ayurveda doctor Udayashankar. 

And hence the people of Kodagu religiously follow the ritual of plucking the leaves of ‘Maddu thoppu’ on the 18th day of ‘Kakkada’ and indulge in a variety of elaborate cuisines. “The plant is believed to give 18 types of medicines during this month and a variety of dishes including ‘Maddu thoppu halva’ and  ‘Maddu thoppu’ porridge are prepared using pure, traditionally extracted honey. (The plant is believed to lose its medicinal components one by one after the 18th day).

Along with this, a variety of dishes are prepared from country chicken, colocasia leaves, bamboo shoot, crabs, jackfruit and are laid alongside paddy-arrack, which are all believed to stabilise the body heat during chilly monsoons,” explains Daty. This marks the celebrations of ‘Aati padinent’ (padinent translating into 18th day in Kodava language), which falls on August 3 every year. While the presence of Justicia Wynaadensis in the backyards of houses is reducing after urbanisation, they are still widely present on the peaks in the district.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Bengaluru / by Prajna GR / Express News Service / August 05th, 2018

Karnataka: ‘Swacha Kodagu-Sundara Kodagu’ mega-cleanliness drive to be held on Oct. 15

The ‘Swacha Kodagu-Sundara Kodagu’ (Clean Kodagu-Beautiful Kodagu) campaign has received an overwhelming response from across the district and a mega-cleanliness drive will be held on Wednesday, October 15, from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. as part of the initiative.

Kundyolanda Dinesh Kariappa, president, Kodagu Hotels and Resorts Association, said that the campaign is being organised under the banner of the association, in collaboration with the district administration, Kodagu Zilla Panchayat, Kodagu Chamber of Commerce, Kodagu Homestays Association, Rotary and Lions Clubs, Department of Tourism, Red Cross, local organisations, and various educational institutions. More than 220 associations and organisations in the district have extended their support to the drive.

MLA for Madikeri Mantar Gowda will inaugurate the district-level campaign near General Thimmaiah Circle in Madikeri at 8 a.m. Deputy Commissioner Venkataraja, Superintendent of Police K. Ramarajan, Zilla Panchayat Chief Executive Officer Anand Prakash Meena, and other dignitaries are scheduled to be present.

M.P. Sunach Kushalappa, MLC, will inaugurate the drive at Gonikoppal, while B.R. Nagendra Prasad, president, Kodagu District Chamber of Commerce, will launch the programme at Kushalnagar. At Virajpet, Teethir Dharmaja Uttappa, District President, Guarantee Scheme Implementation Committee, will launch the drive. Rohith, president, Taluk Homestay Association; and B.S. Sundar, vice-president of the Hotels and Resorts Association, will inaugurate the campaign at Somwarpet.

As part of the initiative, 1,500 NSS students from 23 colleges affiliated with Kodagu University will participate in cleanliness activities within their respective campuses. Similarly, students from schools and colleges across the district will take part in cleaning the respective premises of their institutions.

Officials and staff of the Kodagu District Cooperative Central Bank among others have also pledged their support.

Traders have been urged to clean the surroundings of their business establishments.

Mr. Kariappa said that public participation is being sought on a voluntary basis and the waste collected on October 15 will be transported to the solid waste management plant in Mysuru with the assistance of panchayat and local body officials.

Association general secretary Naseer Ahmed said government office staff, private school teachers, bank employees, and students may also participate between 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. on October 15. The campaign primarily focuses on cleaning major roads and highways across the district.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India / by The Hindu Bureau / October 14th, 2025

Karnataka: Kodagu hotels, tourist centres directed to ensure 60% Kannada usage on nameboards

Kodagu Deputy Commissioner Venkataraja chairing a meeting in Madikeri on Friday. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

Hotels, restaurants, homestays, and commercial establishments in Kodagu — known for its coffee and one of Karnataka’s primary tourist destinations — have been directed to ensure that 60% of the text on their nameboards is written in Kannada.

Kodagu Deputy Commissioner Venkataraja on Friday instructed all departments to ensure strict implementation of the State government order mandating Kannada usage on nameboards.

He was speaking at a meeting held at his office in Madikeri following the government’s notification enforcing the rule across all establishments, including shops, commercial complexes, industries, schools, colleges, government offices, and tourist centres in the hill station.

Mr. Venkataraja said that the Karnataka Comprehensive Development of Kannada (Amendment) Bill, 2024, which received the Governor’s assent on February 25, makes it mandatory for all industrial, commercial, and business establishments to display at least 60% of their nameboard content in Kannada. Local bodies and concerned departments have been asked to take necessary measures for its effective enforcement.

The Act applies to all institutions that have obtained approval or permission from the government or local authorities. Private schools, colleges, hospitals, laboratories, entertainment centres, and hotels must ensure Kannada is prominently displayed on their nameboards, he said.

Emphasising the need to promote Kannada, particularly in border areas and private educational institutions, the Deputy Commissioner warned that non-compliance would attract penalties. A penalty of ₹5,000 for the first offence and ₹10,000 for the second has been imposed; repeated violations may also result in the cancellation of licences.

Zilla Panchayat CEO Anand Prakash Meena shared details about the enforcement of Kannada nameboard regulations within local body limits.

Additional Deputy Commissioner R. Aishwarya, Additional Superintendent of Police Barike Dinesh Kumar, and Assistant Director of Kannada and Culture Department Kumar also spoke at the meeting.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India / by The Hindu Bureau / October 10th, 2025

Need to diversify coffee plantation: Commerce Secy

Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal

Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal emphasised the need for diversifying coffee cultivation in India, highlighting the sustainability of Indian coffee grown alongside forests.

Speaking at the inauguration of the Coffee Experience Zone and Expo, organised by the Coffee Board, Agrawal noted a significant rise in coffee exports that had doubled in recent years.

He said the growing domestic demand for coffee, driven by India’s expanding middle class, and predicted a surge in consumption.

Agrawal also highlighted the rise of new entrepreneurs in the coffee sector, particularly in instant and specialty coffee.

source: http://www.tribuneindia.com / The Tribune / Home> Business / by Tribune News Desk / October 03rd, 2025

Poonacha Machaiah

Hello, I’m
Poonacha Machaiah

SOCIAL ENTREPRENEUR

Poonacha Machaiah has over 20 years of global experience as a successful serial entrepreneur and business leader in Fortune 100 companies.

Poonacha is among the new breed of emerging social entrepreneurs who are using approaches from the commercial world and employing technology to tackle social and environmental problems. Today he is levering his vast global experience and technology domain expertise to bring to communities transformative educational solutions and ubiquitous access to the masses via mobility.

Poonacha has co-founded “Jiyo” a wellbeing platform along with internationally renowned physician and author Deepak Chopra M.D. He is founder the founder and CEO of ‘ABOVE – A Bunch of Versatile Entrepreneurs’, a company he had founded in 2008. ABOVE is a company that has delivered industry-leading solutions in the Education, Mobility, Media and Entertainment segments. ABOVE has launched one of the pioneering Social TV/collaboration platforms TangoFX and recently launched ABOVE Learning Platform.

Poonacha is also the co-founder of the social enterprise ‘WeightLess Project’, a global movement to address the challenges that plague our communities i.e. lifestyle disorders related to obesity/overweight and hunger/malnutrition.

He was instrumental in the founding of India’s leading social media startup along with internationally acclaimed film director Shekhar Kapur and Oscar award winning music composer AR Rahman.

During his tenure as CEO, Qyuki was been voted as one of India’s coolest startups (Business Today) and also featured in Fortune (India) and Fast Company.

Through the majority of his career, he has held senior leadership positions in Global Sales & Business Development with leading MNC’s like Sasken, Motorola, Visionael, Iridium, and Dimension Enterprises – a leading Internet Data Center services startup in the Washington DC area, which was then acquired by Nortel Networks in 2000.

He is on the advisory board of Chopra Foundation and International mentor at XMedia Lab, an internationally acclaimed digital media think tank.

Prior to his return to India in 2007, he has been an active member of the Vienna Volunteer Fire Department and Joy of Sports in the Washington DC area.

Poonacha holds an MBA from the College of William and Mary in Virginia and a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Engineering from the B.M.S. College of Engineering in Bangalore, India.

source: http://www.worldbrainmapping.org

Coffee Dasara brews hope for growers amid challenges

45 stalls celebrate Kodagu’s coffee culture as top growers honoured

Madikeri:

The Coffee Dasara celebration held on Wednesday at Gandhi Maidan, Madikeri, captivated visitors with a vibrant display of coffee culture, featuring 45 thematic stalls and a strong message of solidarity with coffee growers grappling with persistent challenges.

The event was jointly organised by the Madikeri Dasara Committee, Madikeri Dasara Cultural Committee and the Coorg Planters Association inside the Sakamma Auditorium, named after Karnataka’s first woman coffee entrepreneur. The coffee mega event was executed and coordinated by H.T. Anil.

Inaugurating the celebration, Madikeri MLA Dr. Mantar Gowda highlighted that despite favourable market prices, coffee growers continue to face serious hardships.

“Labour shortages, climate fluctuations, and market instability are major hurdles, especially for small-scale producers. We must unite to tackle these challenges,” Dr. Mantar Gowda urged.

Dr. Mantar Gowda noted that Kodagu district accounts for nearly 75 percent of Karnataka’s coffee production and stressed that Coffee Dasara, which began last year, should become an annual platform to foster dialogue and development.

Madikeri MLA Dr. Mantar Gowda with Coffee Dasara Convener H.T. Anil during the event.

Crop insurance coverage

Coffee Board Chairman Dinesh Devavrinda underscored the need for insurance coverage for coffee crops, similar to schemes available for arecanut and pepper. He pointed out that coffee is cultivated not only in Karnataka’s Kodagu, Hassan and Chikkamagalur districts but also across the north-eastern States and encouraged farmers to take pride in their profession.

Kodagu Deputy Commissioner Venkat Raja reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to supporting farmers, promising to act as a bridge between growers and policy-makers. He announced plans to launch video-based training programmes on coffee cultivation and marketing, emphasising the urgent need for modernisation in the 21st century.

Technical insights

Several experts shared technical insights during the event. Dr. Ichettira Mandappa, Coffee Board Director, spoke about maintaining quality in coffee cultivation, coffee grower Karan discussed emerging varietals in coffee farming, Jermie D’Souza presented research on dwarf robusta strains while Dr. Chendrimada Captain Thimmaiah, Assistant Director, Veterinary Services, explained the role of soil fertility in improving yields.

The event also featured a felicitation ceremony honouring outstanding coffee farmers, recognising their contributions to the industry.

Growers felicitated

Distinguished coffee growers were felicitated by International Booker Prize-2025 winner Deepa Bhasthi, who hails from Madikeri. They included Vinod Shivappa, former President of UPASI (United Planters’ Association of Southern India), S.M. Chengappa, progressive farmer from Kiragandur, Lava Edadante from Edadante village, D.P. Ravishankar from Ponnampet, D.Y. Abdul Razak from Kodlipet, Vikram from Masagodu, Robert from Ponnathmotte in Chettalli and Nizamuddin Siddiqui, senior coffee entrepreneur from Madikeri.

Prominent dignitaries present included the Coorg Planters Association Chairman A. Nanda Belliappa, Madikeri Town Municipality President and Madikeri Dasara Committee Chairperson     P. Kalavathi, Madikeri Dasara Committee office-bearers, Jyothika of Women’s Coffee Awareness Forum, former MLCs Veena Achaiah and S.G. Medappa.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / September 28th, 2025