In a bid to give a fillip to tribal economy and enhance the market value of processed coffee, the Koraput district administration in association with the Coffee Board has distributed baby pulpers to beneficiaries, officials said.
Baby pulpers, also known as potable pulping machines, are used for wet processing of coffee and the extract which comes out from the machines is called plantation or parchment coffee.
“At present, over 70 per cent of coffee is processed through traditional dry method in the district which decreases the market value of the beverage. In this method, coffee beans are dried in sunlight,” said Ajit Kumar Rout, senior liaison officer, Coffee Board.
Through wet processing, the market value of coffee increases about 55 per cent more than the dry method, he said.
To begin with, as many as 20 such pulping machines have been distributed among tribal beneficiaries of the district on Friday, officials said.
Koraput Collector Maadhusudan Mishra said, baby pulpers will not only improve the quality of the variety of coffee grown in Koraput but also improve the condition of the tribal people engaged in coffee processing.
“When the market value of the coffee increases, it will fetch good price in the market which will subsequently improve the financial condition of the tribals engaged in coffee processing,” said Mishra.
According to a departmental survey, as climatic condition of Koraput is conducive for coffee plantation, it has been found that at least 1.45 lakh hectares in the district is suitable for coffee plantation. Currently, only 1,467 hectares is under coffee plantation in the district, the officials said.
PTI COR SKN MM MM
source: http://www.outlookindia.com / Outlook / Home / source: PTI / march 15th, 2020
With urbanisation and changing social structures, nuclear families, which were intrinsic in preserving tradition and rituals, have replaced joint families.
Women and a child don traditional attire at a Keri function
Madikeri :
With urbanisation and changing social structures, nuclear families, which were intrinsic in preserving tradition and rituals, have replaced joint families. To ensure their culture is not lost, various Kodava families in Kodagu district have joined together under one ‘keri’ (colony).
“The concept of ‘keri’ – synonymous with area or colony – started in Bengaluru among the Kodava community. The concept was adopted in the district too, with the first keri being formed 27 years ago,” says Kayapanda Shashi Somaiah, a resident of Madikeri.
As Kodava families started to move to cities from their native villages, the culture of the community was at stake. To prevent this, the keri concept was introduced in towns of Kodagu, including Madikeri, Virajpet and Ponnampet. “There are a total of 12 keris in Madikeri town. Cauvery Keri was among the first to be established in Madikeri. ‘Dechur Keri’ was established in 1998 and is one of the largest compared to other keris,” explains Madeyanda Ravi Kunjiappa, president of Dechur Keri.
He adds that this keri has over 300 members and an annual meeting is held after Puthari festival, which sees the coming together of all members. Talking about the purpose of a keri, Shashi Somaiah explains, “For instance, if a death takes place in a Kodava family, members may not be acquainted with the rituals that need to be followed. That is when the keri becomes a second family of sorts.
Before relatives arrive from far off places, keri members who stay in the same area come together to help with the rituals.” Keris have a president and directors who are elected by the members once in three years. Emergency funds too are collected. Shashi says, “Death funds are handed over by the keri trust to family members.” The community also bonds over other matters during keri meetings.
“When people from the same community gather under one roof, talks pertaining to marriage also take place. There are instances where two people have been matched during keri functions,” says Ravi Kunjiappa.
Ravi adds, “During annual meetings, children who have achieved in academics or sports are recognised and felicitated. Similarly, elders who have achieved in government services or youngsters who have excelled in various fields will be felicitated and encouraged. Communities get to share their triumphs and trials.” Apart from being a support system, these keris also help in preserving Kodava culture. “The annual meeting becomes a platform for various cultural activities. Youngsters and children are required to take part in this cultural extravaganza. Children get trained by elders in ‘kolata’, ‘umathat’ and various other cultural activities,” says Ravi.
These skills are then put to test in the form of inter-keri competitions organised in each township once in three years. While inter-keri events have been organised in Madikeri six times, Virajpet town saw its first event this year. “Each keri takes turns to organise this function, which aims to unite Kodava families from different keris. The aim is to promote Kodava culture among the younger generation. This is the best way to teach our children about our traditions,” says Madanda Latha Somaiah, a member of Dechur keri.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Karnataka / by Prajna G R , Express News Service / March 15th, 2020
The organisers selected talented athletes from the Indian and Omani community who are contributing to the uplift of the society. – Supplied photo
Muscat:
To mark the 71st Republic Day of India, a hockey match was organised under the patronage of Munu Mahawar, the Ambassador Of India at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex on February 28.
Top sports and business personalities were also present on the occasion. It was a glittering hockey festival for the 14th year in a row under the patronage of Embassy of India in coordination with Oman Hockey Association. The event was organised by Team Coorg Muscat and Friends of Naqvi Group.
The chief patron Munu Mahawar presided over the function and distributed prizes along with B S Mehta, the Managing Director of Muscat Pharmacy and the Guest of Honour Captain Talib Al Wahaibi, Chairman of OHA, and Kishore Bhai Mehta was a special guest.
Team Coorg Muscat and Friends of Naqvi Group acknowledged excellent support given by the government through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs for the past 14 years by providing Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex for organising Indian national events.
The organisers selected talented athletes from the Indian and Omani community who are contributing to the uplift of the society.
In the pulsating final, the two teams were locked in a 3-3 draw. Subsequently, penalty strokes were taken to decide the winner. Team Coorg emerged the winner with a 5-3 margin and lifted the glittering Republic Day of India Hockey Trophy 2020.
The Indian ambassador presented the winner trophy while the runners-up trophy was presented by Captain Talib Al Wahaibi, OHA Chairman. The Best Player Award went to Ghassan Garib Al Hassani, Team Coorg Goalkeeper.
Munu Mahawar was presented a memento by veteran Olympian S AS Naqvi. B.S. Mehta, Captain Talib Khamis Al Wahaibi,
Kishore Mehta, Managing Director of Al Intisar Corporation, Kannan Nair, Second Secretary Embassy of India, Tarun Kumar, Second Secretary (Administration), Rakesh Adlakha, Deputy head of the mission and Aziz Hasan were honoured for their support. The organizers selected Indian School Muscat team for winning 4×100 Relay Race In India. The team is captained by Antonio Thomas Biju along with Naman Rao, Steve Lobo, Rishikesh Menon.
Munu Mahwar presented SAS Naqvi with two honours.
The 71st Republic Day Of India Hockey Festival had two senior teams participating in the Republic Day of India Hockey Trophy. The teams were Oman Veterans XI and Team Coorg Muscat.
The Ambassador Cup 2020 For Boys
The match was played between three teams, Indian School Al Seeb, Indian School Mabella and Indian School Wadi Kabir.
The final match was played between Indian School Seeb and Mabella, and Indian School Seeb won the Boys Republic Day Of India Hockey Trophy 2020 by a solitary goal 1-0.
The Ambassador Cup 2020 For Girls.
It was a great tussle between Indian School Mabella and Indian School Seeb. The Indian School Mabella won the Girls Republic Day of India Hockey Trophy 2020. The main highlight of the event was the participation of a marching band consisting of 80 members from Indian School Wadi Kabir.
source: http://www.timesofoman.com / Times of Oman / Home> Sports> Hockey / by Times News Service / March 09th, 2020
In a tea-loving nation, Abhinav Mathur of Kaapi Machines is bringing coffee to the homes of regular households, and to workplaces of the tech-savvy Gen Z.
In an interview, he shared his insights into the world of coffee.
Did you know that espresso has just one-third of the caffeine content of a cup of regular coffee? Or that the density of a filter paper can bring about a vast difference in the taste and flavour of your coffee? And that 40 percent of the world’s coffee is produced by Columbia and Brazil?
Abhinav Mathur, CEO, Kaapi Machines has over 15 years of work experience, working with organisations which include Stovekraft, Indulge Beverages, Stanley Black & Decker, and Philips Consumer Lifestyle. As the CEO of Kaapi Machines, Abhinav has been instrumental in bringing in several new-age coffee equipment into India, including the Ripple Maker, PuqPress, and Nitron, and his objective has been to equip consumers with technology that will help them raise the quality of coffee in India.
In an exclusive chat with YS Weekender, Abhinav says, “Coffee is the new romance story that Indians are indulging in, and it is definitely here to stay.”
L- R: Julia, Modbar; Mike Khan, La Marzocco; Abhinav Mathur, Ceo, Kaapi Machines
Edited excerpts from the interview
YSWeekender: What do you think has changed for coffee over the years in India?
Abhinav Mathur: India is among the top 10 coffee-exporting countries in the world. As a nation that enjoys coffee, we have come a long way from exporting coffee outside India, to now having a modern generation of growers and roasters, creating artisanal speciality coffee for the local market.
Currently, we are in the third wave of coffee, where the quality of coffee is traced from the end beverage in the cup back to the actual coffee bean. Today, it has moved on from being merely filter kaapi or phenti hui coffee – to a scenario where consumers like to indulge in cold brews, nitro brews, and coffee cocktails.
With the increasing presence of local growers and passionate home-brewers taking interest in their morning cuppa, coffee has come a long way from simply being just another drink in a tea-loving nation. Further, the growing trend in consumption is a positive indicator of how India might become one of the largest coffee-producing countries in the world.
An espresso machine by La Marzocco which has partnered with Kaapi Machines.
YSW: How have the coffee flavours evolved in India?
AM: Coffee in India is no longer just a southern phenomenon or a market that is satisfied with instant coffee. With the advent of café-chains, an interesting new set of consumers emerged who were interested in tasting freshly brewed coffee and learning more about it. The new breed of coffee-entrepreneurs is bringing the joy of relishing coffee to the market. This coffee goes through different stages of roasting and grinding, where different flavours have been experimented with.
Coffee flavours can be distinguished, based on aroma and taste, besides acidity, bitterness, sweetness, and body. Many flavours are dependent on where the coffee is grown, how it is processed, and how it is roasted.
Roasters in India are trying to create interesting taste profiles to offer variety and raise the quality of coffee in India.
Currently, coffee flavours come in brilliant notes that showcase the conscientious zeal of the growers behind it. With coffee production not being restricted only to production, passionate artisanal coffee lovers are making it their playground to infuse innumerable flavours in the coffees.
This spectrum is huge – one can sip on flavours that boast of nutty-cherry flavour, notes of berries, or those with a sweet acidic taste and fruity notes. At Kaapi, we try and educate coffee-lovers and customers, not only on the basics of coffee tasting through our cupping sessions, but also helping them understand the entire coffee flavour wheel.
La Marzocco’s artisanal espresso machine on display, which has tied-up with Kaapi Machines.
YSW: What is your opinion on the niche micro-breweries? How are they faring?
AM: Micro-roasteries in India offers consumers a chance to see the entire coffee processing in one place. This was made famous internationally by Starbucks through its “Reserve Stores”, but now you can find roasteries in all major Indian cities, including smaller cities like Jaipur and Nagpur.
These roasteries are driving the consumption, awareness, and elevating the quality of coffee in India. They are also making coffee a preferred drink and not just a cool drink. While it’s early to comment on their commercial success, they are the torchbearers of quality coffee in the country.
Additionally, these places serve as vanguards of new experiments. They are pushing the café culture’s existence from a simple cappuccino to savouring black coffee.
Kaapi Machines has set up a number of such roasteries and our product range starts from coffee roasters and moves to coffee grinders, brewing equipment, and accessories.
We also engage with such roasteries for our coffee meet-ups to encourage the coming together of the coffee community.
Kaapi Machines’ represents brands like Rancilio which provide equipment for coffee-making.
YSW: What is your opinion on artisanal coffee?
AM: At present, artisanal coffee is a celebration and rediscovery of regional flavours that are essentially Indian – from sourcing to packaging, or as often described as “from bean to the cup”.
The detailed attention on the right harvesting techniques or how the beans should finally be sourced – these have contributed to elevated coffee experiences.
Today, new-age artisanal brands like Blue Tokai, Third Wave Coffee Roasters, and Dope Coffee are making waves in this space in India, and we provide equipment to all of them
YSW: India is better known for its tea. Why do you think people have shifted to coffee?
AM: Coffee is not just a drink, but a ritual for many.
Undeniably, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu have been the key coffee production estates, but with the growing interest in coffee, many other regions in the country are producing coffee. The market is filled with appliances that homeowners can experiment with to enjoy their favourite cuppa in the morning.
One key reason for the growth of coffee is because of the inherent complexity of the beverage, as well as the varied methods for brewing.
YSW: A lot of health experts are divided on the health benefits of coffee. What is your opinion?
AM: There are mixed reviews on health and coffee, but we can only say good coffee should be enjoyed without milk and sugar, as this is definitely low on calories. I would say – have coffee, not because of health reasons, but because you enjoy it.
YSW: What are some of the varieties of coffees found in India and abroad?
AM: In India, mainly two types of coffees are found – Arabica and Robusta. The weather conditions are more apt for Robusta. However, we grow Arabica as well. India has three well-known specialty coffees – Kaapi Royal, Monsoon Malabar, and Mysore Nuggets.
Not a lot of international coffee makes its way to India due to high duties, and bigger markets like Europe, the US, and Australia which have a high consumption rate. However, several African, Asian, and South American countries are coffee growers.
YSW: Several Indian brands are offering speciality coffee which is priced very high. Are they really special and worth buying?
AM: Yes, we have several speciality coffee brands now in India. India’s tryst with speciality coffee began a few decades ago but has gained momentum only recently. Speciality coffee is distinguished based on its origin, cultivation, processing, handling, branding, and the final appearance.
Speciality coffee is not an easy feat for growers, roasters, and baristas, as all of them must follow standards defined by the Speciality Coffee Association (SCA) to maintain consistency and quality. The best of cherries to the best of beans are roasted and made by SCA certified roasters and baristas, so that the consumer can savour the best flavour profiles.
Most of the cafés serving specialty coffee prefer to procure and roast specialty coffee to maintain consistency and quality. Local coffee shops or the ones backed by artisanal coffee efforts are slowly introducing pour-over brewing devices and offering coffee as an experience and not merely another beverage.
The thirst for a great coffee or the inclination to try speciality coffee could be attributed to the thirst of the well-travelled consumer who is looking for local options across India.
Kaapi Machine employees and baristas posing with La Marzocco’s espresso machine.
YSW: What kind of equipment does Kaapi Machines have in its store?
AM: Kaapi Machines product portfolio offers options for roasters, automatic coffee machines, semi-automatic coffee machines, ice blenders, grinders, as well as new-age equipment for cold brew, nitro, and more.
YSW: How did you come up with the idea of Kaapi Machines?
AM: We decided to launch Kaapi Machines in 2005 when we realised that while the café segment was starting to grow, there was no competence in training, machines, and after-sales service to help coffee entrepreneurs launch coffee brands and cafes in India.
We brought together market-leading companies from Germany, Italy, and the US to form this organisation, under the guidance of coffee experts from India and abroad.
As the speciality coffee culture continues to grow, the need for trained baristas, roaster, and producers has never been so important. Understanding this need-gap, we have been closely working on training programmes for new café owners, café staff, coffee aficionados, baristas, and anyone who wants to learn what it takes to make a good cup of coffee.
Team Kaapi Machines
YSW: What are your future plans?
AM: Today, the market gaps mainly include scattered coffee experience, multiple channels of information with no integrated credible expert voice. We want to create one destination for coffee and community, from training, events, machines, beans, and roasting, as well as access to industry coffee experts which the consumer can find under one umbrella.
We believe there is a lot of work to be done until each Indian consumer can truly experience a great cup of specialty coffee.
(Edited by Asha Chowdary)
source: http://www.youstory.com / YourStory.com / Home> YourWeekender> Food & Beverages / by Suman Singh / March 07th, 2020
MLA K G Bopaiah inaugurated the new building of Government Higher Primary School in Jodupala in Madikeri taluk on Saturday.(Below) Students take partin the programme. DH Photos
The new building of Government Higher Primary School was inaugurated by MLA K G Bopaiah at Jodupala in Madikeri taluk on Saturday.
Jodupala was badly affected by the previous floods. The old school building was damaged in the natural calamity. The new building, comprising three classrooms, was constructed at a cost of Rs 24 lakh.
Inaugurating the programme, Bopaiah said that the teachers should pay special attention to rebuild the future of the students, who lost their houses during the floods.
The students too, should put special efforts and dedication to acquire education and make their teachers and parents proud, he added.
“Parents should pay special attention to the education of girls, especially in rural areas. Girls should be encouraged to acquire higher education by utilising government schemes. It is important to provide moral education to all students,’’ he said.
The MLA said that he would make sincere efforts to open a high school in the government primary school in Jodupala.
Bopaiah added that additional grants would be sought from the government to repair all government schools that were damaged in the floods.
Zilla Panchayat member Yaladalu Padmavathi, Taluk Panchayt President Tekkade Shobha Mohan, Vice President Kodapalu Gappu Ganapathy, School Development and Monitoring Committee President Madhava and school Headteacher Damayanti were present.
source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> State> Mangaluru / by DHNS, Madikeri / March 07th, 2020
Villagers have been demanding a bridge at Donikadu in Padiyani across River Cauvery.
The long-pending demand for a bridge at Donikadu to provide connectivity between Ballamavati Gram Panchayat and Bengooru Gram Panchayat has not been realised so far.
Without the bridge, the villagers have to use boats to cross the River Cauvery. After the water level recedes, vehicles pass through the river to reach Bengooru village from Padiyani. Crossing the river in this way helps to save time in reaching the other villages, the villagers said.
If a bridge is built, then Madikeri can be reached from Ballamavati to Cherambane in a shorter distance.
Napoklu Kodava Samaja president Appachettolanda Manu Muthappa said that a bridge near the house of Ajjimutta Baleyada family on Napoklu-Karugunda Road at Chowtukodu will benefit the residents.
Without the bridge, the residents of Chowtukodu have to travel a long distance to reach Napoklu. If the bridge is constructed, then the distance for those who travel to Cherambane, Bhagamandala, Talacauvery, Karike from Napoklu will be reduced by 10 Km.
source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> State> Mangaluru / by DHNS, Madikeri / March 07th, 2020
The Karnataka High Court has directed the Archaeology Department (Archaeological Survey of India) to complete Madikeri Fort Palace renovation works by April 18. A two-judge bench comprising Chief Justice Abhay Shreeniwas Oka and Justice Ashok passed the order while hearing a PIL filed by J.S. Virupakshaiah, a retired IAS officer from Kodagu.
Archaeology Department officer Shivakant Vajpayee had submitted an affidavit saying that the tender for renovation works of Madikeri Fort Palace has been invited and roof-tile laying and other works will be taken up at a cost of Rs. 53 lakh. However, N. Ravindranath Kamath, the Advocate representing Virupakshaiah took objection saying that though the High Court had directed the Government and the Department to take up renovation works in August last year, the Department has ignored the order.
Arguing that the building is on the verge of collapse, Kamath prayed the Court for issuing directions to start works at the earliest. Following arguments and counter-arguments, the High Court Bench directed the Archaeology Department to complete renovation works by April 18 and submit an affidavit to this effect on April 20.
Fund release
It may be recalled here that the State Government has given administrative approval to repair the historic Madikeri Fort at a cost of Rs. 8.20 crore. Kodagu Deputy Commissioner Annies Kanmani Joy submitted a proposal to the Government to restore the landmark structure at an estimated cost of Rs. 8,20,45,674.
All these years, several Government offices functioned from the Fort premises and despite this, no official took interest in repairing the structure which is in a dilapidated state. Finally, following strictures from the Karnataka High Court, the District Administration acted and has even taken steps to shift the Government offices to other buildings to help the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) carry out restoration works.
The ASI is in-charge of the Fort. Retired IAS Officer J.S. Virupakshaiah filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) contending that the Fort and Palace premises are heritage sites, dating back to more than three centuries. They are neglected and the exterior walls of the Palace are infected with mold (fungus).
The history of the Old Fort dates back to the 17th century AD. It was built by King Mudduraja of Haleri dynasty. Tipu Sultan rebuilt the Fort with stone. The Palace was built by Lingaraja Wadiyar II in 1812. The Fort was acquired by Dodda Veera Rajendra in 1790 and later came under the rule of British in 1834.
Kodagu DC Annies Kanmani Joy inspecting the Fort renovation works.
DC inspects Fort
Meanwhile, last week, Kodagu DC Annies Kanmani Joy visited the Fort and inspected the renovation work of the Fort and its ceiling being undertaken by the Archaeology Department. She directed the authorities to complete the renovation works in two months.
Speaking to reporters, the DC said that as the first instalment, the Government has released Rs. 40 lakh of the Rs. 54 lakh. The Revenue Department has sanctioned Rs. 8 crore for the renovation project and a request will be sent to the Government to release an additional Rs. 2 crore, she added.
Paltry sum
But in the High Court, Advocate Ravindranath Kamath contended that Rs. 8,20,45,674 was too little an amount to restore the Fort. “Most Government offices in Madikeri functioned from the Fort premises since 1920. As such, the Government has saved more than Rs. 300 crore as rent. The official machinery did not realise this and continued to neglect the Fort without realising the value of the historical structure,” he argued.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / March 09th, 2020
Sad saga of forsaken tombs of British Officers, Soldiers in Madikeri
Madikeri:
Centuries ago, the battlefields of Coorg (Kodagu) thundered with their war cry as they took on marauding armies of the invaders. The British had their own army in Kodagu with thousands of soldiers and officers assisting the Empire to rule the tiny district and also safeguard its borders from marauders.
But the days of the dynasty and the royals are long gone but their remnants — in the form of tombs — are still found in many parts of the district. And unfortunately, these tombs are neglected with no maintenance and weed growth around them.
At Mahadevpet in Madikeri town there is a Gaddige — royal graveyard — built in the Indo-Saracenic style. On the rectangular base, there is a large dome and four turrets. Two Kings of Kodagu (Doddaveera Rajendra and Lingarajendra) and their queens have been buried in the two larger identical structures. The third smaller one has the remains of the Chief Preceptor (Rudrappa) of the Kings.
Beside these three tombs, at a little distance away but within the same enclosure are the tombs of father and son Biddanda Bopanna and Biddanda Somayya. They had served Kodagu and its Kings as Army Generals. While these structures have been maintained (though not very well) by the Kodagu District Archaeology Department, a couple of tombs of British Officers are lying in a pathetic state behind Industrial Training Institute near Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa College.
White marble stone tombs
While some of the tombs are made out of white marble stones that were shining years ago with inscriptions and names on them, other tombs are made in the shape of stone pyramids. Some of the tombs have been dug up by treasure-hunters who were hoping to unearth gold or other valuables buried deep under. Also, some of the tombstones have gone under earth with only a small portion showing up.
Unfortunately, some of the white marble slabs of the tombs have been taken away by people and have been used as steps outside their houses after putting cement on the inscriptions and retaining only the outer white marble frame after polishing them.
Years of neglect
Most of the tombstones have been aesthetically carved and many warriors and their Commanders are buried inside. Some of the names inscribed on top of the tombstones have been covered by hardened fungus due to years of neglect and vagaries of weather. The inscriptions include the name of the deceased officer and the person who built the tomb.
Among the tombs, one tomb belongs to a son of a Lieutenant General who died when he was just 18 years old. Another tomb has the names of four members of one family. However, the cause of death is not known — if they died separately or together. But the name of the person who built the tomb has been carved and it says he is from Bengaluru. This shows that special interest was taken to build this tomb and a person was specially summoned from Bengaluru for the purpose.
Cause of death lost forever
These tombs were carved after 1805 AD and sport different years on them. Except names, there are no other details available on the tombs and as such, the reasons behind their deaths have been lost forever.
Records say that these tombs were earlier located at the place where the present Raja’s Seat stands. These tombs were discovered in the pre-independence era and at that time, Raja’s Seat was on the outskirts of Madikeri town and this may be the reason for the tombs to be built in the vicinity of Raja’s Seat.
Originally near Raja’s Seat
After independence when plans were chalked out for Madikeri’s development including the beautification of Raja’s Seat which was at an elevated place, the tombs were shifted behind Industrial Training Institute. Then, Raja’s Seat came within the jurisdiction of Madikeri town and it was developed into a tourist place.
After the tombs were shifted behind Industrial Training Institute, a protective compound wall was built around them. Over the year, the wall has collapsed and treasure seekers have dug up many graves. Wild weeds and green growth have covered the area and they have grown up to almost 20 feet.
There are no records whatsoever regarding the dead officers. Whether they died naturally or whether they were killed by local kings and chieftains is not known and this may be a good subject of research.
If at all the officers were killed during the freedom struggle, a new chapter on Kodagu’s freedom struggle is set to be written in history books.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / by Prasad Sampigekatte / March 10th, 2020
Coffee growers are happy as the market rate of Arabica parchment has reached a record rate of Rs 10,000 for a bag of 50kg. The rate has been the highest in the last eight years.
As on Wednesday, a 50kg bag of Arabica Parchment coffee was sold between Rs 10,400 to Rs 10,500, which according to the vendors, is the highest rate for Arabica parchment.
The cost of Robusta Parchment has increased to Rs 7,000 per bag. The last time when Arabica coffee reached the highest rate was in 2014. It was Rs 9,600 to Rs 9,800 per bag then. Later, the price moved downward and had touched Rs 6,000.
Arabica cherry costs Rs 4,000 per bag while the rate of Robusta cherry is Rs 3,200 to Rs 3,400 per bag.
Growers in Kodagu, Chikkamagaluru and Hassan have expressed their happiness on the improved market rate of coffee, despite problems of shortage of labourers and feasibility issue in the maintenance of the plantation.
The vendors said that the rates of Arabica parchment might increase further. Expecting the same, the growers who have stored coffee in ABC and other curing centres have decided to sell coffee after it hits an all-time high.
The increase in the rate of coffee was due to a significant decrease in production in Brazil and Columbia. There was a plunge in the production of coffee in Chikkamagaluru, Kodagu and Hassan districts as well, owing to floods. This has created an increase in demand.
Even though the market rates have increased, the quantity of coffee production is significantly less compared to previous years. The growers who grew 50 bags of coffee in the past have ended up producing only 10 bags of coffee.
“The coffee plants have been damaged due to the water-logging of the plantation. It might take another four years to restore the coffee plantations to its original condition,” said coffee grower Nanaiah.
Coffee vendor Abdul said that around 60% of coffee growers have sold their coffee. Those who had stored coffee have reaped benefits.
source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> States> Mangaluru / by Adithya K A / Madikeri – March 04th, 2020
Former MLA M.K. Somashekar, yesterday, performed guddali puja to lay the foundation stone for the Home for the Aged (Old age home) being constructed by Sri Cauvery Kodagu Mahila Sangha at Srirampura as Sri Cauvery Kodagu Mahila Sangha Founder-President and Building Committee Member Parvathi Cariappa, former President D. Sarasu Nanaiah, Jt. Secretary K. Bollamma Kuttappa, P. Vimala Poonacha, Organising Secretaries K. Bhavani Belliappa and T. Veena Devaiah, Roopesh, IT Cell City President Neeral and others look on.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Photo News / March 02nd, 2020
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