Category Archives: Agriculture

Cauvery Tussle: Who’s siding with the Gods ?

Agriculture, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Green Initiatives / Environment, Nature

As Tamil Nadu gets set to mark rare event, devotees in the state seek a share

When it comes to Cauvery, nothing is simple between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. This time, it’s about the puja being offered to the river on the occasion of Cauvery Pushkara, an event that is marked once in 12 years. The religious ceremony is a puja offered to the river aimed at plentiful rainfall and prosperity. While the Karnataka government has not made any plans to celebrate the occasion, Tamil Nadu, at the behest of Kanchi Mutt, has decided to hold elaborate rituals at three places.

The Pushkara tradition is associated with 12 major rivers of India, and this year it is the Cauvery’s turn.

According to Vidwan Ganesh Galapati, the Kanchi mutt has not only written to the Tamil Nadu government but also planned major functions at several places, including Hogenakkal, Nerur, Trichy, Thiruvaiyaru, Kumbakonam, and Mayiladuthurai. While the rituals will be held between September 12 and 23, the pundits in Karnataka are not happy with the fact that there has been no communication from the Religious Endowment department of Karnataka on the celebrations.

“The government did Parjanya japa in the first week of June and similarly it should also take up Pushkara ritual that has come after 12 years. Cauvery has been the backbone for both states. We all know what it would mean to not have any water in the river. As the purpose of the ritual is to pray for bounteous rains and prosperity of the state, the government must initiate a programme to take up the rituals either at Talacauvery or T Narasipur,” said Galapati. Bhagandeshwara Temple’s executive officer Jagadish Kumar confirmed that, so far, no such orders have been issued. “If the government issues any such order, we will arrange for such rituals.”

About the Puja

Vidwan Ganesh Galapati explains: “Each river is associated with a zodiac sign. Depending on where Jupiter is positioned during the cycle, the puja is done. This time, Jupiter will enter Libra (Tula) sign from Virgo (Kanya) by first week of September, which will be regarded as Pushkara Kala. The rituals will not only purify the river but also bring prosperity,” he explained.

source: http://www.bangaloremirror.indiatimes.com / Bangalore Mirror / Home> Bengaluru> Others / by Niranjan Kaggere, Bangalore Mirror Bureau / July 03rd, 2017

Kodagu tops in implementation of podi file clearance, says minister

Agriculture, Business & Economy, Green Initiatives / Environment, Leaders, Records, All
District In-charge Minister M R Seetharam receives guard of honour at the 71st Independence Day celebrations at Old Fort premises in Madikeri on Tuesday. Dh photo
District In-charge Minister M R Seetharam receives guard of honour at the 71st Independence Day celebrations at Old Fort premises in Madikeri on Tuesday. Dh photo

District In-charge Minister M R Seetharam said that Kodagu district tops in the implementation of podi file clearance programme. Under the scheme, the officials have identified the exact boundary lines of land belonging to farmers and recorded them in relevant documents by awarding a new pahani in 115 villages of the district, for free of cost, he said.

Delivering the Independence Day address at the Old Fort premises in Madikeri on Tuesday, he said that 5,338 persons have benefited from the podi file-clearance programme of the government. This will be extended to all the villages in the district.

The minister said the concept of social justice and farsightedness is the guiding force behind the functioning of the State government. “We have to walk on the path laid down by our forefathers. By understanding the concept of freedom, we have to strive for the development of the country by shunning the differences,” he said.

Stating that the state government has taken up development works in the district in the last four-and-a-half years, Seetharam said that displaced Diddalli tribals have been rehabilitated near Kushalnagar. The title deeds will be distributed to them shortly. The department of Science and Technology will builtsub-regional science centre at the district headquarters at a cost of Rs 4 crore. It has been proposed to set up a mini planetarium, at a cost of Rs 5.75 crore in the district, he said.

Further, he said that Rs 50 crore has been released for repair of rural roads in the district. Under Kodagu package, 122 works will be taken up. A sum of Rs 38 crore has been released for the development of state highway and district roads.

He said the work on zilla panchayat administrative building is in progress and is likely to be completed by next June. In the backdrop of drought, the state government has waived Rs 151 crore loans borrowed by 34,000 farmers in the district.

SPC, Seva Dal, NCC, Scouts, Guides, students of General Thimmaiah School, Kodagu Vidyalaya, Rajeshwari Government PU College, GMP School, St Michael Convent, St Joseph Convent students took part in the march past. The students of St Joseph School, St Michael School, Rajeshwari School and Kendriya Vidyalaya presented cultural programmes.

P M Shailaja, Mohammed Rafeeq and M B Muneer, who have been selected for Jeevarakshaka Award were felicitated on the occasion.

Students collapse

Unable to bear the heat, two students collapsed during the march past. The students were given first-aid.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> District / DH News Service, Madikeri / August 16th, 2017

Go gaga over crabs, bamboo shoots

Agriculture, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Nature
Crabs being sold near Madikeri KSRTC bus stand and Bamboo shoots laid out for sale. DH Photos
Crabs being sold near Madikeri KSRTC bus stand and Bamboo shoots laid out for sale. DH Photos

It’s that time of the year when the sale of crabs and bamboo shoots in Madikeri goes up. Monsoon is indeed an ideal time to indulge in crabs as they are considered good for generating heat in the body which helps in braving the chill in the air.

To keep oneself warm, people in Kodagu adjust their food habits during monsoon. Likewise, the roadsides in the town are lined up with crabs and bamboo shoots.

Earlier, crabs were available in plenty at paddy fields and water bodies but in spite of an increase in demand, crab sellers have been on the decline. A deficit in rainfall has affected the availability of crabs.

“Demand for crabs increases in the month of Aashada. Since paddy fields have declined in the district and many have been converted into homestays, I collect crabs from Harangi reservoir, Periyapatna, HD Kote and Beemanahalli and bring it to Madikeri for sale. The price of a kg of crab is Rs 200 while a bundle of crab (12 crabs in a bundle) costs Rs 250. A pack of bamboo shoots is sold for Rs 50,” H L Kumar, a seller from Indira Nagara told DH.

Venu said that, “Earlier, crabs were available in the shandy market but with chemical fertilisers and insecticides being sprayed in paddy fields, the number of crabs have declined,” he said. Venu signs off by stating that crabs are delicious to savour as crab fry instead of curry.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> District / DH News Service, Madikeri / July 22nd, 2017

Harangi reaches full reservoir level; Tungabhadra receives good inflow

Agriculture, Business & Economy, Green Initiatives / Environment, Nature
Hadinarukallu Mantap and the bathing ghat are partially submerged in swollen Kapila river following the release of water from Kabini reservoir in Nanjangud taluk on Sunday. dh photo
Hadinarukallu Mantap and the bathing ghat are partially submerged in swollen Kapila river following the release of water from Kabini reservoir in Nanjangud taluk on Sunday. dh photo

Reservoirs in the state continued to receive good volume of water despite a lull in monsoon showers. The inflow to Tungabhadra reservoir has increased following the release of water from Tunga dam in Shivamogga district.

The reservoir near Hosapete has received a staggering 8 tmcft of water since Friday. The storage level in the reservoir on Sunday stood at 26.211 tmcft. It was 18.305 tmcft on Friday. The inflow was 51,162 cusecs while the outflow was 2,359 cusec.

Harangi reservoir in Kodagu district is only 2 feet short of reaching the full reservoir level (FRL). The water level at Harangi on Sunday was 2,857.21 feet while the FRL is 2,859 feet.
About 1,200 cusecs water from the reservoir was released into the river.

Minor Irrigation, Superintending Engineer, M N Chandrakumar, said, “ Based on the volume of inflow to the reservoir, water would be released into the river in phases.

A meeting of the irrigation consultation committee will be held in Bengaluru on July 25. After the meeting, the decision will be taken to release water through canals for agricultural activities.”

Keeping in mind the safety of the reservoir, the water level would be maintained at 2,857 feet, said Executive Engineer S C Rangaswamy.

At present, the Harangi reservoir has a storage of 7.89 tmcft. The reservoir had reached FRL last year on July 10. The reservoir irrigates 1,34,895 acre farm land in Kodagu district and Periyapatna, Hunsur, KR Nagar in Mysuru district and Arkalgud in Hassan district.

Meanwhile, the six low-laying barrages-cum-bridges across Krishna and its tributaries in Chikkodi taluk in Belagavi district continued to remain under water despite a lull in showers in Maharashtra. Krishna river has recorded an inflow of 1.71 lakh cusecs on Sunday while its tributary Malaprabha received 20,113 cusecs. Doodhganga and Vedganga are flowing in full spate.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> State / DH News Service, Bengaluru / July 24th, 2017

Govt, spiritual outfits begin reviving banks of Cauvery

Agriculture, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy
The Cauvery river, considered the state's lifeline, has shrunk into a narrow strip today
The Cauvery river, considered the state’s lifeline, has shrunk into a narrow strip today

Bengaluru :

The first drought reported in the recent history of Kodagu district, the birthplace of river Cauvery, seems to have woken up the state government, spiritual organizations and environmentalists.

In what is believed to be a first-of-its-kind initiative, they have joined hands to take up conservation and management to rejuvenate and restore the river, considered the state’s lifeline, to its former glory. The plan is to restore the flora and fauna of the river’s tributaries in Kodagu with native trees, shrubs and flowers, besides controlling erosion, curbing water-intensive crops like paddy and restricting sand mining in the waterbody.

“In association with the Art of Living and Kodagu district administration, we have started a five-year programme for the restoration of the river which has shrunk into a narrow strip over the years due to poor monsoon and unrestricted sand mining activities,” said C G Kushalappa, dean of College of Social forestry, Ponnampet, Kodagu, which is attached to University of Agricultural and Horticultural Sciences, Shivamogga.

To start with, Kushalappa said they have chosen a 1km stretch on the banks of river Lakshmanatirtha, a major tributary of Cauvery in Kodagu, starting from Nittur village towards Srimangala in Virajpet taluk. Depending on the success of this pilot project, it will be gradually extended to other parts of Kodagu where the river flows.

Kushalappa said conservation work would be taken up across 20 metres on both sides of Lakshmanatirtha for five years. “As part of the programme, we’ll visit farmers/planters and request them to give up paddy cultivation close to the river by offering them monetary incentives. They’ll also be encouraged to go for horticulture crops,” he added.

To ensure a free-flowing river, an action plan has been charted out that includes curbing soil erosion and pollution, planting trees and shrubs of local varieties that existed close to the river since ages and curbing sand mining and fishing activities. “We have to treat different areas differently. While in some areas, rebuilding bunds will be the priority, in others, plantation, including bamboo and pongamia pinnata (honge tree), may be needed. While there are areas where we need to stop pesticides from entering the water, others have issues of encroachment,” said Guddappa M Devagiri, who is overseeing the drive.

That’s not all. Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev’s Tamil Nadu-based Isha Foundation, which was part of an initiative by the Madhya Pradesh government to restore river Narmada, is reportedly is in talks with the government to launch a similar initiative in Karnataka, said a senior official of Kodagu Zilla panchayat.

He said the foundation plans to take up a massive tree plantation drive on the banks of Cauvery from Bhagamandala, the confluence of three rivers (Cauvery, Kanika and the Sujyothithe) in Kodagu to Krishnaraja Sagar reservoir in Mandya by involving volunteers. “This project would also involve cooperation from people living in nearby areas, saints and ashrams that have been active in Narmada conservation and all those who care for river conservation and management,” he added.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / News> City News> Bangalore News / by ManuAiyappa Kanathanada / TNN / July 13th, 2017

Foundation to help victims of man-jumbo conflicts

Agriculture, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Green Initiatives / Environment
In 2017-18, three human and 11 elephant deaths have been reported till July 10. DH file photo.
In 2017-18, three human and 11 elephant deaths have been reported till July 10. DH file photo.

The Forest Department is planning to set up a Coorg Foundation to address the increasing incidents of man-elephant conflict in Kodagu district which has a large pachyderm population.

This is the first time that the department is creating a foundation for a territorial area. It has already set up similar bodies in the tiger reserves of Kali, Bandipur and Nagarahole with a focus on man-tiger conflict to mobilise funds and to attend to the affected families.

The Coorg Foundation will focus on man-animal conflict in general and man-elephant conflict in particular. It will address the needs of the families affected by such conflicts.

“Our job does not end with giving a compensation of Rs 5 lakh to the family of a person who dies in conflict with elephants. We want to ensure that the education of the victim’s children is not affected and we will employ his wife, if needed. We will also provide for the affected family through the foundation,” P Anur Reddy, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife), told DH.

He continued: “We have chosen this district because many incidents of man-elephant conflict have happened in Kodagu. Setting up a foundation is in addition to the work already initiated by the department to reduce these conflicts. The foundation will do some hand-holding exercise for people and the affected families.”

In 2015-16, nine elephants and 13 people died in such conflicts in three divisions in Kodagu district (Madikeri, Madikeri territorial and Virajpet), Forest Department records show. In 2016-17, eight elephants and nine people were killed. In 2017-18, three human and 11 elephant deaths have been reported till July 10.

The proposal on the foundation has been sent to the state government for final approval. Work will start once the government approval comes, Reddy said.

The Forest Department, the wildlife division, village forest committees and eco-tourism units will contribute for the foundation, besides raising funds locally.

The foundation will be headed by the chief conservator of forests, Kodagu. The deputy conservators of forests of all three divisions, the heads of village forest committees and local administrators will also be a part of it.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> State / by Bosky Khanna / DH News Service / Bengaluru – July 11th, 2017

Environmentalists join hands to save Kodagu

Agriculture, Business & Economy, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg

Bengaluru :

A group of environmentalists and activists has come together to try and change the present narrative of development so that Kodagu doesn’t fall prey to unchecked expansion and urbanization.

During their meeting, the activists agreed to come up with an action plan to safeguard Cauvery’s catchment area in Kodagu and prevent upcoming railway and highway projects from harming the environment.

Citing the felling of 54,000 trees for the MysoreKozhikode power line via Kodagu, Devika Devaiah, from Save River Cauvery, said such situations shouldn’t be allowed to happen again. Colonel C P Muthanna, president of Coorg Wildlife Society, pointed out that the main stakeholders are not only the inhabitants of Kodagu, but also those living downstream including the residents of Bengaluru, who will be severely affected by water shortage and deforestation. Naresh Narasimhan of Citizens for Bengaluru (CfB) said sustainable models of tourism should be introduced in the region. “Development has started to mean destruction. Every project is seen as a way to make money. The reason we were successful in bringing a halt to the steel flyover pro ject was because we pointed out how procedures were bypassed,” he said.

Prakash Belawadi, also from CfB, said categorization of the Cauvery Basin and Talacauvery as world heritage sites would help in their preservation. “We should not let the region get exploited and allow more treecutting. International attention is required to safeguard it. Petitioning the National Green Tribunal would be a good move to get legal backing,” he said.

The group also discussed protection of endangered animal species, prevention of unruly urbanization due to transportation projects and acting against commercial lobbies with vested interests.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> News> City News> Bangalore News / by Arpita Raj / TNN / July 02nd, 2017

Forest dept files case against Cesc for elephant deaths

Agriculture, Business & Economy, Records, All
Four elephants were electricuted in an estate in Kodagu.
Four elephants were electricuted in an estate in Kodagu.

Following the electrocution of four elephants at an estate in Kodagu on Tuesday, the Forest department has filed a case of abetment and hunting against Chamundeshwari Electricity Corporation Limited (Cesc).

This is the second such case filed against the power supply corporation this year. This time the Forest department has filed a case after four female elephants came in contact with a snapped high tension live wire at Ammathi Vontiangadi village in Virajpet, Kodagu and died on the spot on Tuesday.

Manoj Kumar, Chief Conservator of Forests, Kodagu Circle, told DH that the case was filed against Cesc and not the estate owner as the deaths were not because of his negligence. A vigilance committee has also been formed to investigate the case. The committee will file a report detailing the causes and practical remedies.

During an interaction with Ravi Kumar, additional chief secretary, Environment, Forest and Ecology, in Kodagu on Wednesday, the Energy department showed interest in joining hands with the Forest department to shift all the existing and new cables under ground.

“Shifting of cables will cost around Rs 3,000 crore. Instead, the department can spend Rs 200 crore on strengthening and enhancing forest areas and corridors. Following the high court orders, the power supply companies have invested crores of rupees in erecting 22,000 poles to ensure that cables are not hanging, posing threat to the elephants. But this has shown limited effect,” Kumar said.

Meanwhile, the Forest department has intensified the search for land around the forest patches and near the elephant corridors to purchase them and increase the forest patch. A senior Forest department official said that since the estate owners are also worried, getting land with the funds assured by the state government will be easy and quick.

“We have also started training estate owners and workers on how to react when confronted with an elephant. Erecting more fences will only aggravate the problem. There is a need for people to understand the problem. The department has spent around Rs 1 crore towards crop loss compensation in last one year. The number of conflict cases have also increased. Due to drought over the last two years, some estate owners have extended their support in helping us resolve man-elephant conflict,” Kumar added.

WhatsApp group formed

For the first time, the Forest and Energy departments together have created a WhatsApp group for Kodagu division. They have brought all the ground staff of both the departments together to give quick ground information and provide timely help.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> State / by Bosky Khanna / DH News Sercive, Bengaluru / June 30th, 2017

Krishi Bhagya to benefit Kodagu farmers from this year

Agriculture, Business & Economy

Decline in rainfall forces govt to extend scheme to Malnad.

The Krishi Bhagya scheme, introduced by the state government to help farmers, has been extended to Malnad, hilly areas and coastal districts.

Accordingly, the scheme will be introduced in Kodagu in the current year. The scheme was implemented in 2014-15 to help farmers cultivate dry land, mainly due to vagaries of monsoon and was restricted to 23 districts and 107 taluks.

The farming activities in district, however, had taken a set back the last few years with deficit rain. There has been decline in rainfall over the years in Kushalnagar, Somwa­rpet, Shanthalli, Shanivarasanthe and Kodlipete region.

“Although the district has the Harangi reservoir, it has covered only 2,000 hectare farm land. About 400 hectare land was irrigated through the Chiklihole dam. The government introduced the scheme aimed at harvesting rainwater to protect crop during a crucial time through farm ponds. It also supports horticulture crops, mixed cropping and dairy farming” Agriculture Department joint director K Ramappa told DH.

“Financial assistance will be provided for digging farm ponds, subsidy for diesel or solar pump sets. In the scheme, around 90% subsidy was given to Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes beneficiaries and 80% to the general category beneficiaries, 50% subsidy for a polyhouse,” he added.

“The application forms are available at the offices of the joint director and the assistant agriculture officer and the Raitha Samparka Kendra. The target in the district is to dig 300 farm ponds,” said Ramappa.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> District / by Aditya K A / DH News Service / Madikeri – June 21st, 2017

Congress celebrates farmer’s loan waiver in Madikeri

Agriculture, Business & Economy, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg

Madikeri :

Jubilant Congress supporters celebrated the loan waiver scheme announced by CM Siddaramaiah to distressed farmers in the city.

Napoklu block congress President B S Ramanath led the procession with former President Naramonda Umesh, state forest development board vice President Padmini Ponappa also attended.

Chanting pro-government slogans, the procession passed through private bus stand and through main roads of the city. Sweets also distributed to public.

By waiving farmer’s loans the Congress government shows that its policies are pro farmer and urged Central Government to step in to waive loans from nationalised bank, as the UPA government done during former PM Manmohan tenure.

Speaking to reporters, district congress labour union president V P Shashidar said, by announcing farmer loan waiver up to 50,000 rupees, the state government came to the rescue of poor farmers who are debt ridden.

Former district president KK Manjunath while speaking on the occasion said, the Congress government policies are always pro poor and farmer loan waiver is an another bold step, opined the leader.

-(KCI,NAV)

source: http://www.citytoday.news / CityToday / Home> Headlines> Prime News – Karnataka / by CT Bureau / Madikeri – June 28th, 2017