Monthly Archives: February 2025
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Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf Looks to New Master Franchisee for Growth Restart
7 plantation homestays where the air is heady with fresh coffee, wild spices, and mountain mist
New Directors elected for Kodagu Sahakara Sangha
Mysuru:
The new Directors of Kodagu Sahakara Sangha, Jayalakshmipuram, were elected yesterday.
Among the total of 13 directors, two were reserved for women for which Nanjamma and Nirmala were elected unopposed.
For the remaining 11 posts, a total of 14 candidates had contested. Among them, K.G. Sudhir and A.A. Pemmaiah secured 88 votes each. Finally, K.G. Sudhir was elected through draw of lottery.
Others who were elected are M.K. Prakash (127 votes), Lovely Appaiah (119 votes), P.U. Girish (118 votes), M.G. Devaiah (108 votes), Byretira K. Ganapathy (108 votes), K.P. Pemmaiah (105 votes), P.K. Biddappa (96 votes), K.K. Bollamma (95 votes), K. Kavya Kuttappa (95 votes) and M.P. Belliappa (94 votes).
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / February 23rd, 2025
Can India brew its way to becoming the world’s top coffee exporter?
SUMMARY
In the first few months of FY25, Indian coffee exports surpassed the $1 billion mark, registering an impressive 42.65% YoY growth. India’s diverse coffee regions, high-quality beans and unique farming techniques are increasingly filling gaps traditionally dominated by Brazil, Vietnam, Ethiopia and Colombia. However, strict EU deforestation rules pose challenges for small farmers due to high compliance costs.
India is the fifth-largest coffee exporter in the world. | Image: Shutterstock
A curious question—Are you team chai or coffee?
I’m team coffee by all means! A cup of steaming hot coffee is all I need to kickstart my day!
And not just me, lately the world is waking up to Indian coffee. For context, India’s coffee industry has achieved a significant milestone, with exports surpassing the $1 billion mark for the first time. Between April and November 2024, India’s coffee exports rose to a record high of $1.15 billion compared to $804.4 million during the same period last year, registering an impressive 42.65% growth.
Source: Department of Commerce
Seeing this remarkable growth, it is clear that India is redefining its traditional tea-dominated narrative by emerging as a strong global coffee exporter.
Sounds amazing, isn’t it? So, what’s brewing up India’s coffee exports?
Key markets driving growth
India exports coffee to more than 50 countries around the world. However, the major markets driving India’s coffee exports are Italy, Germany, Russia, UAE, Belgium and Turkey.
Source: Coffee Board of India
India is the world’s seventh-largest coffee producer. It is also the fifth-largest coffee exporter, exporting 403,051 tonnes of coffee between January and December 2024. On average, India exports over 70% of its production.
What is pushing India’s coffee exports?
Various reasons contribute to India becoming a key player in the global coffee market.
Firstly, major coffee-producing countries like Brazil and Vietnam are facing supply constraints due to erratic weather patterns—droughts and extreme heat—caused by climate change. With these giants struggling to meet the demands, India is creating enormous opportunities to step in and fill the gap.
Secondly, Indian coffee has a uniqueness that puts it ahead of its global competitors. It is grown using traditional techniques in natural forests. Interestingly, we are the only country in the world where coffee is grown under natural shade. Moreover, it is uniquely hand-picked without the use of machinery, naturally harvested and sun-dried. While the sun-drying method takes much longer than mechanical drying, it enhances the flavour of the beans. Besides, it is also eco-friendly as it does not contribute to carbon emissions.
Thirdly, coffee farming in other countries often involves chopping off existing vegetation, whereas in India, the forest canopy stays almost intact. This environmentally sustainable way of cultivating coffee aligns perfectly with the European Union’s Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), which prohibits coffee imports from regions that were deforested after 2020. This presents opportunities for Indian exporters.
Now you know the real reasons why Indian coffee typically commands a premium over the global benchmark!
The world looks to India for coffee
India mainly produces two varieties of coffee, Arabica and Robusta. While Arabica coffee has a mild aromatic flavour, Robusta coffee has a strong flavour on the taste buds.
FYI: India’s Robusta coffee is considered the best in the world, and its Arabica coffee is the second best, just after Columbia’s.
India primarily focuses on producing Robusta coffee, which accounts for 72% of India’s total production. Robusta coffee has a huge demand in the international markets, which is another reason for the surge in India’s coffee exports.
Did you know? India is considered the fifth-largest producer of Robusta coffee globally.
Not just this, Robusta beans are a favourite for instant coffee manufacturers worldwide. The rising demand for instant coffee in markets like Russia and Turkey has given a significant boost to India’s instant coffee exports, which make up a third of our total exports.
Besides, supply constraints in Brazil and Vietnam have led to a sharp rise in Robusta coffee prices. The prices have touched multi-decade highs, climbing more than 60% in 2024 alone. For context, Indian Robusta is fetching a premium of nearly $300 a tonne on the London-based ICE Futures Europe market. The surge in demand and prices presents Indian coffee exporters with a unique opportunity.
There is also a bitter reality to it
While Indian coffees are making a mark globally, let’s also accept the fact that the journey is not all that smooth.
Even though global prices are rising, coffee farmers are facing higher production costs due to rising labour costs and scarcity of labour. To put things in perspective, the labour cost in India is a massive 65%, whereas in Brazil it is just 25% of the total production cost. Why you ask? Well, it’s simply because the cultivation process is manual in our country.
Another challenge is growing climate changes and erratic rainfall patterns that severely harm the quality and yield of coffee and interfere with the sun-drying process.
That’s not all!
The EUDR compliance burden is putting extra pressure on farmers who will now need costly technological upgrades and struggle with heaps of paperwork, certifications and audits to meet the compliance requirements.
Having said that, the Coffee Board of India is developing a platform to help coffee producers in India comply with EUDR. While it will take some time to roll out, we might face some time-being challenges in exporting coffee to the EU.
So yeah, there are some challenges that we need to work on before India can climb the ranks to become a top coffee-exporting country.
The bottom line
Looking at the brighter side, India’s diverse coffee regions, high-quality beans and unique production process are increasingly filling gaps traditionally dominated by Brazil, Vietnam, Ethiopia, and Colombia.
By 2032, the Indian coffee market is projected to reach $1,227.47 million, which is huge!
As demand for Indian coffee increases, it’s clear that the Indian coffee industry’s future is bright and full of flavour!
Cheers team coffee!
source: http://www.upstox.com / Upstox / Home> News> Upstox Originals / by Namita Salgiya / February 22nd, 2025
Curbing human-wildlife conflict: ‘Gandhada Gudi’ model elephant sanctuary in Kodagu on cards
Madikeri:
The longstanding human-elephant conflict in Kodagu has intensified over the decades, with elephant attacks claiming 33 lives in recent years.
Additionally, 53 people are grappling with various issues, including permanent disabilities. Despite continuous efforts by the Forest Department, the menace of wild elephants continues to escalate.
In response, the State Government is gearing up to establish an elephant sanctuary in Kodagu, drawing inspiration from the movie ‘Gandhada Gudi.’ The initiative aims to protect elephants while reducing inconvenience to the local population.
The intention is to strike a balance between wildlife conservation and the safety of local communities for a peaceful coexistence.
To facilitate this, 2,000 hectares of land have been identified in Kodagu, as part of a broader plan covering 12,000 hectares across the State. This land will be used to relocate elephants residing in human settlements back into the forest.
The plan also involves identifying elephants responsible for crop damage and human casualties and relocating them to the sanctuary. The Government intends to provide shelter for around 200 elephants that have settled in rural areas of the district.
During a State Wildlife Board meeting in January, attended by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre, Forest Department officials and Virajpet MLA A.S. Ponnanna, the relocation of rogue elephants was discussed.
The Government agreed to identify safe areas for this purpose and preparations are now underway. The sanctuary will be equipped with technology to monitor and control the elephants, preventing them from straying back into villages.
Since 2014, the Government has allocated Rs. 21 crore for repairing fences and railway barricades in the Virajpet forest range, covering Ponnampet and Virajpet taluks. This measure is part of a long-term solution to the human-elephant conflict.
Additionally, Rs. 4.72 crore have been swiftly disbursed as compensation to those affected by wild animals and Rs. 22 crore have been allocated for new railway barricades, with installation set to begin soon.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / Februaryf 23rd, 2025
Experience The Essence of Coorg Cuisine At Grand Mercure Mysore
Experience a culinary adventure in Coorg from February 21-28 at By the Blue, Grand Mercure Mysore.
Savor authentic flavors crafted by Chef Pradip Kumar Pani.
Spice up your evenings by taking a culinary adventure through the heart of coorg from 21st-28th of February at By the Blue, at Grand Mercure Mysore.
Explore the symphony of authentic flavors and aromas of the cuisine with every bite, with dishes artfully curated by Chef Pradip Kumar Pani and his team.
Savour the rich culinary heritage of Kodava cuisine through a menu meticulously crafted to incorporate the bold and earthy flavours of the specialties of the region. Revel in a range of divine dishes, beginning with the tangy and refreshing Kachampuli cooler, a perfect introduction to the unique tastes of Coorg.
Continue your exploration with the crispy, flavorful Coorgi Koli Fry, a local favourite, and then indulge in the slow-cooked Pork Apndi Curry, a rich and aromatic dish served with the traditional kadambutu. Every dish is a testament to the region’s culinary artistry, promising a delightful Coorgi dinner in a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere.
What: Coorg Food Festival at Grand Mercure Mysore
Where: By the Blue, Grand Mercure Mysore
When: 21st-28th February, 2025 (7pm-11pm Dinner)
source: http://www.hospibuz.com / Hospibuz.com / Home> Hotel Listicles> Hotel / by Hospibuz / February 20th, 2025
South Korean envoy pays tribute to General Thimayya at Indo-Korean Friendship Park
Lee Seong-ho, the Ambassador of South Korea in India, and other top diplomats on Friday visited the Indo-Korean Friendship Park in Delhi Cantonment, fondly recalling the contribution of Indian forces during the Korean War of 1950-53.
During their visit to the park, a symbol of strong ties between India and South Korea, the officials also paid tribute to late General K S Thimayya, a celebrated soldier who led the Indian contingent as Chairman of Neutral Nations Repatriation Commission (NNRC) in Korea headed by India.
“Ambassador Lee Seong-ho and his team visited the Indo-Korean Friendship Park on the 21st of February and paid homage to General Thimayya, who headed a UN unit dealing with the repatriation of prisoners after the Korean War,” the South Korean Embassy in India posted on X.
“We also recalled that India sent the largest number of medical personnel during the Korean War. Remembering the enduring friendship between Korea and India, the Korean Embassy will do our best to further develop our Special Strategic Partnership.” the post further added.
India’s First Indo-Korean Friendship Park was jointly inaugurated by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his Korean counterpart Suh Wook in March 2021.
The park, spotlighting India’s contributions as part of 21 countries which participated in Korean war 1950-53 under the aegis of the United Nations, was developed in joint consultation with India’s Ministry of Defence, Government of India, Indian Army, Delhi Cantonment Board, Embassy of Korea and Korean War Veterans Association of India.
Spread across a green area of six acres, the park has an imposing handshake artifact standing tall at the entrance bearing flags of India and South Korea besides a larger than life statue of General Thimayya.
South Koreans still remember General Thimayya, who was awarded a Padma Bhushan for his service in Korea, with gratitude and affection. General Thimayya also served as the Chairman of the Neutral Nations Repatriation Commission (NNRC) after the armistice and contributed to resolving the humanitarian issues arising out of the War.
India played an important role in the Korean peninsula after Korea’s independence in 1945, sending an army medical unit – the 60th Parachute Field Ambulance comprising 627 medical personnel, commanded by Lt. Col. A.G. Rangaraj – during the Korean War as part of the UN Command. The unit treated about 220,000 patients. During the Korean War (1950-53), both warring sides accepted a UN resolution sponsored by India and the ceasefire was declared on July 27, 1953.
India-South Korea diplomatic relations were elevated to a ‘Special Strategic Partnership’ in 2015 during the State Visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Seoul.
Source: IANS
source: http://www.socianews.xyz / Social News XYZ / Home> Diplomacy / by Gopi / February 21st, 2025
Feasibility report on coffee cultivation in Karnataka’s Dakshina Kannada district to be submitted soon
As part of area expansion, scientists conducted a survey in the district and are likely to recommend coffee cultivation there, Manjunath said during a KDP meeting chaired by District in Charge Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao.
Coffee beans. (Image for representation)Credit: iStock Photo
Mangaluru:
Horticulture department Deputy Director Manjunath said that scientists from Central Coffee Research Institute will submit a feasibility report on cultivating Robusta coffee in high altitude areas in Sullia, Belthangady taluks shortly.
A few farmers in Dakshina Kannada district have been cultivating coffee.
As part of area expansion, scientists conducted a survey in the district and are likely to recommend coffee cultivation there, Manjunath said during a KDP meeting chaired by District in Charge Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao.
Once the report is submitted, they will seek funds from the Coffee Board under area expansion to cultivate coffee.
“About 2000 acres of areca plantations in 10 villages including Aranthodu, Thodikana have been affected by yellow leaf disease. As an alternative, coffee can be promoted once the final report on the feasibility of cultivation is submitted,” he added.
Guarantee scheme implementation authority district president Bharath Mundodi raised the issue of yellow leaf disease and leaf spot diseases and said that though officials have been emphasising on research to find a solution for past 30 years, no concrete steps have been taken to contain the disease.
Sullia MLA Bhagirathi Murulya also urged the government to announce a package for cultivating alternative crops to those whose areca plantations were affected by yellow leaf disease.
Counselling mandatory
Following an increase in drug addiction cases, MLC Dr Dhananjaya Sarji said that there is a need to counsel students in hostels on the ill effects of drugs abuse.
Psychiatric and clinical counselling is essential for students. It can be taken up as a pilot project in the district as there are many educational institutions and hostels in the district, he said.
Dhananjaya said students staying in hostels suffer from ringworm disease. Thus a visit to hostels by a dermatologist atleast twice in a year should be made mandatory.
In addition, he also urged the minister to direct health department to conduct counselling by gynecologists’ for adolescent girl students on personal hygiene.
Vehicular overpass
When MLC Ivan D’Souza sought the status of ongoing works in the Nanthoor area, DK MP Capt Brijesh Chowta said that tender for vehicular overpass was given in 2022.
But the estimate had not included funds for utility shifting. The issue of shifting Miyawaki urban forest near Padua High School is pending.
NHAI officials said that there are issues pertaining to the Kudupu-Bikarnakatte stretch. Many are demanding enhancement in compensation.
About 80 per cent of the land acquisition has been completed for four-laning of the stretch from Bikarnakatte to Moodbidri
source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> India> Karnataka / by Naina J A, DHNS / February 17th, 2025
