Skewed sex ratio: Of 78 elephants in 8 camps, 64 are males, 9 are females, 5 are female calves
Mysore/Mysuru:
Elephant camps in Kodagu and Chamarajanagar districts that supply elephants for the Mysuru Dasara festival are facing a noticeable shortage of female elephants.
According to data available with the Forest Department, of the 78 elephants housed across eight camps, 64 are males. There are only nine females, pointing to a significant gender imbalance. There are five female calves in two elephant camps.
Data with Star of Mysore shows that several camps have very few or no female elephants, raising concerns about breeding and the long-term sustainability of the captive herd.
At the Dubare Elephant Camp in Kodagu, the largest camp in the region, 30 elephants are housed, 25 males, two females and three calves, reflecting one of the sharpest imbalances. Similarly, the Harangi Elephant Camp near Kushalnagar has six elephants, all of them males, with no females or calves. At the Mathigodu Elephant Camp on the Mysuru-Kodagu border, there are 16 elephants, including 12 males, two females and two calves.
At the Bheemanakatte Elephant Camp near Periyapatna, both the elephants housed there are males. In the Nagarahole region, the Doddaharave Elephant Camp has one female elephant, while the Balle Elephant Camp has two elephants, one male and one female.
The Ramapura Elephant Camp, also known as Ainooru Maarigudi Camp near Bandipur Tiger Reserve, houses 20 elephants, including 17 males and three females. At the K. Gudi Elephant Camp near Biligiri Ranganatha Tiger Reserve, there is only one elephant and it is a male.
Skewed ratio, musth condition
With only nine female elephants across all camps, the male-female ratio is heavily skewed. The problem becomes more serious when male elephants enter musth.
Currently, four of the six elephants at Harangi Elephant Camp are in musth. At Dubare, three elephants are in musth, while one tusker at Bheemanakatte is also undergoing the phase.
Elephants in musth experience a surge in testosterone, leading to heightened aggression and a strong urge to mate. The shortage of female elephants during this period can lead to conflicts between bulls for dominance and cause them to behave unpredictably.
Mahouts say controlling elephants in musth is extremely challenging. During this phase, the animals often injure themselves by rubbing against large tree trunks or driving their tusks into them. To prevent accidents, elephants in musth are usually chained and kept isolated. Even other elephants instinctively avoid them. “No one dares to go near a musth elephant. They also refuse to eat and lose weight rapidly,” said J.K. Dhobi, an experienced caretaker who has worked with elephants for more than 50 years.
Calming effect
“Female elephants act as a calming influence on males and are not meant only for mating. That is why the Dasara Howdah elephant is always accompanied by two female elephants on either side during the Vijayadashami procession so that it remains calm. Earlier, the ratio between male and female elephants would be equal at all elephant camps. Now that is not the case,” Dhobi explained.
Wildlife activist Joseph Hoover said that the 64:9 male-to-female ratio is worrying. “Tourists should not be allowed inside elephant camps when male elephants become unpredictable due to the absence of females. The Forest Department must take steps to address the issue,” he said.
Two females to be shifted: DCF
Deputy Conservator of Forests (DCF), Madikeri Division, Abhishek said, steps are being taken to manage the situation.
“We release elephants in musth into the forest in a controlled and monitored manner so that they can mate with wild females. A proposal to shift two female elephants from Ramapura Elephant Camp has been approved. One female will be immediately moved to Harangi Elephant Camp, while the other will be shifted either to Dubare or Mathigodu,” he said.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / March 15th, 2026
The Minister said the mandate for production, development, research and domestic marketing of spices other than cardamom is vested with Ministry of Agriculture & Farmer’s Welfare.
Union Minister for Commerce and Industry Jitin Prasada / Credit: X/@JitinPrasada
New Delhi:
Union Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Jitin Prasada on Tuesday said that black pepper production in Kodagu may increase by about 16 per cent in 2025-26 compared to 2024-25.
Replying Yaduveer Wadiyar question, the Minister said the mandate for production, development, research and domestic marketing of spices other than cardamom is vested with Ministry of Agriculture & Farmer’s Welfare. The Ministry informed that it has conducted a quick pre-harvest survey in Kodagu district which indicates that black pepper production in Kodagu may increase by about 16 per cent in 2025-26 compared to 2024-25, he said.
Spices Board under the “Sustainability in Spice Sector through Progressive, Innovative and Collaborative Interventions for Export Development (SPICED)” scheme provides assistance to the growers of spices, including pepper growers of Kodagu district for post-harvest improvement by providing pepper thresher, graders /cleaners etc, conducting capacity building programmes and undertaking market linkage initiatives organizes buyer seller meets, he said.
He further said at present the import policy for pepper is ‘Prohibited, with a provision permitting import only if the Cost Insurance & Freight (CIF) value is Rs. 500. per kg or above. The said MIP of Rs. 500/kg continues to remain in force and is not applicable to imports under Advance Authorization Scheme for export production, imports by 100% Export Oriented Units (EOU) and units in Special Economic Zones (SEZ) and imports for extraction of oleoresin for re-export by manufacturer-exporters, subject to applicable policy conditions, he said.
source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> India> Karnataka / by Ajith Athrady / March 11th, 2026
From studying hornbills to restoring degraded rainforests, tropical ecologist Dr. Divya Muddappa has dedicated nearly three decades to conservation in the Western Ghats…
Dr. Divya Muddappa, Senior Scientist at the Nature Conservation Foundation, Mysuru, has spent nearly three decades studying and protecting the rainforests of the Western Ghats. Her work in tropical ecology spans areas such as restoration ecology, conservation biology and plant-animal interactions, including seed dispersal and frugivory.
She began her research journey with the Malabar Grey Hornbill during her Master’s at the Salim Ali School of Ecology, Pondicherry University and later spent years studying hornbills across the Western Ghats, tracking their nesting patterns, distribution and the effects of rainforest fragmentation.
In a conversation with Star of Mysore, she says while her work in the forests has been deeply rewarding, the real challenge lies in convincing society, from the general public to policymakers, about urgency of conservation, especially when it comes into conflict with development and infrastructure projects. —Ed
SOM: What first sparked your interest in tropical ecology? Was there a moment when you knew forests would become your life’s work?
Dr. Divya Muddappa: That’s an interesting question because we rarely look back and think about where it all began. For me, the turning point was a visit to Topslip in the Anaimalai Tiger Reserve, where one of my seniors was working. She took me on a walk into the forest.
It was my first time in a dense evergreen rainforest. Hearing the sounds of animals, seeing so many birds, especially hornbills, and standing among those towering trees was simply fascinating. It captured my imagination.
At the time, I was doing my Master’s and trying to decide on a topic for my dissertation. That visit eventually led me to begin my work on hornbills. Looking back, that was the moment my interest in rainforests truly began.
SOM: Can you describe your current field of work?
Dr. Divya: My work focuses on protecting and restoring tropical forests, particularly in the Western Ghats. A large part of it involves studying carbon sequestration and biodiversity conservation in landscapes already shaped by human activity.
I’m also involved in conserving globally threatened tree species through ecological restoration, especially in fragmented plantation landscapes. Another important aspect of our work is restoring degraded rainforests and abandoned plantations and monitoring how these ecosystems recover over time.
SOM: What was your specialisation in your dissertation?
Dr. Divya: I did my Master’s in Ecology and Environmental Science at Pondicherry University. For my dissertation, I studied the Malabar Grey Hornbill, a species endemic to the Western Ghats.
However, my work is not limited to hornbills. My broader area of interest is tropical forest ecology, particularly plant-animal interactions such as seed dispersal and frugivory. Hornbills, for instance, are important frugivores that play a key role in dispersing seeds across forests.
I later went on to study the brown palm civet, another endemic species of the Western Ghats, which is also largely frugivorous. My research looks at how different species interact with forests and contribute to ecosystem processes.
Currently, my partner, our team and I are working on restoring rainforests in fragmented landscapes in the Anaimalai region of the Western Ghats.
SOM: You’ve spent years working in remote rainforests. Looking back, what have been some of the toughest challenges you’ve faced in the field?
Dr. Divya: Personally, working in the rainforests of the Western Ghats has never felt like a challenge. I come from Coorg, so being in forests and observing plants and animals is something I deeply enjoy. The bigger challenge lies in conservation itself. One of the hardest tasks is convincing people that protecting nature is just as important as protecting our own future.
There are also larger pressures such as rapid development, habitat loss and the climate crisis. These make conservation far more complex. Ultimately, the challenge is helping people rethink their relationship with nature. Not seeing it merely as something to exploit, but as something we must learn to live alongside and care for.
SOM: Field research can be physically and emotionally demanding and unpredictable. Are institutions in India doing enough to make field science safer and more supportive for women?
Dr. Divya: Field research can certainly be demanding, perhaps more emotionally than physically, especially when you are young and starting out. But passion and the desire to conserve these ecosystems keep you going.
When I began working in this field, society was already quite gender-biased. But we were so driven by our interests that we rarely stopped to think about whether formal support systems existed. We simply carried on with our work. I’m happy to say that things have improved in recent years. Thanks to greater awareness and better policies, many institutions now have systems that offer support and protection. In many cases, these are gender-neutral policies that safeguard everyone.
That said, we still have a long way to go. Many challenges women face come not from institutions but from broader social attitudes. Addressing those requires bigger behavioural and cultural change.
SOM: From when you began your career to where you are today, how do you see the journey of women in Indian wildlife science?
Dr. Divya: The journey has been encouraging. Compared to many other scientific fields, wildlife science has generally been more welcoming to women. Even when I started, women were working in the field, perhaps not many, but certainly some.
We were also fortunate to have strong role models. Some of my professors were women who influenced my work greatly and there were inspiring women scientists globally as well.
Today, it is also encouraging to see more women officers in the Forest Department, something that was far less common earlier. The bigger challenge is often whether women are able to continue their careers over the long term.
SOM: Wildlife biology requires patience and long-term commitment. Do women bring a different perspective to conservation work?
Dr. Divya: We are definitely seeing more young women entering the field today. In many academic programmes, the numbers are almost evenly split between women and men. I do think women bring a different perspective to conservation work. It is not necessarily better or worse. Just different, and that diversity is valuable. People observe and interpret nature in different ways.
Some studies suggest that women tend to make very detailed behavioural observations, particularly when studying social animals such as primates or elephants. Qualities like sensitivity, empathy and openness can shape how we observe and understand wildlife. In my experience, women may also be less driven by competition in a negative sense and more inclined towards collaboration, which is very important in conservation work.
SOM: What do you tell young women who are passionate about ecology but unsure about taking it up as a career?
Dr. Divya: Ecology and wildlife conservation are fields where the line between a hobby and a career can sometimes be very thin. For many people, it begins as a hobby and gradually becomes a profession.
But I often say that you don’t necessarily have to make it your career to contribute to conservation. You could be a lawyer, doctor or engineer and still make a meaningful difference through the choices you make and the way you live.
What matters most is having a genuine connection with nature. That connection can exist whether you are a professional in the field or simply someone who loves and respects the natural world.
SOM: On International Women’s Day, how do you define leadership in science and conservation, especially in the Indian context, where some fields are still viewed through a gender lens?
Dr. Divya: Leadership, in my view, is not about gender. It is about the qualities a person brings to the field. Traits such as empathy, sensitivity, determination, patience and the ability to collaborate with the team or group are essential for good leadership.
These qualities are not limited to any one gender. Rather than asking whether men or women make better leaders, the real question is whether a person possesses the qualities needed to lead effectively.
Ultimately, I hope more people recognise the importance of protecting nature and maintaining a clean and healthy environment. Because our own survival depends on it. I also hope more people come together to protect the natural ecosystems we still have left.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Feature Articles> Top Stories / by B C Thimmaiah / March 12th, 2026
Demonstrators blocked the highway after expressing anger over the delay in the arrival of Chief Conservator of Forests, Sonal Virshni, whom they had demanded to meet.
BJP workers lay siege to the forest department office in Madikeri. Photo | Special Arrangement
Madikeri :
Kodagu district BJP workers on Friday laid siege to the forest department’s Aranya Bhavan office and blocked the Kushalnagar–Madikeri National Highway over the rising incidents of human–wildlife conflict.
The protest turned tense as party workers attempted to enter the forest department office, accusing officials and the state government of failing to address the increasing wildlife attacks in the district. Police personnel deployed at the site stopped the protesters from entering the premises and later warned of legal action when demonstrators blocked the highway.
The protest began around 11 am and continued until about 2 pm. Demonstrators blocked the highway after expressing anger over the delay in the arrival of Chief Conservator of Forests, Sonal Virshni, whom they had demanded to meet.
Police used barricades to prevent protesters from entering the office building, leading to heated exchanges between demonstrators and the police. After repeated warnings through loudspeaker announcements, protesters allowed vehicles to pass and continued their demonstration by the roadside.
Virshni later arrived at the spot around noon under police security as protesters tried to block her vehicle. Once she entered the office, the protesters submitted a petition listing several demands to the forest department and the state government.
The demands included Rs one crore compensation for families of victims who died in wild elephant attacks, implementation of scientific measures to prevent wildlife from entering villages, filing of FIRs against the forest department in cases of deaths caused by wildlife, and withdrawal of orders related to the takeover of C and D category land.
Several BJP leaders, including former MLAs Appachu Ranjan and K. G. Bopaiah, and MLC Suja Kushalappa, participated in the protest. They questioned the forest department about the utilisation of funds sanctioned to address wildlife conflict in the district.
The leaders also criticised the ruling Indian National Congress government in the state and warned that a district-wide bandh would be called if the issues related to wildlife conflict are not addressed.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Karnataka / by Marchn 13th, 2026
A teacher and a student of Coorg Public School, Kodagu, won individual medals in recently held Karnataka State Police Run-2026 organised by Kodagu District Police in Madikeri recently.
While teacher C.B. Susheel won the first place in the Open Women’s 5K category, student Nivaan Nanaiah secured third position in the U17 5K category.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Sports / March 12th, 2026
The Karnataka government has sanctioned Rs 25 crore to expand the ambitious ‘Akka Cafe’ initiative, a women-led coffee entrepreneurship programme operated through Self-Help Groups (SHGs), launched in 2025. The project was announced by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah while presenting the 16th State Budget.
Inaugurating the India International Coffee Festival in Bengaluru on Thursday, Feb.12, Karnataka’s Industries Minister MB Patil made the announcement. He also highlighted the government’s plan to strengthen the coffee value chain while creating employment opportunities for women.
What Is ‘Akka Cafe’?
The Akka Cafe programme is a State-supported livelihood and entrepreneurship scheme under the National Livelihood Mission (NLM), implemented through the Department of Skill Development, Entrepreneurship and Livelihoods.
The initiative aims to create a network of women-run coffee kiosks and cafes across Karnataka, enabling SHG women to become micro-entrepreneurs rather than remaining limited to microfinance-based activities. The Rs 25 crore allocation reportedly will cover kiosk infrastructure, training and enterprise development.
The government under the plan aims to set-up 2,500 ‘Akka Cafe’ coffee kiosks run exclusively by SHG women. According to The Hindu, a tender has already been floated for fabrication, supply, erection and commissioning of kiosks across the State.
The project will be implemented in phases. In the first phase 50 modern cafes will be set-up in both rural and urban areas. Eligible women can receive grants upto Rs 15 lakhs for infrastructure and setup.
Want To Visit? Here’s How To Find One
Five Akka Cafes are already operating in the state, Two in Bengaluru, Two in Bidar and one in Karwar. Two are going to come to Mysuru.
In Bengaluru the cafes are operational in Gandhinagar and another in Devanahalli. Both were started on a pilot basis.
What’s In The Menu?
While you will be served coffee, the cafes will also feature regional cuisine specific to different parts of the state.~CHECK~ They also offer breakfast items such as idli, vada, upma, pulav and tea, along with cheap lunch options.~CHECK~
Training One Lakh Women
The Coffee Board of India, in collaboration with the National Rural Livelihood Mission, Karnataka, has signed an Memorandum of Understanding to train one lakh SHG women in, authentic filter coffee brewing, Cafe and kiosk management and entrepreneurship and micro-enterprise development.
Initially, around 400 women will be trained as master trainers at the Coffee Board head office in Bengaluru.
These trainers will then provide hands-on training at the taluk and village levels. Training and implementation will be supported by the Coffee Board’s Atal incubation and entrepreneurship development centre.
Strengthening Karnataka’s Coffee Economy
This initiative is also part of a strategy to strengthen Karnataka’s coffee value chain.
The State cultivates the largest amount of coffee and contributes nearly 75% of India’s total production. Minister MB Patil during the inauguration also stated that this women empowerment though the cafe network will result in expansion of domestic coffee consumption and market access.
In the early days, says Muddaya, several dignitaries visited Cauvery Handicrafts Emporium and were hosted by Chimy—from Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru to Sri Lankan premier Sirimavo Bandaranaike, and even a young Queen Elizabeth.
Chimy Nanjappa’s passion for Karnataka’s textiles and crafts lives on at the Vimor Museum of Living Textiles in Bengaluru.
When one speaks of textiles and fine crafts in Karnataka, the Cauvery Handicrafts Emporium on MG Road in Bengaluru is one of the first places that comes to mind. The shelves of the state-owned emporium are packed with a vast array of the traditional crafts of Karnataka—from intricate silver-based Bidriware items to charming Channapatna toys. However, this wasn’t always so. And one of the people who painstakingly worked to transform the emporium into a showcase of the state’s finest creations was the late Chimy Nanjappa.
Chimy was selected to head the emporium in the late 1950s—then known as Mysore Arts and Crafts Emporium—by its governing board, which included many women, including Sudha Reddy, a proponent of Indian handicrafts.
“It was not a cakewalk for her. In those days, women did not work and close up a place as huge as Cauvery and then walk home at 8 pm,” Chimy’s daughter, Pavithra Muddaya, recalls.
Born in 1928 in Madikeri, Chimy did not have an easy childhood as she lost both parents by the age of nine. She went on to pursue higher education in Chennai, securing a BCom degree, and later settled in Bengaluru after marrying advocate A C Nanjappa. With the family facing financial difficulties in the early days, she began working as an assistant manager at Cauvery Handicrafts Emporium, before being promoted to manager.
“She had nothing by way of a background in the field and had previously done accounts work…but life forces you to take up opportunities,” says Muddaya, adding that her mother always said that women need to work and be financially independent. She also credits her father’s role in encouraging and supporting Chimy, recalling him as a person who held views that would be considered progressive even today.
In the early days, says Muddaya, several dignitaries visited Cauvery Handicrafts Emporium and were hosted by Chimy—from Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru to Sri Lankan premier Sirimavo Bandaranaike, and even a young Queen Elizabeth.
In 1963, cultural activist and author Pupul Jayakar, a major mover in the revival of traditional crafts and culture, recruited Chimy to represent Indian textiles at the New York World Fair the next year. It turned out to be a success, says Muddaya, recounting what an IAS officer familiar with the event told her. “Good lord, nobody could go past her without buying something!”
Later, Chimy was offered an opportunity to head an outlet anywhere in the world under the Handicrafts and Handlooms Export Corporation, but declined, refusing to be a “second-class citizen” in a foreign country.
After A C Nanjappa passed away in 1974, Chimy went on to start the Vimor Handlooms, a home store specialising in handloom sarees and textiles. Muddaya remembers, “No one who came to her for help was sent away…she would give weavers’ addresses to people. Freedom fighter and social reformer Kamala Devi Chattopadhyay would say that anyone coming to the Regional Design Centre (on Church Street) without a recommendation could ask my mother for one.” Vimor would go on to revive many traditional sari styles, such as one dubbed the ‘Cubbonpete’ sari.
Those interested in Chimy Nanjappa’s legacy in textiles may visit Vimor Museum of Living Textiles after making an appointment. The exhibits on display include saris up to a century old, in styles that are not often seen today.
source: http://www.indianexpress.com / The Indian Express / Home> News> Cities> Bangalore / by Express News Service / March 13th, 2026
In this photo essay, we showcase more exhibitors at IICF 2026, along with expert insights.
Bengaluru recently hosted the 2026 edition of the India International Coffee Festival (IICF) at Chamara Vajra, Jayamahal Road. See our earlier coverage of the World Coffee Conference in 2023 here.
“We estimate that 20,000 visitors attended the three-day IICF event. The energy on the floor was indicative of strong commercial engagement,” Hamsini Appadurai, President of the Specialty Coffee Association of India (SCAI), tells YourStory.
The festival featured India’s geo-tagged coffee varieties such as Coorg Arabica Coffee, Wayanad Robusta Coffee, Chikmagalur Arabica Coffee, Araku Valley Arabica Coffee, and Bababudangiris Arabica Coffee. There were also international brands such as MilkLab (Australia), Astoria Coffee Machines (Italy), and Probat Coffee Roasters (Germany).
IICF had parallel workshops on Farm to Cup: Post-Harvest Processing 101; Robusta Tasting: Processing Methods; Roasting Fundamentals: Profile Building & Tasting; Coffee Species Showcase & Guided Tasting; Manual Brewing and Espresso Brewing; and Marketing Specialty Coffee: Storytelling & Tasting;
There were panel discussions on a range of provocative topics: Why Biodiversity Is the Foundation of Coffee’s Future; and The New Coffee Farmer: Balancing Yield, Quality, and Profit in a Changing Market.
Many visitors said they appreciated the opportunity to learn about coffee trends and network with coffee lovers and industry professionals. “Exhibitors were pleased with the promotion of the shared vision and passion of the industry,” Appadurai adds.
She explains that the Australia delegation places IICF right up there along with other global events such as World of Coffee Dubai, World of Coffee Indonesia, World of Coffee Bangkok, FHA Singapore, and Melbourne International Coffee Expo.
“The festival was a rich source of inspiration and strategic thinking. One initiative already taking shape for the next edition is a dedicated micro-lot auction for roasters, an exciting development that we believe will add significant value to the specialty coffee ecosystem,” Appadurai says.
Last year, Nestlé India strengthened its premium at-home offering by bringing Nespresso to the country. “With this, we cater to consumers seeking super premium coffee experiences at home,” says Sunayan Mitra, Director – Coffee and Beverages, Nestlé India.
It has expanded its NESCAFÉ Ready-to-Drink cold coffee portfolio, and developed NESCAFÉ Ice Roast. At IIFC, it showcased Duo Gusto, a pioneering solution that dispenses both hot and cold beverages from a single machine. “Innovation in cold beverages is equally central to Nestlé’s out-of-home strategy,” he adds.
Next year’s IICF will have more stalls. “We would like to secure a larger venue, and significantly increase our international visitor footprint. The vision is to position IICF as a truly world-class destination event for the global specialty coffee industry,” Appadurai describes.
“Coffee is an experience, not merely a beverage We are witnessing a meaningful shift from coffee as a functional caffeine fix to coffee as a lifestyle and cultural statement,” observes Komal Sable, Co-Founder, South India Coffee Company.
Gen Z is driving experimentation and discovery. “Younger consumers are far more open to exploring new formats and alternative milk pairings,” she adds.
Sustainability and ethical sourcing are now baseline expectations. “But they must coexist with convenience. Today’s consumer demands transparency and responsibility, delivered in formats that fit seamlessly into a fast-paced lifestyle,” Sable explains.
Coffee makers are responding to these trends and shifts. “They need to be agile, transparent, and have stronger storytelling. Responsibility must begin at the origin,” she affirms.
Producers also bear a responsibility to better educate roasters, buyers and end consumers about the expertise, risk and dedication involved in cultivating quality coffee. “When that story travels clearly through the value chain, it builds a deeper, more authentic respect for origin,” Sable suggests.
Coffee thus lends itself well to purpose-led enterprise. “It brings together agriculture, branding, community, and commerce in a deeply meaningful way. The growth of specialty coffee and direct-to-consumer models has also lowered the barriers to entry,” she says.
More women are stepping into roles that were historically male-dominated. “These include estate leadership, green buying, roasting, and supply chain management,” she observes, citing diverse examples from Kaveri Coffee, Coromandel Coast, Sangameshwar Coffee, and Coffee Mechanics.
“Creating intentional platforms that spotlight women in coffee is essential not only for representation but also for building lasting confidence, access and opportunity within the ecosystem,” Sable emphasises.
Coffee today is not simply about selling a beverage. “It is about shaping culture. And women are trailblazing that shift in remarkable ways across every level of the industry,” she says with pride.
However, the coffee industry is facing challenges like unpredictable rainfall, rising temperatures, and shifting crop cycles that directly affect quality, yields and costs at origin. “Supporting producers and investing in long-term ecosystem partnerships is not a choice — it is essential to the future of coffee,” she cautions.
SCAI and the Coffee Board of India are committed to driving knowledge transfer within the industry. “We will have expanded workshops, masterclasses and curated learning experiences. The best is very much yet to come,” Appadurai signs off.
Now what have you done today to pause in your busy schedule and harness your creative side for a better world?
(All photographs taken by Madanmohan Rao on location at IICF 2026.)
source: http://www.yourstory.com / Your Story / Home> Food & Beverages / by Madanmohan Rao / March 08th, 2026
The trend began when a local farmer earned substantial profits from chia, while others suffered losses due to wildlife conflict and adverse weather.
Chia has a short growing cycle of 100 to 120 days, requires minimal maintenance, and is relatively pest- and disease-resistant.Photo | Express
Madikeri :
Abandoned farmlands along forest fringes are a common sight in South Kodagu, as farmers often struggle with crop loss due to raids by wild elephants and boars. But farmers in the Kushalnagar belt have found a promising solution, growing chia seeds.
A low-maintenance, high-value crop, chia is now being successfully harvested by farmers across Maruru, Chinnehalli and 6th Hoskote in Kushalnagar taluk, offering significant returns. The trend began when a local farmer earned substantial profits from chia, while others suffered losses due to wildlife conflict and adverse weather.
“Mahesh, a farmer from Maruru, started cultivating chia about eight years ago. Once others realised that this crop is largely safe from wildlife raids, many farmers adopted it,” said KS Murthy, a farmer from Kudige. Local farmers learned the cultivation process from Mahesh and others, sparking wider adoption in the region.
Chia is untouched by wildlife: farmer
Chia has a short growing cycle of 100 to 120 days, requires minimal maintenance, and is relatively pest- and disease-resistant. “It costs around Rs 25,000 to cultivate one acre, which can yield up to six quintals of seeds. This year, a quintal sold for Rs 16,000,” explained Mahesh, highlighting the crop’s profitability and farmer-friendly nature.
Another farmer, Mahadev, shared his relief, “Earlier, wild animals often destroyed my paddy crops, making it hard to repay loans. Chia is untouched by wildlife and truly a blessing for those living near forests.”
Farmers sell dried chia seeds, which has emerged as a dependable source of income, at the HD Kote market.
Over 30 farmers in the Kushalnagar belt are now cultivating chia, though it is not yet a notified crop under the District Horticulture Department. “Farmers can still receive guidance and support at the Raitha Samparka Kendra in Kushalnagar,” said Shashidhar,Deputy Director of the Horticulture Department.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Karnataka / by Prajna GR / March 05th, 2026
Mysuru MP Yaduveer Wadiyar met Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in New Delhi on Thursday and submitted a request seeking a waiver of interest payable by the Kodagu Coffee Growers’ Cooperative Society Ltd. to the Coffee Board of India.
During the meeting, Wadiyar highlighted the financial strain on the cooperative society and urged the minister to intervene in the interest of protecting small coffee growers.
He requested that the Centre consider waiving the interest dues in line with an assurance reportedly given in 2015. According to the MP, such a move would help safeguard the livelihoods of thousands of coffee growers and workers in Kodagu while sustaining a cooperative institution that has served the region for nearly seven decades.
Wadiyar also raised concerns regarding taxation issues affecting tobacco growers and other stakeholders.
He emphasized the need for a balanced policy approach that protects the interests and livelihoods of farmers dependent on the tobacco sector while ensuring regulatory compliance.
source: http://www.indiancooperative.com / Indian Cooperative / Home> Coop News Snippets / by Amit Amana / March 06th, 2026
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