Monthly Archives: September 2013

Sethuraman estate gets US certification for robusta coffee

Coffee News

Bangalore :

Indian coffee estates are moving slowly to gain US’ roasters interest.

As a first step, the Sethuraman Estates located at Magundi in Chikmagalur after showcasing its produce at various speciality coffee events in the US has now become the first Indian coffee estate to get ‘R Grade’ certificate.

‘R Grade’ certificate are given for washed robusta coffees by the Coffee Quality Institute (CQI) which is an arm of Speciality Coffee Association of America (SCAA).

GETTING PREMIUM

The SCAA recently tested Sethuraman Estate’s robusta coffee submission at the CQI and found to have all the required quality parameters. This certificate facilitates the estate to sell and charge a high premium in the US .

The certificate and recognition allows Sethuraman Estates to sell its entire submission of 15 tonnes speciality robusta in the US market spread over a year by using the CQI and SCAA logo.

“The ‘single-origin estate-branded’ coffee of Sethuram Estates has so far fetched a premium of over 30 per cent over the domestic market prices. Currently the domestic washed robusta coffees is trading at Rs 145 a kg,” said Nishant R. Gurjer, Managing Partner, Sethuraman Estates.

ENTERING US

“This certificate and recognition will allow us to enter the lucrative US café market as well,” he added.

The Sethuraman estate located at Chikmagalur began in operations in the 1950s. In the US market, the company is marketing estate-branded coffees – the Sitara Parchment Robusta and the Ne Plus Ultra of Robusta coffee brands.

The US, a traditionally arabica-consuming country, is slowly replacing it with robusta coffees and few companies have initiated moves to source from various countries for create blends.

SHIFT TO ROBUSTA

This has led to the Coffee Quality Institute, which used to certify only Arabica coffees, now has introduced separate certification for robusta coffees.

RATINGS

According to the institute’s finding of Sethuraman Estates, the following are the rating with baseline score of 7.14. Aroma 7.58 , flavour 7.42, aftertaste 7.42, acidity 7.83, mouth feel 7.42, balance 7.50, Uniformity 10, clean cup 10 Sweetness 7.42 cupper points 7.58.

Gurjer said, “We entered the US market in 2006 by exporting just two containers (36 tonnes) and so far have reached the level of 8 containers (144 tonnes) of speciality robusta coffees.”

source: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com / Business Line / Home> Industry> Agri-Biz / by Anil Urs anil.u@thehindu.co.in / Bangalore – June 21st, 2013

Coffee planters moot first private research body

Business & Economy, Coffee, Kodagu (Coorg)

R&D outfit to focus on developing high yielding clonal strains, resistant to White Stem borer, Leaf Rust
CoffeeKF06sept2013
In an effort to increase productivity of Indian coffee, major plantation associations in India have mooted a proposal to set up a privately-funded research organisation. The main objective of the research outfit is to develop new clonal strains for both Arabica and Robusta coffee.

Plantation associations such as the United Planters’ Association of South India (Upasi), the Karnataka Planters’ Association (KPA), the Karnataka Growers’ Federation, the Hassan District Planters’ Association and the Waynad Coffee Growers’ Association have decided to form the first-of-its-kind private sector initiative, Coffee Growers for Research, to to develop new high yielding and pest-resistant varieties, a KPA official said. These associations together have formed a joint action committee, which is in the process of finalising the structure of the research outfit.

“Over the last many years, coffee production in India has stagnated around 300,000 tonnes, while many other countries like Brazil, Ethiopia, Honduras and Vietnam have achieved manifold rise in coffee yields. We (India) need to catch up with world leaders in coffee production in the coming years, or else, we will be left at the level we are presently,” D Govindappa Jayaram, vice-chairman, KPA, told Business Standard on the eve of 120th annual conference of Upasi, here on Monday.

For example, the yield of coffee has increased 94 per cent in Brazil to 1,257 kg per hectare (ha) in 2011 from 649 kg per ha in 1971. Similarly, Vietnam has achieved a 540 per cent jump in yield to 2,188 kg per ha in 2011 from 342 kg per ha in 1971. While India’s yield has declined three per cent to 838 kg per ha in 2011 from 861 kg per ha in 1971. The need to form a private sector research body for coffee was felt by the planters as the government-funded research wing, under the aegis of the Coffee Board of India, has not done enough research in developing high yielding coffee varieties, which are resistant to white stem borer, leaf rust, tolerant to berry borer in Arabica variety, Jayaram said.

The last new variety released by the Coffee Board was the Chandragiri variety about five years ago, which was released by Brazil’s IAPAR in 1959. The joint action committee, in its proposed submission to the government, has highlighted several challenges faced by the coffee sector such as over-production in major coffee producing countries, escalating cost of inputs, especially the very high cost of labour, and the inability to introduce large scale mechanisation. The need of the hour is to improve productivity and production of coffee, he added. The new research outfit will be completely self-funded will start with a corpus of Rs 2-3 crore, Jayaram said, adding the new research body would focus on selection of good mother plants from various plantations across the country.

The committee is also focusing on introducing a special scheme with incentives for production of Arabica coffee as Arabica coffee area was drastically declining, he said.

The committee is of the view that the only way is to provide positive research and development that can directly contribute to achieving higher yield. The development of good seed material and clones with high yield, which are resistant to pests and diseases, drought resistant and have positive attributes in the cup is a matter of great urgency and importance, the Upasi said in its latest report on plantation sector.

For the Robusta variety, the committee said there was a need to develop clonal strains which were high yielding, good in the cup, drought tolerant to cope with climate change, resistant to shot hole borer and suitable for drip irrigation and mechanisation.

Development of indigenous machinery which help in efficient management of various cultural operations; R&D at the Coffee Research Station and substations to world standards and restoration of the Coffee Evaluation Committee and Mechanisation Committee are some other initiatives mooted by various plantation associations.

source: http://www.business-standard.com / Business Standard / Home> Markets> Commodities> Food & Edible Oil / by Mahesh Kulkarni / Coonoor (TamilNadu) – September 02nd, 2013

Birds, frogs and civet coffee in Madikeri

Business & Economy, Coffee, Kodagu (Coorg), Green Initiatives / Environment, Nature

What comes to mind when you think of Kodagu or Madikeri? Coffee, homestays, waterfalls, elephant camps, Tibetan settlements, meaty-pork stews? How many of us know that Kodagu, unlike the other districts of Karnataka, is home to a range of wildlife species? And in particular, birds and reptiles?
KodaguKF06sept2013
I found the answers in a plantation located in Galibeedu village, Madikeri. I visited a 25-acre plantation, in which coffee, pepper, cardamom and vanilla are cultivated for a two-day stay. It is run by a North Indian couple who quit their jobs 20 years ago to develop this piece of land into an eco initiative that can be enjoyed by all.

The plantation is dense with coffee and other spices grown under the inter-cropping method. Guests are accommodated in tents and a handful of cottages. Locally grown organic food is served to them. The entire plantation is run on solar power, bringing it as close to the nature as possible.

The plantation also serves Civet Coffee, which is made out of beans that are defecated by the civet, a wild cat, that feasts on ripe coffee berries. The beans are washed, sundried and roasted to yield maximum aroma. Due to the enzymatic activity and the touch of amino acids in the Civet’s gut, these beans acquire unique flavours—making it less bitter, more aromatic and hence one of the most expensive and exclusive kinds of coffee in the world.

The night called for a few pleasant surprises—the deafening sounds of the crickets followed by a soothing array of fireflies. Though their charm might be ephemeral, they have a magical effect on you. I tried so hard not to blink, fearing the loss of a few glints. The minimally-lit tents with below 10-watt bulbs paved a perfect setting for this magical moment.

The plantation is an ornithologist’s delight. I spotted the Malabar Whistling Thrush, Woodpeckers, Racket Tailed Drongos, Fly Catchers and Kingfishers among several tiny birds. The plantation is also home to stick insects, hibernating butterflies, tree frogs and leaf frogs. Some belonged to the Lateralus family and are endemic to the Western Ghats region. The frogs were a sight to behold; they changed colours, had shiny-green skin, big, bulgy eyes and had perched themselves on twigs as if waiting for us to visit them.

My two-day stay passed away in a blur and I decided to walk down to the much talked-about stream surrounded by birds about five kilometres away before departing. As I trekked down, the clouds got thicker and darker. I spotted a flock of birds, all different in colour and kind, perched on a tree. It suddenly began to drizzle and the birds in search of shelter, flew from one tree to the other at once. The swarming birds flew low, making it one of my most colourful memories—tints of hidden orange and blue, reds and greys exposed—a flying rainbow indeed.

Ignoring the rain and time, I soaked and hiked at my own pace. When I got back, I was the only one for breakfast and I had missed out on my last dig at the sumptuous avocados too! Oh well!! What more can one ask for when you had the experience of a flying rainbow?

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> Supplements> Spectrum / by Aishwarya Madineni, DHNS / September 03rd, 2013

Team Coorg clinch Cup

Nri's / Pio's, Sports, World Opinion

CHAMPIONS: Team Coorg celebrates winning the Independence Day Cup after beating UTSC Dubai. Photo – Supplied
CHAMPIONS: Team Coorg celebrates winning the Independence Day Cup after beating UTSC Dubai. Photo – Supplied

Muscat:

Team Coorg edged out United Thalassery Sports Club (UTSC), Dubai 2-1 to claim the honours of the commemorative hockey match to celebrate the 67th Indian Independence Day at the OFA ground in Qurum.

Chief guest J.S. Mukul, the Indian ambassador, conveyed his appreciation to the organisers for promoting the Indian national game and also praised S.A.S Naqvi for his dedicated efforts to ensure the development of the sport in Oman.

Played under the backdrop of the ongoing Asia Cup in Ipoh, Team Coorg opened the scoring in the first half by Shakeel with UTSC levelling the score in the next minute with a field goal.

The second half was all about ball possession, with each team trying to gain the upper hand. With a better passing game, Team Coorg gained the advantage with combined effort from Kavan, who slotted the ball home.

In spite of UTSCs constant foray into Team Coorg’s half, the defenders stood their ground to deny UTSC an equaliser and went on to win the game 2-1.

During the half time an entertaining match between Ambassador XI, skippered by APS Chauhan and Veterans XI, captained by Mohammed Shambeh Al Raisi, was played which had players of all age group participating.

The spectators wished the exciting match went on for few more minutes. The exhibition match was won by Veterans XI 2-1.

Kuttappa of Team Coorg in appreciation of the excellent support received from the Indian Embassy presented a memento to the Ambassador.

A lifetime achievement award was also presented to Dawood Ahmed Ali Al Raisi, former president of Oman Hockey Association.

During the ceremony, Mohammed Shambeh presented a special award for the outstanding contribution to Raqib Qureshi, who has played for Pakistan during 1964-1966 and for Bangladesh between 1978-1982. He keeps in touch with hockey every weekend at the OHA grounds and is a source of inspiration to young and old.

The presence of Nalini Bopaiah and Ponnamma Thammaiah added grace to the occasion and they gave away mementoes to the corporate sponsors Naranjee Hirjee Co, Khimji Ramdas’ Permoglaze, Al Rawahi International, Al Omaniya, Services and Trade Company.

Former Oman goalkeeper Jabbar was specially mentioned as he and Raqib Qureshi donned the role of umpires.

SAS Naqvi too presented mementos to the Ambassador and Dawood Al Raisi, while the organisers did not forget the live wire commentary rendered by Salih Thacher.

source: http://www.timesofoman.com / Times of Oman / Home / by Times News Service / September 02nd, 2013

Magic made easy

Arts, Culture & Entertainment
How to Levitate and Other Great Secrets of Magic
How to Levitate and Other Great Secrets of Magic

You cannot arrive at the truth unless you eliminate the false, says James Talbot who has written a book revealing magic tricks
Magic evokes a sense of wonder in us all. We would all like to try our hand at magic tricks — nothing like a book to tell us. How to Levitate and Other Great Secrets of Magic is proceeds to do just that. The slim book makes for easy reading. It is a journey of discovery that will bring the enthusiast to truth.

“It is similar to any scientific exploration,” says author James Talbot. The tricks have all been tried out by Talbot.

One can try out the tricks as all the contraptions needed are clearly indicated in the book marketed by Coorg-based Magenta Press. The 57-page book is priced at Rs. 149. The deep thought behind the exercise Talbot says is “You cannot come to the truth unless you eliminate the false. The book was written 15 years ago and the reason I chose a Western pen name was that magic uncovered by a Westerner always gels well with most of us.”

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Books> Authors / by Ranee Kumar / September 01st, 2013

Coffee museum grounds for a visit

Coffee News

When thinking of museums in Cambodia, it’s usually ancient carvings and Khmer sculptures that come to mind. But there’s a new museum in town, and it doesn’t have even the slightest connection to Angkor Wat.

Instead, the Golden Mountain Coffee Museum is dedicated exclusively to celebrating everyone’s favourite pick-me-up: a good old cup of joe.

Perhaps an unexpected addition to Siem Reap’s caffeine scene, the one-month-old museum is owned by Kim Jong Yoon, a Korean coffee lover keen to share his passion with others.
“Most people drink coffee” he states, “But they don’t understand where it comes from, and the process of making it. I want to introduce people to the story behind coffee.”
And that’s exactly what the museum does.

Alongside artistic black and white photographs of all things coffee, the walls of the bright airy museum are covered in colourful displays detailing every step of the journey from bean to brew.

Visitors start by learning about how coffee is grown, selected, and harvested, before moving on to different types of coffee making machines.
Ever wondered how a French press or a vacuum pot actually works? Or perhaps how to brew traditional Turkish coffee? The answers are here.

Other displays give tips on grading, rating and roasting beans, infographics of coffee ingredients, and information on the allegedly many health benefits of drinking coffee.
And yes, ‘hangover cure’ makes the list.

Also on display is Yoon’s personal collection of coffee grinders. “They’re from all over the world” he says proudly. “I’ve always loved coffee, and have been collecting these grinders for years.” After all that learning this visitor was in need of a cup of coffee herself, and as luck would have it Yoon has opened a coffee shop beneath the museum.
“The idea is that visitors will take some time to learn about their favourite drink, and then come downstairs to taste it with a better knowledge of what they’re enjoying” says Yoon. “So far, it is working well.”

Aside from being an obvious addition to a coffee museum, Yoon wanted to re-create the stylish coffee shops he’d loved while living in Bangkok.
“I didn’t find anything like that here in Siem Reap” he says, “so I decided to build it myself.”Excitingly for the coffee addicts – and soon-to-be-experts –Yoon’s café stocks a vast variety of coffee beans from all corners of the globe.

“We offer coffee from eight different countries, including many in Southeast Asia. We import some coffee, but we also have five of our own blends from Vietnam, Thailand, Laos, Myanmar, and of course Cambodia. We roast and package them here so they’re fresh.”
That is right; Golden Mountain has its own purpose built “roasting room”, so that the coffee served up tastes as fresh as possible. Nosy guests will also be pleased to hear that a glass wall allows people to watch the entire process.

When asked about his best coffee, Yoon does not hesitate to recommend the “elephant dung” coffee that he imports from Chiang Rai in northern Thailand.
For the uninitiated, this coffee is made from coffee beans that elephants eat, digest, and then return to nature. They are then retrieved, cleaned, and readied for roasting.
“The elephant coffee doesn’t smell so good” he admits, “But the taste is naturally very sweet.” That may well be true, but at $10 a cup this is a caffeinated treat for the brave of palate and large of wallet.

But there are many other coffees available, including a strong black Dutch coffee served with ice and a little sugar syrup – a perfect choice for a typically humid day.
Yoon also has some interesting plans for his coffee shop.
“At the moment it is low season, but next year when there are more people in Siem Reap I would like to start offering tasting classes. Then my customers can learn even more about coffee.”

The Golden Mountain Coffee Museum is at the front corner of the Charming Tourist City complex, and opens daily from 8am-10pm.

Sourced: The Phnom Penh Post
source: http://www.tourismcambodia.com / Tourism of Cambodia / Home> News> Local Travel News / Saturday – June 27th, 2013

Forest officials drive back elephants into Kodagu forests

Green Initiatives / Environment, Nature

The two-day operation to drive wild elephants back into forests by the forest department in South Kodagu in progress | Express photos
The two-day operation to drive wild elephants back into forests by the forest department in South Kodagu in progress | Express photos

The two-day initiative of the Forest Department to drive wild elephants back into the forests came to an end on Saturday.

On Friday, the operation commenced in the presence of chief conservator of forests, Kodagu circle, Brijesh Kumar Dixith, Deputy Conservator of Forests (DCF), Virajpet division, Malathi Priya, Deputy Conservator of Forests, Nagarahole wildlife division, Gokul, assistant conservator of forests and range forest officials and staff from all the forest department divisions of Kodagu district.

14 Jumbos Driven Back to Forests

The teams were able to chase away 14 elephants from Devarapura and Nokya Gram Panchayat limits, ACF Belliappa told Express.

On Saturday, the teams were unable to spot even one elephant.

He said the teams will continue to ensure the elephants do not return.

“The operation will be continued next week in Pollibetta areas. Movement of vehicles and people will be restricted through publicity arrangements,” he said.

Belliappa added that most elephants entered South Kodagu either from Mauvkal or Nagarahole forests.

Need for Public Help

The operation involved tamed elephants, special task force staff, wildlife staff from Nagarahole, Virajpet division forest officers and staff along with watchers. General public and police also extended required assistance to the department.

Chief conservator of forests, Kodagu circle, Dixith told reporters here on Saturday that as per the elephant census taken last year, as many as 6,000 elephants were located in the state. In Kodagu region, covering Gonikoppa, Thithimathi and Maldaare areas, as many as 100 wild elephants are troubling people, he said.

“Another 32 elephants are permanent residents of BBTC coffee estates in Siddapura. These should be captured and shifted,” he said. However, before their capture, a few technical and legal aspects need to be addressed, he said.

In Bramhagiri wildlife sanctuary, 30 elephants on the Kodagu-Kerala border have been identified that need to be captured and sent back into forest cover, he said. All these issues have been brought to the notice of Forest Minister Ramanath Rai, Dixith added.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Karnataka / by Express News Service – Madikeri / July 29th, 2013

On eve of Arjuna award ceremony, Joshna Chinappa wants boost for squash

Amazing Feats, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Leaders, Records, All, Sports

Joshna Chinappa will receive the Arjuna award today, a recognition that has come after a long wait for the Chennai squash player.

The 25-year-old became the first Indian girl to win the prestigious British Junior under-19 title in 2003 and followed it up with a gold at the South Asian Federation Games gold in 2004.

Joshna Chinappa
Joshna Chinappa

Chinappa, currently ranked 27 in the world, spoke to MiD DAY on what the Arjuna award means to her and other aspects of the sport.

Excerpts:

What does the Arjuna award mean to you?
It means a lot to me. This is one of my biggest achievements. I have been recognised by the government and the feeling is special.

With you and Deepika Pallikal being the only two faces in Indian squash, what will it take for more of your kind to emerge?
Hopefully, there will be more kids taking up squash after us and pursuing it as a career. But for that, there has to be better structure to develop squash and reach out to all sections of people in different parts of the country. There is a need for good coaches, facilities, conducting tournaments all over the country and helping kids financially to play international as well as national tournaments.

How has the progress of you and Deepika changed the popularity of the sport in the past few years?
I think more people are aware of squash because of what Saurav Ghosal, Deepika Pallikal, Siddharth Suchde, Harinder Sandhu and myself have been doing on the international circuit. There have been some international events that have helped in bringing more recognition to the sport. Squash has grown a lot in Chennai, but needs to develop more in other parts of the country.

What needs to be done to give the sport a boost? It is restricted to cities and has not entered rural areas…
Squash is still a club-level sport in many cities and not everyone can afford a membership to play. We need to develop courts that are easily accessible at the grassroots level. Courts have to be built with the help of the central and state governments along with the federation. Also, a program to develop squash in particular areas. Hopefully, with a good plan, corporates will come on board to support squash and then we can see more kids
taking up the sport.

Since squash has been short-listed now for the Olympics, how difficult will it be for the federation to convince the International Olympic Committee for the final spot?
Squash being short-listed is amazing and hopefully, we can make it to the Olympics as it deserves to. But we are competing with wrestling which has a better chance of getting back in. I’m just hoping for the best.

source: http://www.mid-day.com / Mid Day / Home> Sports / by Sundari Iyer / Mumbai – August 31st, 2013

Plans on for grand Madikeri Dasara

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Leaders

K M Ganesh elected unopposed as Dasara Janotsava Samithi working president.

K M Ganesh has been elected unopposed as Dasara Janotsava Samithi working president for the year 2013 and 2014.

The decision was taken at a meeting chaired by Deputy Commissioner Anurag Tiwari on Wednesday.

Speaking on the occasion, Ganesh called upon the citizens to celebrate Madikeri Dasara grandeously. “Let us impress upon the district-in-charge minister to sanction additional funds to celebrate Dasara. All the differences should be kept aside and Dasara should be celebrated with traditional fervour. The funds given to Dashamantapa is meagre. There is a need to increase it.”

Dasara Committee immediate past working committee president Rabin Devaiah and former CMC president H M Nandakumar also spoke.

Office-bearers

Other elected office-bearers are Prakash Acharya, Mahesh Jaini, T H Udaykumar, Madurai, Rajesh and Abdul Razak (vice presidents); P G Manjunath (only for 2013 celebration)( general secretary), Chummi Devaiah (treasurer), Shashikumar (honorary secretary), R B Shivakumar, Venkatesh (secretary), A K Lokesh, Pushpa Poonaccha, Savitha Rai, Ashok (joint secretary), Nanda Kumar, Robin Devaiah, V P Suresh, Sathish Pai, M B Devaia, P D Ponnappa, Chidwilas, S C Subramani, B S Mohan, Muneer Ahammed, T M Ayyappa (honorary president).

Sub committee — Culture (H T Anil), Sports (Manu Manjunath), Stage (K Pemmaiah), welcome (Kanehithlu Monappa), decoration (P M Harish), poets meet (Payapanda Shashi Somaiah). Vinod has been elected as the president of Dashamantapa President.

Audit report

Without CMC elected representatives Deputy Commissioner will function as the president
of the committee.

Speaking on the occasion, DC Anurag Tiwari said that the audit report on the celebrations should be placed before the public within three months of Dasara celebrations. It should be published in the website. The committee should work in transparency.
Confusion in term

As per Madikeri Dasara Utsav Samithi bylaw, the post of general secretary and treasurer of the committee is reserved for the CMC members. As there are no elected representatives in the CMC, there was confusion over the elected members whether they can serve for two years. As a result, the elected two posts will be only for this year’s celebration.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> District / by DHNS / Madikeri – August 28th, 2013

Coffee plantations in Brazil, Colombia daze Indian planters

Business & Economy, Coffee News

Brazil’s annual coffee production has surged from 30-35 million bags (of 60 kg) a decade ago to 50-55 million bags at present. / The Hindu
Brazil’s annual coffee production has surged from 30-35 million bags (of 60 kg) a decade ago to 50-55 million bags at present. / The Hindu

Coonoor :

After visiting the plantations in Brazil and Colombia, coffee planters in India admit that the industry here would have to change the way of planting and look for better varieties and clones to compete and sustain in the market.

Karnataka Planters’ Association had organised a tour of Brazil and Colombia in July. A 35-member team from India (comprising coffee farmers and industry people) visited Brazil and 17 of them went to Colombia as well.

‘We can adopt simple things such as hedge-row planting. Our terrain may not be suitable for harvester, but drip irrigation should be possible here,’ said the Chairman of Karnataka Planters’ Association Nishant R Gurjer.

Sharing his experience, he said ‘coffee plantations in Brazil are highly mechanized. This has resulted in their over dependence on scarce and expensive labour. They have also put in place drip/ fertigation systems and water management technology, contributing to high productivity.’

Brazil’s annual coffee production has surged from 30-35 million bags (of 60 kg) a decade ago to 50-55 million bags at present. There has not been a corresponding increase in area, but they have improved in cultural practice and come up with better coffee varieties.

There is no such thing as ‘off-year’ and on-year’ any more. This year, despite being an ‘off-year’ Brazil’s coffee production has been estimated at 55 million bags.

Brazil planters have moved away from frost areas to newer areas. They grow sugar cane, soya, corn etc in these areas.

The varieties and clones that they have come up with are amazing.

Colombia is the hub of coffee, but there is no Robusta here. Here, there is massive replanting taking place, he said.

Are Indian coffee planters threatened? ‘Yes,’ he says, before admitting to the need for changing planting practices, opting for newer varieties and improving productivity per acre.

source: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com / Business Line / Home> Industry> Agri-Biz / by L N Revathy / Coonoor – September 02nd, 2013