Deputy Commissioner Venkat Raja during his visit to an exhibition organised as part of an awareness programme on the PMFME scheme in Madikeri on Thursday. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

Kodagu Deputy Commissioner Venkat Raja has urged the people to make use of the support being extended by the Central and State governments for establishing small-scale food processing industries, after inaugurating an awareness programme on the Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) scheme in Madikeri on Thursday.

Elaborating on the opportunities available under the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan, the Deputy Commissioner said that a 50% subsidy would help individuals start ventures even at their homes, and stressed the importance of branding and market linkages to ensure a wider reach for food products. Special emphasis was laid on encouraging women entrepreneurs, which he said, would boost the district’s economic growth and generate employment opportunities.

The Deputy Commissioner appreciated the exhibition of food-processing products like bakery items, coffee, mushrooms, spices, millet-based products, and chapatis at the event.

Shivaprakash, Managing Director of the Karnataka State Agricultural Produce Processing and Export Corporation (KAPPEC), said Kodagu district has immense potential in food processing industries such as coffee, pepper, cardamom, cocoa, arecanut, honey, and paddy.

Mr. Shivaprakash urged entrepreneurs to file more applications under the scheme, pointing out that the district could even secure GI tags for its unique products. Up to ₹15 lakh subsidy (50% of the project cost) is available for setting up new units or expanding existing ones, he said, adding that flour mills, oil mills, bakeries, banana-based products, turmeric and coconut processing, snacks, pickles, chapati making, coffee powder, masalas, chocolates, honey, fruits, and vegetable processing are among the units that can be established.

B.S. Chandrashekar, Joint Director of Agriculture, said that 160 applications had been filed from the district, of which only seven were rejected. Loans worth ₹15.2 crore have been sanctioned against a target of ₹18.13 crore, benefitting 89 entrepreneurs since the launch of the scheme in 2020-21.

In the 2025-26 State budget, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced the establishment of 5,000 small food processing units with an allocation of ₹206 crore. Kodagu has been given a target of 75 units.

Lead Bank manager Gangadhara Nayak, CFTRI Senior Technical Officer Raghavendra, NABARD representatives, and other resource persons spoke on the opportunities in value addition and market expansion at the event. On the occasion, the PM-FME scheme brochure was released by the Deputy Commissioner, and cheques were handed over to beneficiaries.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India> Karnataka / by The Hindu Bureau / April 22nd, 2025

The society is currently under severe financial stress.

MP for Mysuru Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar has taken the initiative to address the financial crisis faced by the Kodagu Coffee Growers’ Cooperative Society, which has been functioning for decades.

The society is currently under severe financial stress, and Mr. Yaduveer has therefore urged the Union Ministry of Commerce and the Ministry of Finance to intervene and provide relief.

During his visit to New Delhi, Mr. Yaduveer met Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal and submitted a memorandum seeking his support.

Founded in 1956, the society has supported over 10,000 to 12,000 small and medium coffee growers across Kodagu, Mysuru, and surrounding regions. It has been a backbone for nearly 40,000 families and has provided employment to thousands of estate workers. However, due to market fluctuations and lack of capital, the society incurred a loss of ₹6.85 crore during 1995–96, he said in a press release here.

As per the Coffee Board’s order dated September 12, 2011, the society was directed to pay ₹1,55,28,034 as interest. Later, on September 20, 2015, the board issued a letter stating that if the principal was cleared, the interest would be waived. Accordingly, on December 22, 2015, the society paid ₹1,55,28,090. But in 2017, the board imposed an additional ₹5,83,85,155 as interest and other charges, Mr. Yaduveer said.

The society has incurred a loss of ₹13.13 crore, and is in deep financial crisis. At present, it is unable to pay the heavy interest burden. If forced to pay, the society will go bankrupt, impacting nearly one lakh people who depend on it, he said.

He urged that the Union Commerce Minister to intervene to rescue the society from the crisis and also appealed to the Finance Ministry to coordinate and extend appropriate relief and assistance.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India> Karnataka / by The Hindu Bureau / August 19th, 2025

Mysore/Mysuru:

Karnataka High Court Justice J.M. Khazi observed that social service, in the true sense, is an extension of justice.

She was speaking after inaugurating ‘Sarathya,’ the Third District Cabinet Presentation-2025 of Lions International District 317G at KSOU Convocation Hall on Hunsur Road here yesterday.

Noting that if we take a look at the world around us, the entire world seems to be full of Science and Technological advancements, Justice Khazi said that, however, one should also take note of the natural disasters, calamities, pandemics, poverty, starvation and the like, which have become a routine these days.

Pointing out that we should note that it is not the responsibility of the administration alone to handle such crises, she said that the entire society should play a key role in such situations for alleviating the problems of mankind. It is laudable that the Lions Club is working in this direction, she said.

“There are many instances where Lions Clubs volunteers  have reached areas even before Government bodies and agencies arrived, which is really laudable. The Lions Clubs are known to provide service in rural areas and in times of natural disasters and calamities. The Lions Clubs are moving forward by following the famed Greek Philosopher Aristotle’s principle that serving mankind and doing good for the society is the essence of life,” Justice Khazi said.

Mysuru Kodava Samaja President Ponjanda A. Ganapathy and Mysuru Kodava Samaja Chief Advisor Ln. Kuttimada D. Kariappa, along with the Kodava Samaja Mysuru cultural team which participated in the Lions International ‘Sarathya’ programme held at KSOU Convocation Hall on Hunsur Road on Sunday.

Stating that her father was a Public Prosecutor, Justice Khazi recalled that she had most part of her early education in Kannada as her father used to serve at Taluk-level, where there were no English medium schools then and she thinks that it was a good opportunity for her to learn Kannada. “Most of my ancestors studied in Kannada medium and as such Kannada is a second mother-tongue for our entire family,” she said adding that she had given her rulings  in Kannada in the HC in the dedicated year, for which she was honoured by the State Government. But now, all orders and rulings in the High Court  should be written in English, Justice Khazi added.

Lions District Governor (2025-26) Ln. K.L. Rajashekara, in his address, said that Lions International District 317G incorporates Mysuru, Mandya and Chamarajanagar Districts.

Ln. Pankaj Mehta, who is the International Director, First Lady of the District Ln. Dr. M.N. Geetha, Past International Directors Ln. V.V. Krishna Reddy and Ln. Vamsidhar Babu, Multiple Council Chairman Ln. N. Mohan Kumar, District Cabinet Advisor Ln. K. Devegowda, District Cabinet Secretary Ln. M. Siddegowda, District Ambassador Ln. T.H. Venkatesh, Host Committee Chairman Ln.  S.P. Adarsha, Secretary Ln.  M.V. Nandish, Additional District Cabinet Secretary Ln. Naveen Subramanyam and others were present at the ‘Sarathya’ event.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / August 18th, 2025

The reservoir level at the KRS was 124.46 ft against the maximum level of 124.80 ft at 8 a.m. on August 17, according to Karnataka State Natural Disaster Monitoring Centre.

A file photo of KRS reservoir used for representational purpose only. | Photo Credit: The Hindu

After a prolonged break, monsoon is active in parts of south interior Karnataka since the last few days and the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an Orange Alert for Kodagu valid till Monday (August 18, 2025).

Meanwhile, in view of heavy rains in the catchment areas of the Cauvery and its tributaries, the Cauvery Neeravari Nigam Limited (CNNL) has issued a flood warning for people living on the downstream of the Krishnaraja Sagar (KRS) reservoir as the outflow from the dam will be increased to nearly 50,000 cusecs.

This is due to increase in the rate of inflow to the reservoir, according to CNNL which said that people living on both banks of the river and the low-lying area of river Cauvery should move to safer places and take precautionary measures for safety and security of their lives and property.

The reservoir level at the KRS was 124.46 ft against the maximum level of 124.80 ft at 8 a.m. on Sunday (August 17, 2025), according to Karnataka State Natural Disaster Monitoring Centre (KSNDMC). The gross storage capacity of the reservoir is 49.452 tmc ft against which the present storage is 48.977 tmc ft.

During the 24 hour period ending 8.30 a.m. on August 7, parts of Kodagu received heavy to very heavy rains and Birunani in Virajpet taluk recorded 148 mm of rainfall. Other places which recorded significantly high rainfall included Srimangala (83 mm), Kudlipet (82.6), Madde (77.5 mm) Sampaje (77) Shanivarsanthe (76), Shanthalli (75), Kutta (60.5) Kadanuru (51), Kakatuparambu (50) and Hudikeri and Bhagamandala recorded 41.2 mm each.

The locations with highest rainfall in the region during the last 24 hours included Begar gram panchayat in Chikkamagaluru district which received 204.5 mm of rains followed by Shanuvalli GP with 185 mm. Hodgadahalla GP in Hassan district recorded 171 mm of rainfall while Kyamanahalli, also in Hassan district, registered 160.5 mm of rainfall. Niluvagilu GP in Chikkamagalur received 150.5 mm of rains during the same period, according to KSNDMC.

While the rains have gained fresh traction in the last few days, the period August 1 to 16 was on the deficit side. Kodagu has received 194 mm of rainfall (August 1 to 16) which is 45% below normal. Chikkamagalur which is another major catchment for the tributaries of Cauvery, also recorded below normal rains between August 1 and 16. According to KSDNCM, Chikkamagalur received 125 mm of rains during the period which is 52% below normal.

However, the cumulative rainfall from June 1 to August 16 is under normal category and while Kodagu has received 1624 mm of rains, it is below normal for Chikkamagalur which has received 897 mm of rainfall and it is 21% below normal. Other districts in the region including Hassan, Mysuru, Chamarajanagar fall under normal category while Mandya district has received 204 mm and is under excess category.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India> Karnataka / by The Hindu Bureau / August 17th, 2025

Minister in charge of Kodagu district N.S. Boseraju unveiling the foundation stone for the second phase works for construction of the 450-bed teaching hospital at Kodagu Institute of Medical Sciences in Madikeri on Friday. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

The foundation stone for the remaining and additional works (second phase) for the construction of the 450-bed teaching hospital of Kodagu Institute of Medical Sciences (KoIMS) was laid in Madikeri on Friday.

Minister in charge of Kodagu district N.S. Boseraju laid the foundation stone on the KoIMS premises in the presence of MLAs Mantar Gowda and A S Ponnanna.

Speaking on the occasion, the Minister told the doctors to provide quality healthcare services to poor patients. “When quality healthcare reaches the people timely, it brings a good name to the government. Therefore, doctors must ensure quality healthcare services,” Mr. Boseraju said.

The Medical Education Minister and the district’s MLAs have worked hard for upgrading the infrastructure of the institute, he added.

Mr. Ponnanna said healthcare services should reach everyone as all necessary development works were being carried out, while Mr. Gowda said it is the duty of doctors to provide quality healthcare to poor patients.

Steps have been taken to provide basic facilities to various departments of the institute, including the MRI scanning unit, Mr. Gowda said, adding that the cardiology department will also be upgraded soon.

Further, Mr. Gowda said that the hospital needs permanent doctors, and urged the Minister to take steps in this regard.

The upgradation works will be completed within a span of 18 months, and an additional ₹20 crore will be sought for the development of the Kodagu Institute of Medical Sciences, he added.

Steps will also be taken to start a Critical Care Centre, Mr. Gowda informed.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India> Karnataka / by The Hindu Bureau / August 15th, 2025

Chamarajanagar reported 134 deaths, Kodagu 126 deaths, Mysuru records 51

Mysuru:

Today, Aug. 12, World Elephant Day, throws a harsh light on the growing crisis facing Asian elephants.

In Karnataka — home to the largest elephant population in India — over 380 jumbos have died in the past five years, with more than 64 deaths attributed to unnatural causes. Disturbingly, electrocution alone has claimed 50 of these lives.

Forest Department data from 2021 to 2025 shows that the State’s prime elephant belt — Kodagu, Chamarajanagar, and Mysuru — has lost 311 elephants. Chamarajanagar recorded the highest toll at 134, followed by Kodagu with 126 and Mysuru with 51.

While most deaths were due to natural causes, nearly one in eight elephants fell victim to man-made hazards. In Kodagu, electrocution emerged as the single biggest killer, with 30 deaths caused by low-hanging power lines, fallen cables and uninsulated electric fences.

Other unnatural deaths included five from gunshot wounds, two in road accidents and five from other causes.

Of the 380 elephants lost Statewide, 204 were adults (over 15 years), 77 sub-adults (5–15 years), 23 juveniles (1–5 years), 49 calves (under one year) and 23 newborns. Four deaths could not be age-classified as the carcasses were too decomposed.

In Kodagu, 103 elephants died of natural causes and 23 due to unnatural causes, 18 of which were electrocutions. In Chamarajanagar, 130 died naturally and four died unnaturally. Mysuru reported 41 natural deaths and 10 unnatural ones.

Undermining reproductive potential

Experts warn that the loss of 281 adults and sub-adults severely undermines the reproductive potential of herds. “Elephants in Karnataka are dying at an alarming rate of 8–10 percent annually,” said Surendra Varma of the Asian Elephant Research and Conservation Centre, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru.

“With Karnataka’s elephant population, a 2 percent five-year mortality is normal. But when it rises to 8–10 percent, it’s a crisis. No concrete measures are being taken and in the long run, this will be disastrous for the State, which is a haven for these pachyderms,” he warned.

The gender ratio further deepens the crisis — there is only one male for every three females and the ‘musth’ mating period lasts just about 20 days to two months a year on average.

Males are fit to mate between the ages of 15 and 40, meaning the death of so many adults and sub-adults will directly hit the birth rate.

“Sadly, we seem to remember elephants only during Dasara. Their silent deaths in the forests go unnoticed and even the Forest Department has failed to take adequate precautions to prevent these tragedies,” Varma added.

A 2015 High Court order had directed Chamundeshwari Electricity Supply Corporation (CESC) and other power supply companies to raise the height of electric poles to 11 metres and insulate all electricity wires to prevent dangerous exposure. However, the corporations have been installing poles only up to a height of 7 metres. The Court also directed them to insulate the wires to reduce risks. Despite repeated written communications from the Forest Department urging compliance, the safety measures remain unimplemented.

— Murthy, former Chief Conservator of Forests, Kodagu Circle

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / August 12th, 2025