Kozhikode Corporation to join hands with IISR for spice street project

Agriculture, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Green Initiatives / Environment, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, Leaders, Pepper, Records, All

Kozhikode Mayor Beena Philip has said that the corporation was willing to cooperate with the Indian Institute of Spices Research (IISR) for the proposed spice street project.

Inaugurating the foundation day programme online at the IISR here on Thursday, she said the emerging farming scenario enhanced the social and scientific relevance of institutions like ICAR- IISR in the wake of the pandemic.

She also emphasized that the spice economy was important for the farming sector. However, the ability to maintain and enhance spices production needs to be anchored on improved cultivation practices and research advances, she said.

Presiding over the session, Dr. A.K. Singh, Deputy Director-General, ICAR, New Delhi, said the spices sector had witnessed significant changes in the recent past, and that the country was poised to make gains in production and trade in spices in the coming years.

Dr. Athulya G. Ashokan, Associate Professor, Pushpagiri Institute of Medical Sciences, delivered the foundation day lecture on ‘Management of post-COVID syndrome’. The IISR also launched the e-commerce platform for sale of good quality spices from verified sources and products from incubatee entrepreneurs associated with the institute.

In a new initiative aimed at supporting women entrepreneurs, the institution has entered into an agreement with the Kozhikode District Kudumbashree Mission to provide support for development and marketing of value-added products, production of quality planting materials, and delivery training services.

The IISR also executed two technology commercialisation agreements for the turmeric variety IISR Aleppey Supreme and black pepper micronutrient mixture.

Marking the occasion, the institute conferred spices excellence awards on Kanthraj K.M. from Kodagu district in Karnataka and Rajesh E.M. from Kozhikode. R.L. Innovative Agri Pvt. Ltd., an agri-startup company, was also honoured with the award.

The staff recreation club of the institute donated 10 mobile phones and tablets to support online education of students from under-privileged sections as part of its outreach activities. The institute released five extension folders and three technical bulletins on various aspects of spice cultivation to mark the foundation day.

Dr. J. Rema, Director, ICAR-IISR, and Dr. Vikramadithya Pandey, Assistant Director General, ICAR, spoke.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Kozhikode / by Special Correspondent / Kozhikode – July 02nd, 2021

Rohan Bopanna-Sania Mirza pair wins historic all-Indian Wimbledon match

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File photo of Sania Mirza and Rohan Bopanna. | Photo Credit: PTI

It was the first time in open era that two Indian teams competed against each other at a Grand Slam tournament.

The experienced pair of Rohan Bopanna and Sania Mirza defeated the brand new combination of Ramkaumar Ramanathan and Ankita Raina 6-2 7-6 (5) in the historic all-Indian mixed doubles first round match at the Wimbledon here on Friday.

It was the first time in open era that two Indian teams competed against each other at a Grand Slam tournament.

The contest finally brought a Grand Slam debut for Ramkumar, who has made 21 attempts to qualify for the singles main draw of a tennis major.

While the first set ended quickly in favour of the veterans, Ramkumar and Raina presented a good fight in the second set, which even they led for a brief period with a break of serve.

Bopanna was clearly the best player on the court with his powerful serve and solid ground strokes from the baseline as well as the ability to execute a superior net game.

On expected lines, Ramkumar served big while Raina gave her all after growing in confidence.

Mirza’s serve is still not at its best and would improve as she plays more matches.

Mirza has moved has also moved to women’s doubles second round with Bethanie Mattek-Sands while Raina and her American partner Lauren Davis lost in straight sets to the US pair of Asia Muhammad and Jessica Pegula on Thursday night.

The 14th seeds disposed off the challenge from the Raina-Davis pair 6-3 6-2 in 70 minutes.

Bopanna and Divij Sharan are already out, having lost their men’s doubles opening round match.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Sport> Tennis / by PTI / London, July 02nd, 2021

Khelo India centre to come up in Ponnampet: Minister

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Minister for Youth Empowerment, Sports and Planning K.C. Narayana Gowda during an inspection in Madikeri on Thursday.   | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

Narayana Gowda asks officials to make use of funds set aside for youth activities for improving sports infrastructure in Kodagu

Minister for Youth Empowerment, Sports and Planning K.C. Narayana Gowda on Thursday told his department officials to take up works for developing sporting facilities like stadiums from the funds set aside for annual youth activities which cannot be organised this year in the light of COVID-19 pandemic.

The funds earmarked for the activities centred on youth can be made use for the development of sporting infrastructure in Kodagu, he suggested.

Mr. Gowda said the Sports Authority of India (SAI) hostel at Ponnampet in Kodagu has been chosen for Khelo India Centre for encouraging local sporting talents and training them.

Speaking after reviewing the progress of his department in Kodagu district at a meeting in Madikeri, the Minister said ₹1.50 crore had been sanctioned for development works in Government Sports School, Kudige, and a sum of ₹50 lakh for the upgradation of a stadium at Virajpet and also General Thimayya Stadium, Madikeri.

He said sporting activities have come to a standstill in the wake of COVID-19. Therefore, the incomplete works for developing sporting infrastructure in Kodagu should be completed at the earliest and asked the officers to send proposals, if any, on developing any more facilities for encouraging sports.

He said a committee headed by the Commissioner of Youth Empowerment and Sports Department would be visiting Kodagu soon and meet the elected representatives of the district on what needs to be done for developing the existing infrastructure for nurturing sporting talents in Kodagu.

Sunil Subramani, MLC, told the Minister that the hockey stadium work at Somwarpet was not being carried out scientifically and urged him to look into the matter in the wake of complaints about the work.

The MLC said the department officers must ensure construction of retaining walls around the stadium besides completing drainage works.

The Minister assured the MLC that the deputy commissioner will look into the matter and take necessary measures.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> States> Karnataka / by Special Correspondent / Mysuru – July 01st, 2021

Celebrity couple Anu Poovamma-NC Ayyappa to feature in reality show ‘Raja Rani’

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

Celebrity couple Anu Poovamma  and NC Ayyappa are all set to feature together in the new reality show ‘Raja Rani’ which will premiere soon on a leading Kannada general entertainment channel.


The channel airing the show has confirmed the same on their official social media handle. On the other hand, Social media is filled with best wishes for the couple. Fans are elated to see their favorite Jodi onscreen again.

The soon-to-be-launched reality show is all about testing the bond between real-life couples. Many celebrity couples from the Kannada entertainment industry are likely to be a part of the show. Besides Akarsh and Deepika, celebrity couples like Chandan Shetty- Nivedita Gowda and Neha Gowda  along with her husband Chandu, Kulavadhu stars Deepika-Akarsh have also confirmed their participation in the new reality show.


For the unversed, Anu got married to cricketer and former Bigg Boss Kannada season 3 contestant N C Aiyappa in 2018.

On the career front, Anu and Aiyappa are not new to the Kannada audience. Having acted in a few Kannada films, Anu made her TV debut with daily soap ‘Muddulakshmi’, in which she played a negative character. However, she bid adieu to the show due to personal reasons. She was last seen on TV playing the character of ‘Devasena’ in supernatural fiction ‘Nandini 2’.

Aiyappa, who is a cricketer by profession, entered Bigg Boss Kannada season 3 as a celebrity contestant and made his presence felt. He was one of the most controversial contestants of the season.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> News> TV> News> Kannada / by TimesofIndia.com / June 30th, 2021

Rashmika Mandanna moves into her new apartment in Mumbai

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Records, All

Actress Rashmika Mandanna , who made her Tamil debut with Karthi-starrer ‘Sulthan’ that hit the screens earlier in April, is all set for her Bollywood debut . The pretty actress had now finally shifted into her new apartment in Mumbai, with her pooch, Aura.


Taking to her social media, the actress gave a glimpse of the house with an adorable picture of her dog. She captioned it as, “Dear diary, Ahhhh so much happened today, I finally shifted to the apartment! had to shop so many Ill things…( I am still not done) (gahhhh it’s a never ending expense) . Aura was out all day…1 had to meet 2 of my friends and I had to set up the place.. (Sai (my assistant) helped me) Aura and I passed out cz we were so tired”

Rashmika had recently returned to Mumbai to resume the shoot of ‘Goodbye’. The pretty actress will be making her Hindi debut with ‘Mission Majnu’, followed by her role in the Amitabh Bachchan-starrer ‘Goodbye’. She was also snapped shopping for home essentials in the past few days in Mumbai.

In a recent interview, Rashmika Manadanna had spoken about how the the COVID-19 pandemic situation made her shift to Bollywood and do Hindi films as well. Speaking about her upcoming Bollywood movies, Rashmika Mandanna had said, “I think it’s just the time because before Covid hit, I had no time because I was doing so many South films and I didn’t feel at that time that I should do Bollywood (films). Once Covid hit and other projects slowed down, I felt it was the right time to do it and that’s when ‘Mission Majnu’ and ‘Goodbye’ came. There is no particular reason why I didn’t do it because back then I had a couple of Hindi film offers but I feel now is the right time.”

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> News> Entertainment> Tamil> Movies / by TNN / June 25th, 2021

Chosen For Rangapuraskara

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Records, All

Gonikoppa:

Artistes Cheppudira Uthappa of Ponnampet and Madetira Belliappa have been selected for C.G. Krishnaswamy Ranga-puraskara, instituted by Kodagu Rangabhoomi Pratishtana, in recognition of their services to the field of theatre. 

The award will be presented to the artistes after lifting of lockdown, according to a release from Pratishtana Convenor Addanda Anitha Cariappa.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / June 29th, 2021

Kodagu FC players get football lifeline

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‘C’ Division team to figure in top tier this season

‘C’ Division team to figure in top tier this season

Bengaluru :

Scores of aspiring footballers, including those from the underprivileged section of society, from the traditional sporting hub of Kodagu will get a chance to sharpen their skills and show their class at the Bangalore Football Stadium with the Kodagu FC set to figure in this season’s BDFA Super Division League.

The club, which played in the crowded ‘C’ Division league, has taken a big leap with the owners shelling out a small fortune to nurture the players of the hilly region.

It all started with the INS Sports Centre near Kushalnagar,  established five years ago by Ravi and Kamni Somaiah in memory of their son Naren, a budding footballer, who passed away in a road accident in 2015.

“We want to give the best of opportunities to the talented players in our region. And we were determined to live the dream of Naren who aspired to be a footballer. He left us at the age of 20,” Naren’s elder brother Ponnappa Iychettira, who runs the team, told TOI.

Last year, Kodagu FC did well in the ‘C’ Division, competing against Bengaluru teams. “It was a big learning experience for the players and they have emerged stronger from that,” he said.

On the foray into the top tier of the league, Ponnappa said the idea is to give a bigger platform for the boys to showcase their talent and catch the eye of scouts. “We know it is going to be tough but the main idea is to bridge the gap for talented players. If they get noticed and are picked up by other clubs then we would have succeeded in our efforts”.

Many of the players are part-timers who work in the fields,  estates and double up as mechanics and painters. Their entry into the Super Division will see the best of the lot emerge as full-time players.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> News> Sports News> Football News / by Biju Babu Cyriac, TNN / June 29th, 2021

Kodagu DCC Bank celebrates its centenary

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District Central Cooperative Bank president Kodandera P Ganapathy cuts a cake to mark the bank’s centenary on Monday.

Simple celebrations were observed to mark the centenary of Kodagu District Central Cooperative Bank on Monday.

The bank was established on June 28, 1921, owing to the efforts of the then pioneers of the cooperative movement, Dandera Kuttaiah, Puliyanda Thimamaiah, Kuppanda Bellyappa and Udiyanda Machaiah.

The bank began operations with 45 cooperative societies, 16 members, share capital of Rs 4,400 and deposits worth Rs 10,000.

Rao Bahaddur Kodandera Kuttaiah was the founder president of the bank and served in the post from 1921 to 1927.

The centenary programme was celebrated at the bank’s head office in Madikeri, in the presence of the president, vice president, directors, chief executive officer and other officials and staff.

A cake was cut in all 21 branches of the DCC bank, to mark the occasion. Sweets were distributed to the customers. 

Bank president Kodandera P Ganapathy said that the bank could complete its 100 fruitful years due to the cooperation of the staff and the customers.

A public function of the centenary celebrations is planned for August 20, 2021. The groundbreaking ceremony for the centenary building will be done on the day, by the state cooperative minister, said Ganapathy.

The district in-charge minister, elected representatives from the district, representatives of cooperative societies, department officials and the former presidents and staff of the bank will be present, he added.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> State> Mangaluru / by DHNS, Madikeri / June 28th, 2021

White stem borer menace a nightmare for coffee growers

Agriculture, Business & Economy, Coffee News, Coffee, Kodagu (Coorg), Green Initiatives / Environment, Records, All
White stem borers destroying a coffee plant. Credit: DH Photo

Arabica and Robusta coffee varieties grown in Kodagu are known for their quality.

Robusta variety is grown mostly in Madikeri and Virajpet taluks, while Somwarpet is known for arabica coffee.

The weather of Somwarpet is the best suited for the arabica variety, say the growers.

However, there are a lot of challenges before arabica coffee growers, the major one being the infestation of white stem borer (Xylotrechus quadripes).

The adult borers feed on the stem of the coffee plant and lay eggs inside the stem. Their season of reproduction is the months of March and April. During this period, the stem borers lay eggs on all plants in the coffee plantation.

In Somwarpet taluk, coffee is grown on 28,540 hectares of land. Arabica coffee is grown on 22,940 hectares and robusta is grown on 5,600 hectares.

Many growers have been switching to robusta as arabica is infested by the white stem borer.

Fed up by the borer menace, the plantation owners themselves have been asking the workers to uproot the arabica coffee plants that were nurtured for many years.

A lack of proper control measures is also one of the main reason for the growers to destroy the plants.

The arabica variety of coffee requires more care as compared to robusta. Meanwhile, the labour cost and the production costs are increasing, among other expenses towards manure and fertilisers.

Adding to the problem, the market rate is also disappointing the farmers.

Control measures

Experts have come up with a technique to trap female borer, by using the artificial pheromones of male borer insects, say authorities of the coffee board.

B R Jayendra, a coffee planter from Bettadalli, said that the control measure of white borer is consuming a lot of time, in the existing methods available.

By the time the borers are controlled, almost all plants are destroyed. Effective control measures are needed to save arabica coffee.

Taluk Coffee Growers’ Association president Mohan Bopanna said that the coffee planters are going through difficult times.

Like the Kerala model, the Karnataka government too should announce support price for coffee growers. The loans of coffee growers who are facing difficulties should be waived, he added.

Another coffee planter S M D’Silva from Abburukatte said it is almost impossible to destroy the affected plants at a time.

The small grower will be hit hard if they destroy all coffee saplings in the plantation, he said.

source: http:///www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> State> Mangaluru / by DHNS, Somwarpet / June 28th, 2021

Teacher comes up with tree-top solution to overcome poor network connectivity

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C.S. Satheesha keeps children from Ist to 5th standard engaged with a slew of exercises in English, Kannada and mathematics, going beyond the syllabus.  

Facilitates learning via online mode in remote village in Kodagu district

A school teacher in Mullur village in Kodagu district has hit upon a tree-top solution to digitally connect with his students and ensure continuity of their education during the COVID-19 pandemic.

He has fabricated a make-shift room atop a mango tree using locally available materials, including bamboo and grass, besides waste materials.

Constructed at a height of 20 feet from the ground, this has helped overcome the problem of weak reception and signal of service providers in this remote village, located about 20 km from Somwarpet, which is the nearest town.

The tree-top classroom built by C.S. Satheesha, a school teacher, in Mullur village in Kodagu district.  

C.S. Satheesha is a teacher at the Government Lower Primary School in Mullur. He handles classes for students from Ist to 5th standard. But the COVID-19 pandemic and the consequent lockdown resulted in disruption of education of children. The impact is more in rural areas, among tribals and first-generation learners as they lack facilities or parental backup, which their urban counterparts have, to ensure continuity in learning.

Hence, Satheesha thought of keeping them engaged during the lockdown with a slew of exercises in English, Kannada and mathematics, going beyond the syllabus.

But connectivity issues forced Satheesha to do some out-of-the-box thinking. He decided to work from a tree top. It took him two months to build a classroom atop a tree.

A conventional RCC roof may have made things easier but Satheesha’s house is tiled and sloped – a building practice that is common in the coastal belt where rains are heavy – and hence he thought of this ingenious solution.

Atop the tree, the teacher not only feels safe, but a double layer of tarpaulin ensures that the make-shift office, where he imparts online classes, remains water-proof. He invested in a mobile stand and also procured a focus light, which ensures better visibility to children at the other end.

“In case of students who do not have a smartphone, I personally distribute exercise sheets during my rounds in the village as part of my COVID-19 duty with an instruction that the answer sheets would be collected by evening,” said Mr. Satheesha.

The online classes also focus on the immediate surroundings of the children. They are asked to identify a bulb, a mirror, a furniture or anything around them and describe their function in full sentences in English. Not only has this endeavour ensured continuity in learning, but children are learning how to make short videos and upload them, using the internet, for evaluation.

The day starts with a ‘WhatsApp Challenge’ comprising a set of questions tailor-made for each student, and sent out by the teacher. By evening, the challenge is accepted!

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> States> Karnataka / by R Krishna Kumar /Mysuru – January 28th, 2021