Tag Archives: Ponnampet Taluk

Kodagu: Paddy cultivation takes a back seat owing to weather changes and wildlife conflict

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Several farmlands in South Kodagu have been abandoned owing to bad weather conditions and the increased movement of wild elephants.

Image used for representational purpose.

Madikeri:

Paddy cultivation in the district is receding compared to yesteryears as farming is yet to pick up pace this monsoon. Changing weather conditions, natural disasters and increased wildlife conflict are other factors affecting paddy cultivation. It is said that only 48 hectares of land have been cultivated with paddy. 

Over six years ago, nearly 35,000 hectares of farmlands across Kodagu were cultivated with paddy crops. But, the extent of the cultivation has diminished over the years as the target for paddy cultivation has now been reduced to 30,500 hectares by the agriculture department.

“The increasing wildlife conflict can be seen as one of the reasons for the farmers to give up paddy cultivation in several farmlands in the district. Further, many farmers have also taken to the cultivation of horticulture crops. Increased conversion of farmlands to areca nut estates has reduced paddy cultivation,” opined Shabana Sheikh, the Joint Director of the Agriculture Department.

A total of 23180 hectares of farmland was cultivated with paddy achieving a target of 76% last year. Over 384 hectares suffered crop loss due to rainfall last year. 

The farmers of South Kodagu have increasingly given up paddy cultivation. Out of the 14000 hectares of targeted cultivation, only 9960 hectares were cultivated for paddy last year. Several farmlands in South Kodagu have been abandoned owing to bad weather conditions and the increased movement of wild elephants.

With monsoons delayed in the region this year, the paddy transplantation work is yet to pick up pace in the district. In Madikeri taluk, only 40 hectares of farmlands have recorded paddy transplantation work to date this year. Meanwhile, eight hectares of farmland have witnessed paddy transplantation in Somwarpet taluk. Nevertheless, as per the data recorded by the department, no farmlands have yet been cultivated for paddy due to delayed rains across South Kodagu including in Virajpet and Ponnampet taluks.    

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Karnataka / by Express News Service / July 11th, 2023

Budding Kodagu Shooter Dies In Bengaluru Accident

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Bengaluru:

A budding shooter from Kodagu was killed in a car accident in the wee hours of Monday on the Bannerghatta-Dasarahalli Road.

The car, a Honda City (KA-51-P-3475) was being driven by 22-year-old Kuppudira Prakhyath Chinnappa, son of Kuppudira Ponnu Muthappa and Nayana, residents of Badagarakeri Village in Ponnampet taluk of South Kodagu.

CCTV footage from the accident scene revealed that Prakhyath was driving at a high speed when he lost control of the vehicle and collided with two stationary cars and a bike parked alongside the road, resulting in his immediate death.

After colliding against the vehicles, the speeding car hit an electric pole and a roadside wall. The impact of the accident was such that the car’s engine and tyres got separated from the vehicle. Prakhyath’s three friends too sustained grievous injuries and they are recuperating at a hospital.

Prakhyath, a final year BBM student of Acharya College, was travelling on the road at 3 am on Monday, along with his friends Nataraj, Rikhith and Basanagowda. While Nataraj and Basanagowda hail from Mysuru and Bengaluru, Rikhith hails from Tavalageri village near T. Shettigeri in South Kodagu and is the son of Thadiyangada Karumbaiah and Sowmya.

Prakhyath resided in a rented house near his college and according to the Police, Prakhyath was driving recklessly when he lost control and collided with the parked vehicles on the roadside.

The Peenya Traffic Police have filed a case of death due to reckless and negligent driving against the driver. Further investigations are underway.

The Police have collected samples and sent them to the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) for analysis to determine whether the driver was under the influence of alcohol.

The cremation took place at Prakhyath’s hometown last evening. Family sources said that Prakhyath was actively involved in shooting competitions within India and had garnered significant attention among the Kodava community as a potential representative for the nation in the sport. He had bagged the championship at the recently held State-level shooting competitions at Birunani and                     Nelaji in Kodagu.

Prakhyath’s father Kuppudira Ponnu Muthappa is the President of Marenad Kodava Samaja and is also the President of the Management Committee of Sri Mrithyunjaya Temple, Badagarakeri. He has contributed immensely for the development of the Temple.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / June 20th, 2023