Sowing in Mysuru district | Photo Credit: File photo
A sharp deficit in pre-monsoon rainfall across southern Karnataka has raised concerns ahead of the onset of the southwest monsoon, with key districts in the Mysuru region, particularly Kodagu and Mysuru, recording significant shortfalls that could affect preparation for kharif sowing.
Data released by the Karnataka State Natural Disaster Monitoring Centre (KSNDMC) as of May 27 shows that South Interior Karnataka received 106 mm of rainfall against the normal 125 mm during the pre-monsoon period from March 1 to May 27, registering a deficit of 16 per cent.
Among the districts in the Mysuru region, the data said, Kodagu recorded the steepest decline, receiving only 106 mm rainfall against the normal 220 mm – a deficit of 52 per cent. Mysuru followed with 89 mm against the normal 184 mm, recording a 51 per cent shortage. Mandya received 96 mm against the normal 146 mm, registering a shortfall of 34 per cent, while Chamarajanagar received 140 mm against the expected 181 mm, reflecting a 22 per cent deficit.
The shortfall was more noticeable in April. Mysuru district received only 10 mm rainfall against the normal 66 mm, recording an 85 per cent deficit. Kodagu registered a 76 per cent shortfall, followed by Chamarajanagar at 75 per cent and Mandya at 59 per cent.
Although rainfall activity improved marginally in May, it remained insufficient to offset the earlier deficit. Between May 1 and 27, Mysuru received 65 mm rainfall against the normal 103 mm, registering a 37 per cent shortfall, while Kodagu received 64 mm against 114 mm, a deficit of 44 per cent. Mandya and Chamarajanagar fared relatively better, receiving 62 mm and 105 mm respectively.
The data also showed significant rainfall deficits in Hassan and Dakshina Kannada districts.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home > News> India> Karnataka / by The Hindu Bureau / May 27th, 2026
Over 2,000 coffee plants, 250 pepper vines cut down at Kalakooru village
Madikeri:
In a shocking incident of large-scale vandalism, unidentified miscreants entered a coffee plantation at Kalakooru village near Birunani in Ponnampet taluk of Kodagu district and destroyed more than 2,000 coffee plants and 250 pepper vines, causing losses estimated to run into several lakhs of rupees.
The plantation belongs to Kuppanamada Gautham, who had carefully developed the four-acre estate over the years with seven-year-old coffee plants and pepper vines. The estate was equipped with modern surveillance measures, including CCTV cameras installed at strategic locations.
The incident took place while Gautam and his family were away in Mysuru to attend a wedding ceremony. Taking advantage of their absence, miscreants trespassed into the plantation and carried out widespread destruction.
In addition to cutting down the crops, the perpetrators disconnected and took away the CCTV cameras in an attempt to erase evidence.
The destruction was extensive, with coffee plants and pepper vines cut at ground level, leaving no scope for regrowth. Gautham now faces the difficult and expensive task of re-establishing the plantation from scratch.
Villagers described the act as deliberate and well-planned. They pointed out that the scale of destruction indicated the involvement of at least eight to ten persons.
The incident triggered outrage among villagers and members of the local farming community, who strongly condemned the destruction of crops and demanded immediate action against those responsible.
Hudikeri Revenue Inspector Santhosh visited the spot and inspected the damaged estate. Srimangala Police Station Inspector A.S. Ravindra, along with his team, also visited the plantation. Police deployed a dog squad to gather clues.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / May 08th, 2026
The Minister said the mandate for production, development, research and domestic marketing of spices other than cardamom is vested with Ministry of Agriculture & Farmer’s Welfare.
Union Minister for Commerce and Industry Jitin Prasada /Credit: X/@JitinPrasada
New Delhi:
Union Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Jitin Prasada on Tuesday said that black pepper production in Kodagu may increase by about 16 per cent in 2025-26 compared to 2024-25.
Replying Yaduveer Wadiyar question, the Minister said the mandate for production, development, research and domestic marketing of spices other than cardamom is vested with Ministry of Agriculture & Farmer’s Welfare. The Ministry informed that it has conducted a quick pre-harvest survey in Kodagu district which indicates that black pepper production in Kodagu may increase by about 16 per cent in 2025-26 compared to 2024-25, he said.
Spices Board under the “Sustainability in Spice Sector through Progressive, Innovative and Collaborative Interventions for Export Development (SPICED)” scheme provides assistance to the growers of spices, including pepper growers of Kodagu district for post-harvest improvement by providing pepper thresher, graders /cleaners etc, conducting capacity building programmes and undertaking market linkage initiatives organizes buyer seller meets, he said.
He further said at present the import policy for pepper is ‘Prohibited, with a provision permitting import only if the Cost Insurance & Freight (CIF) value is Rs. 500. per kg or above. The said MIP of Rs. 500/kg continues to remain in force and is not applicable to imports under Advance Authorization Scheme for export production, imports by 100% Export Oriented Units (EOU) and units in Special Economic Zones (SEZ) and imports for extraction of oleoresin for re-export by manufacturer-exporters, subject to applicable policy conditions, he said.
source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> India> Karnataka / by Ajith Athrady / March 11th, 2026
MP for Mysuru Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar releasing a set of booklets on natural farming, in Mysuru on Tuesday. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
MP for Mysuru Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar released a set of booklets under the National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF) aimed at benefiting farmers in Kodagu district.
The booklets, which include a farmers’ study handbook, natural farming diary, Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) booklet on natural farming, and information material on schemes available through the Agriculture Department, were released at the MP’s Mysuru office. The books will be distributed to 3,125 farmers in Kodagu district.
The department said that the NMNF scheme was being implemented in Kodagu district with 60% financial assistance from the Centre and 40% contribution from the State government.
Under the programme, 50 Cluster Resource Persons (one for every two gram panchayats) and 17 Block Resource Persons will guide and train farmers practising natural farming across the district.
Joint Director of Agriculture, Kodagu district, B.S. Chandrashekhar, and Deputy Director of Agriculture D.S. Somashekhar were present.
source: thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India> Karnataka / by The Hindu Bureau / March 03rd, 2026
Coromandel International Limited, one of India’s leading agri-solutions providers, announced the inauguration of its 1200th Gromor retail store at Arji Village in Virajpet Taluk, Coorg, Karnataka. Branded as ‘Namma Gromor’, the store marks a significant milestone in the company’s journey of strengthening its last-mile connect with the farming community.
The event was inaugurated by Mr. IK Anil, Founder – Kuttappa Coffee, Co-founder, Indian Vanilla Initiative and Editor-in-Chief – Coffeeland News, in presence of Mr. S. Sankarasubramanian, Managing Director & CEO, Coromandel International Limited, along with senior leadership team.
Launched as a coffee specialty store, the outlet is strategically located to serve key coffee-growing belts across Virajpet Taluk, including Arji and surrounding villages, as well as prominent estate clusters across the Coorg region. The store aims to engage closely with progressive farmers, estate owners and grower communities, creating a strong localized impact across 20–25 villages.
“The launch of our 1200th Gromor store is a proud milestone in Coromandel’s journey of empowering farmers through integrated agri-solutions. With the Coorg region being a key hub for coffee cultivation, this specialty store reflects our commitment to deliver localized, crop-specific expertise. Our focus remains on strengthening farmer connect, improving productivity and enabling sustainable livelihoods through a combination of physical and digital interventions.”, said Mr. S. Sankarasubramanian, Managing Director & CEO, Coromandel International Limited.
Mr. IK Anil, Founder – Kuttappa Coffee, Co-founder, Indian Vanilla Initiative and Editor-in-Chief – Coffeeland News said, “My association with the Murugappa Group spans generations, as a third-generation coffee planter, my bond with this group transcends business and is rooted in mutual respect and shared values. What has always distinguished Murugappa Group is its unwavering commitment to quality and integrity, sustained across decades without compromise. That steadfastness has earned the trust of generations like mine. As the Namma Gromor Centre now expands into the plantation segment for the first time in Coorg, I sincerely hope it will bring forward new technologies and meaningful advancements that empower planters in Coorg, helping them navigate evolving agricultural challenges with confidence, built on the same fair, genuine, and dependable values that have long strengthened Coromandel Retail’s bond with the farming community.“
Since its foray into rural retail in 2007 under the ‘My Gromor’ brand, Coromandel has built one of India’s largest agri-retail networks. With the launch of the 1200th store, the company now operates a robust, company-owned and company-operated network across five states—850 Mana Gromor stores in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, 270 Namma Gromor stores in Karnataka, 31 Namadu Gromor stores in Tamil Nadu, and 49 Apla Gromor stores in Maharashtra—serving over 5 million farmers.
Backed by a dedicated workforce of over 4,500 employees, the Gromor network plays a pivotal role in delivering extension services, agronomic support and quality agri-inputs, helping farmers enhance productivity and improve farm outcomes.
Each ‘My Gromor’ centre functions as a comprehensive agri-solutions hub, offering a wide range of products including fertilizers, crop protection solutions, biologicals, cattle feed and farm implements. In addition, farmers benefit from value-added services such as soil and carbon testing, drone spraying, agronomy advisory, and access to farmer-focused insurance solutions.
The retail ecosystem is further strengthened by the MyGromor mobile app, which provides farm-specific advisory, real-time pricing, and AI-powered pest and disease detection. With over 1 million downloads, the platform is enhancing both accessibility and transparency for farmers.
About Coromandel
Coromandel International Limited is amongst India’s pioneers and leading Agri solutions provider, offering diverse products and services across the farming value chain. It operates in two major segments: Nutrient and other allied businesses and Crop Protection. These include Fertilisers, Crop Protection, Bio Products, Specialty Nutrients and Organic businesses. The Company is 2nd largest manufacturer and marketer of Phosphatic fertilisers in India. The Company’s Crop Protection products are marketed in India as well as in international geographies, offering a wide range of technical and formulation products. The Specialty Nutrients business of the Company focuses on water soluble fertilisers, secondary & micronutrients and Nano fertilisers products. The Company is a leading marketer of Organic fertilisers in India. The Bio Products business of the company focusses on plant extractions for various applications. It also operates a network of 1200 rural retail outlets across Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra. Through these Retail outlets, the Company offers agri inputs and farming services including crop advisory, soil testing and farm mechanization to around 3 million farmers. The Company currently has 8 R&D centers and a strong Regulatory setup, supporting the businesses in process development and new product introduction. The Company currently has 21 manufacturing facilities, spread widely across India, producing a wide range of Nutrient and Crop Protection products, which are marketed through an extensive network of dealers and its own retail centers.
The Company clocked a turnover of Rs. 24,444 Crores during FY24-25. Its efforts towards environment have been well recognized by international organizations like UNDP and has also been voted as one of the ten greenest companies in India by TERI. Coromandel is a part of the Murugappa Group with a turnover of INR 90,178 crore.
A 125-year-old conglomerate with presence across India and the world, the INR 902 billion (90,178 crore) Murugappa Group has diverse businesses in agriculture, engineering, financial services and more.
The Group has 10 listed companies: Carborundum Universal Limited, CG Power & Industrial Solutions Limited, Cholamandalam Financial Holdings Limited, Cholamandalam Investment & Finance Company Limited, Coromandel International Limited, E.I.D.-Parry (India) Limited, NACL Industries Limited, Shanthi Gears Limited, Tube Investments of India Limited, and Wendt (India) Limited. Other major companies include Cholamandalam MS General Insurance Company Limited and Parry Agro Industries Limited. Brands such as Ajax, Hercules, BSA, Montra, Montra Electric, Mach City, Chola, Chola MS, CG Power, Shanthi Gears, CUMI, Gromor, Paramfos, Parry’s are part of the Group’s illustrious stable.
Abrasives, technical ceramics, electrominerals, electric vehicles, auto components, fans, transformers, signalling equipment for railways, bicycles, fertilisers, sugar, tea and several other products make up the Group’s business interests.
Guided by the Five lights — integrity, passion, quality, respect and responsibility — and a culture of professionalism, the Group has a workforce of 94,041 employees.
Dhanyata M Poovaiah writes about Kodagu’s paddy varieties, festivals linked to the agrarian calendar and traditional rice dishes.
Vasudha and Krishna (in purple) varieties of paddy being cultivated near Ponnampet in Kodagu. Photo by Ravi Shankar
Kodagu today is synonymous with its lush, aromatic coffee plantations. But long before coffee arrived with the British, the region’s identity was rooted in paddy cultivation.
Kodagu transitioned from paddy to coffee only in the late 20th century, as coffee plantations turned to be more profitable and less labour-intensive. In recent years, real estate development has resulted in the conversion of paddy fields into non-agricultural land.
Yet, rice continues to be the staple diet in Kodagu and remains an important crop, cultivated in around 14,000 hectares in the district. Consequently, the cultural life of the region is intertwined with the various phases of paddy cultivation.
The Kodava New Year, Edmyar Ondh, celebrated in Mid-April, marks the beginning of the paddy cycle. The year is ushered in with ploughing of the paddy fields. During Kodava Kakkada, the peak monsoon month from mid-July to mid-August, paddy saplings are transplanted. On the 18th day of Kakkada, known as Kakkada Padhinett, maddh payasa, a special dessert is prepared from a plant locally called maddh thoppu (medicinal plant). This plant (Justicia wynaadensis) is known to have several medicinal properties which helps boost immunity.
The Kailpodh festival, celebrated on September 3 every year, marks the completion of transplantation and offers a period to relax after the hard labour.
Puthari, celebrated in the Birchiyar month between November and December, marks the harvest of paddy.
“Since Kodagu is blessed with abundant rainfall, paddy cultivation is entirely rainfed and cultivated as a single-season Kharif crop in the lowlands,” says Dr Prashantha C, Assistant Professor of Entomology and Head of the Agricultural and Horticultural Research Station, Ponnampet.
“From December to March, the focus shifts to coffee harvesting and processing,” he adds.
Local paddy varieties, known for their flavour and aroma, are largely grown for self-consumption. “High-yielding varieties meant for commercial use are declining due to reduced returns,” adds Dr Prashantha.
Labour shortages and increasing human-animal conflict have also discouraged farmers from continuing paddy cultivation.
However, Kodagu is still home to several varieties of paddy. Among the indigenous varieties are Jeerige Sanna, BKB – developed by agriculturist Baduvanda K Belliappa, Biliya, Rajamudi, Doddi and Boliya, while popular high-yielding varieties include Tunga, KPR-1, Athira, BR-2655, MTU 1001 and IR 64.
“Indigenous varieties such as BKB and Doddi grow up to 3.5 feet in height and are a good source of fodder for the cattle. However, they are low-yielding and require 150 days to mature. High-yielding hybrid varieties such as Athira grow 2 to 2.5 ft and have less straw. These varieties mature at 120 days and usually require mechanical harvesters,” says Koniyanda Sanju Somaiah, an agriculturist.
Varietal conservation
According to seed conservationist Ravi Shankar B P, paddy varieties from any part of the country can be grown in Kodagu. Only the yield may vary. He has conserved over 100 varieties of paddy from across the world including the Kala Namak (Buddha rice) from Uttar Pradesh and Magic rice (Komal Saul) from Assam, and wishes to preserve several other unique rice varieties.
“With proper techniques, yields of paddy can be increased fivefold. This involves proper water management and in-situ green manuring. Under this method of manuring, short duration leguminous crops such as cowpea are grown in the field and are incorporated into the soil after sufficient growth, before the paddy saplings are transplanted. This improves soil fertility and its physical, chemical and biological properties, while reducing the need for external manure,” says Ravi Shankar.
Local varieties yield around 10–15 quintals per acre, while high-yielding varieties can produce 25–33 quintals per acre.
Paddy cultivation plays a vital ecological role as well. Waterlogged fields can help recharge groundwater, depending on soil and local conditions.
“The rise in the water table ensures that lakes, ponds and streams do not go dry even during summer” says Dr Veerendra K V, Scientist (Plant Protection) at Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Gonikoppal.
“Government schemes currently support farmers through subsidies on machinery, paddy seeds, pesticides, bio-fertilisers and green manuring crop seeds. However, increasing the minimum support price and offering other monetary benefits for cultivators will ensure increased paddy cultivation in the region,” he adds.
At present, procurement delays and storage challenges continue to deter farmers. While harvesting takes place in November–December, procurement happens only in February–March.
On the table
According to chef Naren Thimmaiah, Kodavas traditionally consumed pukkalakki (boiled rice) as their staple. Jeerige Sanna was used to prepare pulav and ghee rice on special occasions. However, since the mid-20th century, the white BKB variety has been widely adopted in the region. BKB and Jeerige Sanna varieties are also used to prepare otti, noolputt, kadambutt, paputt and thaliyaputt and payasa.
“In Kodava cuisine, pairing the right curry with the main rice-based dish is essential,” adds Naren.
Naada mann, naada kool’ (my soil, my rice) is a popular saying in Kodagu, reflecting the belief that instead of abandoning rice cultivation, each family should maintain at least a small patch. “For this, government support is crucial,” notes Ravi Shankar.
Women workers bundle paddy seedlings for transplantation in a field near Ponnampet in Kodagu. Photos by Ravi Shankar
Workers with harvested paddy. Photo by Ravi Shankar
A paddy field near Ponnampet. Photo by Ravi Shankar
A paddy field near Ponnampet. Photo by Ravi Shankar
source: www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> India>Karnataka / by Dhanyata M Poovaiah / April 09th, 2026
The members of Hathur PACS arrived at the Office of the JD of Agriculture in Madikeri with bags of fertilizers and a weighing scale. Photo | Expre
In a dramatic display, the farmers and cooperative representatives weighed the bags on the premises of the Joint Director’s office, highlighting what they termed as “fraudulent practices” by fertiliser suppliers.
Madikeri :
Allegations of large-scale discrepancies in fertiliser bag weights surfaced in Kodagu on Thursday, as members of the Hathur Primary Agricultural Cooperative Society (PACS) staged a protest demonstration infront of the office of Joint Director of Agriculture in Madikeri.
Led by Kodagu District Cooperative Central Bank president Bonda Ganapathi, the PACS members arrived with truckloads of fertiliser bags supplied by Indian Potash Limited (IPL), claiming significant shortages in weight. The members alleged that several 50-kg bags were found to be underweight by as much as 4 kg.
In a dramatic display, the farmers and cooperative representatives weighed the bags on the premises of the Joint Director’s office, highlighting what they termed as “fraudulent practices” by fertiliser suppliers. They urged the Agriculture Department to initiate an immediate and thorough investigation.
“This is not an isolated issue. We suspect such discrepancies could be happening across the district and even elsewhere in the country,” members alleged, warning that such practices directly harm farmers financially.
Expressing strong displeasure, Ganapathi claimed that nearly 51 tonnes of fertiliser supplied to the society between February 18 and March 3 showed consistent weight variation.
He termed the issue a “serious injustice” to farmers and demanded that the losses be compensated by the supplier. He also called for reimbursement of loading costs and a district-wide inspection of fertiliser stocks in all cooperative societies.
Joint Director Chandrashekar assured the delegation that the matter would be escalated to higher authorities for further action.
Ganapathi said a formal complaint would be submitted to the Deputy Commissioner and warned of intensified protests, including a possible lockdown of the Agriculture Department office, if swift action is not taken.
A follow-up meeting involving cooperative representatives and department officials is scheduled at the KDCC Bank building on April 27 to discuss the issue further.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express/ Home> Karnataka / by Prajna GR / April 23rd, 2026
The trend began when a local farmer earned substantial profits from chia, while others suffered losses due to wildlife conflict and adverse weather.
Chia has a short growing cycle of 100 to 120 days, requires minimal maintenance, and is relatively pest- and disease-resistant.Photo | Express
Madikeri :
Abandoned farmlands along forest fringes are a common sight in South Kodagu, as farmers often struggle with crop loss due to raids by wild elephants and boars. But farmers in the Kushalnagar belt have found a promising solution, growing chia seeds.
A low-maintenance, high-value crop, chia is now being successfully harvested by farmers across Maruru, Chinnehalli and 6th Hoskote in Kushalnagar taluk, offering significant returns. The trend began when a local farmer earned substantial profits from chia, while others suffered losses due to wildlife conflict and adverse weather.
“Mahesh, a farmer from Maruru, started cultivating chia about eight years ago. Once others realised that this crop is largely safe from wildlife raids, many farmers adopted it,” said KS Murthy, a farmer from Kudige. Local farmers learned the cultivation process from Mahesh and others, sparking wider adoption in the region.
Chia is untouched by wildlife: farmer
Chia has a short growing cycle of 100 to 120 days, requires minimal maintenance, and is relatively pest- and disease-resistant. “It costs around Rs 25,000 to cultivate one acre, which can yield up to six quintals of seeds. This year, a quintal sold for Rs 16,000,” explained Mahesh, highlighting the crop’s profitability and farmer-friendly nature.
Another farmer, Mahadev, shared his relief, “Earlier, wild animals often destroyed my paddy crops, making it hard to repay loans. Chia is untouched by wildlife and truly a blessing for those living near forests.”
Farmers sell dried chia seeds, which has emerged as a dependable source of income, at the HD Kote market.
Over 30 farmers in the Kushalnagar belt are now cultivating chia, though it is not yet a notified crop under the District Horticulture Department. “Farmers can still receive guidance and support at the Raitha Samparka Kendra in Kushalnagar,” said Shashidhar,Deputy Director of the Horticulture Department.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Karnataka / by Prajna GR / March 05th, 2026
Coffee picking across parts of Chikkamagaluru and Kodagu has slowed down during the peak harvest season after a large section of migrant labourers returned to West Bengal for the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) verification exercise. The sudden labour shortage has pushed up wage demands from the remaining workers, leaving planters caught between the risk of crop damage if harvesting is delayed and the burden of higher labour costs.
The period between November and March is the peak harvesting season for Robusta coffee, when labour requirement is at its highest and timing is critical, N. Bose Mandanna, former Vice-Chairman, Coffee Board of India, said. He added that coffee cherries have to be picked at the right stage of ripeness, but the process has become a hurdle as many migrant workers have returned to their native districts for over 10 days for the verification process.
Delays threaten quality, yield
If harvesting is delayed, the cherries either over-ripen or dry and fall to the ground, where they get damaged and cannot be used, leading to losses. “The quality goes out immediately if fruit is not picked on time,” he said, adding that when the fruit is harvested at the correct time, the pulp extracted during processing is of the best quality, which gets farmers higher prices, and that any delay directly affects the quantity harvested and the quality of coffee produced.
Untimely rains
Adding to the disruption caused by workers leaving for the SIR verification, Abhishiek Ponnappa, a planter and representative of Kodava Coffee Growers, said untimely rainfall in parts of Karnataka and Kerala this January have created a double whammy for the farmers. The rains prevented coffee plants from drying properly, while continuing harvesting under wet conditions risks damaging the plants and affecting the next year’s crop.
Usually, migrant workers return to their home states either before the coffee harvest begins or after it ends in March. This time, however, labour shortage was a challenge throughout January due to SIR verification, as workers began receiving notifications and left within extreme short notice, Harish Maharishi, who owns a plantation in Mudigere, Chikkamagaluru said.
Local workers tied to tourism
In Chikkamagaluru and Kodagu, local workers are largely unavailable in plantation areas, as the growth of tourism has absorbed much of the local workforce, leaving coffee estates heavily dependent on migrant labour, planters said.
Producing one tonne of Robusta green coffee beans requires about 4,500–4,700 kg of coffee fruit. In Indian conditions, an average acre of Robusta yields around 600–700 kg of fruit. At the usual harvesting rate of ₹5 per kg, and assuming a picker harvests about 200 kg a day, it would take roughly 15–17 labourers to harvest one acre of a Robusta plantation, Mr. Mandana explained.
Rising wages
Another concern during large-scale labour shortages is a sharp increase in wage demands, planters said.
Under regular conditions, Robusta pickers are paid ₹4–₹5 per kg because the variety allows large volumes to be harvested in a day. The coffee picked by each worker is weighed, and wages are calculated accordingly. An average worker, Mr. Mandana explained, earns ₹476.11 a day, but those who pluck 200–250 kg can earn ₹800–₹1,200 in a single day. When labour becomes scarce, workers, as planters said they are witnessing now, demand higher rates of ₹7–₹8 per kg, which sharply increases the cultivation cost, leading to a difference of at least ₹600 per worker per day for the same quantity of coffee picked.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India> Karnataka / by Rishita Khanna / January 31st, 2026
Karnataka’s Kodagu district has a unique system of land ownership called Jamma Bane where the land records contain the names of original grantees even when bequeathed to new generations. The absence of officially recognised land ownership documents has created issues for current owners.
The amendment is aimed at modernising the land records in Coorg, which is in Kodagu district. Wikimedia Commons
The Karnataka government has amended its land revenue law to modernise an age-old system of land records in the scenic Coorg region, home to the indigenous Kodava community.
Karnataka Governor Thawarchand Gehlot gave his assent to the Karnataka Land Revenue (Second Amendment) Act, 2025 on January 7, and the state government issued a gazette notification the following day.
The amendment is aimed at modernising the land records for the unique Jamma Bane land holdings in Coorg, which is now in Kodagu district.
In this region, families have passed down land grants from the time of the British and Kodava kings for generations. But the records contained the names of original grantees (pattedars) even when bequeathed to new generations.
The absence of officially recognised land ownership documents made it difficult for current owners to buy or sell land or to secure bank loans.
What exactly are Jamma Bane lands, and how does the new law plan to address the issues arising out of this unique system of records? The Indian Express explains.
What are Jamma Bane lands of Kodagu or Coorg?
The Jamma Bane tenure is a form of land holding prevalent in Kodagu district which is distinctly different from other classes of land holdings in the state. The word Jamma means hereditary.
These Jamma lands were originally granted by erstwhile kings of Coorg and the British — between 1600 and 1800 — to local communities in return for military service.
The Jamma lands comprise both wetlands, used for paddy cultivation, and forested highlands, which have transformed into the now-famous coffee estates of Coorg.
The Jamma Bane land ownership is registered in the name of the original pattedar from a family. Over generations, the names of the new owners are added alongside the name of the pattedar. The land ownership name could not be changed to reflect new owners.
The Coorg Land Revenue and Regulations Act, 1899 was in place to govern land ownership in the region till the introduction of the Karnataka Land Revenue Act, 1964. However, some provisions of the 1899 Act were continued in Kodagu despite the absence of these provisions in the Karnataka Land Revenue Act of 1964.
A S Ponnana, the Congress MLA from Virajpet, said during a debate in the Karnataka Assembly: “The name of the family head (pattedar) continues in the land records even after death and even after 40 to 50 years of change (of owners). This has been continued as a tradition. This has continued despite the lack of provisions in the Karnataka Land Revenue Act.”
The ownership rights of the people of Kodagu over the Jamma Bane lands in the region was recognised by a full bench of the Karnataka HC in 1993 in Chekkera Poovaiah vs State of Karnataka.
In 2024, the Karnataka HC upheld the Karnataka Land Revenue (Third Amendment) Act, 2011 which gave full ownership rights over Jamma Bane lands in Kodagu to Kodava families.
“It is clear that by way of the amendment what is achieved is to grant full ownership of the land to the Kodava family, including all division holders i.e., all members of the family, in a land which earlier had stood vested in the government and the government was the owner thereof,” the Karnataka HC ruled in a plea where it was argued that amendments made in 2011 would violate the land traditions and customs of the Kodava community.
Why was the Karnataka Land Revenue (Second Amendment) Bill, 2025 introduced?
“Historically, these lands have been held and enjoyed on the basis of customary rights by members of joint families, often without clear entries in the Record of Rights. With the passage of time, complications have arisen in maintaining accurate records of ownership, inheritance, survivorship and alienations pertaining to Jamma Bane holdings,” says the statement of objects and reasons for the draft of the Bill that was tabled in the August 2025 monsoon session of the Karnataka Assembly.
“In particular, the absence of explicit provisions in the Karnataka Land Revenue Act, 1964 (Karnataka Act 12 of 1964), to record the rights of joint family members in such holdings has led to difficulties in mutation, registration, inheritance and maintenance of revenue records,” stated the draft Bill.
This led to numerous disputes regarding succession, alienation and privileges attached to Jamma Bane lands. “It has therefore become necessary to provide statutory recognition of the peculiar nature of Jamma Bane tenure in Kodagu District and to ensure that the rights of all members of a joint family are duly recorded in the mutation and revenue registers,” the Bill stated.
The modified version of the Bill which was tabled and passed by the legislature last month — after incorporating the recommendations of a sub-committee of state legislature — states that changes introduced in the land records of Kodagu district were not consistent with the Karnataka Land Revenue Act, 1964.
The Bill says that changes made to land record on the basis of a circular dated 14.09.2000 had “resulted in anomalies in the classification and maintenance of land records, including entries in the Record of Rights (RTC), which are legally unsustainable and not in conformity with the prescribed procedure under the Act.”
“In view of the ongoing digitization and standardization of land records under the Bhoomi Project, and in light of various judicial pronouncements upholding the need for accuracy, uniformity and legality in maintaining revenue records, it has become necessary to empower the Tahsildars of Kodagu District to correct such inconsistencies in the land records following the due process of law,” the Bill has stated.
What does the new amendment do?
The new amendment to the law essentially empowers tahsildars (assistant commissioners of the revenue departments) in Kodagu to make necessary corrections in land records to bring them in conformity with the Karnataka Land Revenue Act, 1964 for Record of Rights containing “the names of persons who are holders, occupants, owners, mortgagees, landlords or tenants of the land or assignees of the rent or revenue…”
“This amendment will bring the land records of Kodagu District in conformity with law and ensure consistency with the rest of the State,” states the amended new law.
The state revenue minister, Krishna Byre Gowda, said during the debate on the new law in the state Assembly that local tahsildars would hold adalats to address objections before land records are modernised and finalised in the region to give land rights to owners.
The initial draft of the bill sought to amend sections 127, 128, 129 and 130 of the Karnataka Land Revenue Act, 1964 to allow inclusion of particulars of joint family members in the Register of Mutations in respect of Jamma Bane holdings; reporting of acquisition of rights as members of a joint family; empower revenue officers in Kodagu to recognize rights; registration of rights in land records and “ensure that relevant information relating to family tree, survivorship, inheritance and privileges is furnished”.
The final Bill, which has now been enacted, has only amended Section 127 of the Karnataka Land Revenue Act, 1964 by adding a subsection.
Subsection 4 states: “Notwithstanding anything contained in the preceding sub-sections, the Tahsildars of Kodagu District shall, on receipt of an application or otherwise, after following the procedure prescribed, and after conduct of enquiry as he deems fit, make necessary corrections or deletions in the land records pertaining to entries that were transferred from Column 3 of Jamabandi Register to Column 9 and 12 of RTC and consequential entries made due to such transfer thereof, to bring them in conformity with the provisions of clause (a) of sub-section (1) of this section.”
The bill adds a caveat that “any such order passed by the Tahsildar under this subsection shall be appealable as per the procedure prescribed under this Act”.
source: http://www.indianexpress.com / The Indian Express / Home> News> Explained> Explained Law / by Johnson T A / January 15th, 2026
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