Image: India’s High Commissioner to Australia, Nagesh Singh addressing the Commonwealth Club of Australia’s Capital Lecture Series Dinner in Canberra (Source: X)
India’s High Commissioner to Australia, Nagesh Singh, has highlighted the deepening India–Australia relationship and its historic foundations while addressing the Commonwealth Club of Australia’s Capital Lecture Series Dinner in Canberra.
Singh was the distinguished guest speaker at the event, where he reflected on the longstanding connections between the two countries, their shared Indo-Pacific outlook and the growing breadth of the bilateral partnership.
He also highlighted the enduring legacy of Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa, who served as India’s High Commissioner to Australia and played a pivotal role in establishing the Commonwealth Club in Canberra in 1954.
High Commissioner of India @nageshsinghIFS addressed the Commonwealth Club of Australia’s Capital Lecture Series Dinner as the distinguished guest speaker. Reflected on the historic connection between India and Australia, deepening partnership, shared Indo-Pacific outlook and the… pic.twitter.com/QshgwLstYp
Cariappa arrived in Australia in 1953 and envisioned a neutral and welcoming space where diplomats and members of the local community could meet and interact as equals.
In January 1954, he presented the idea to then Australian Prime Minister Sir Robert Menzies, who encouraged the initiative. Cariappa subsequently brought together community members to establish what became the Commonwealth Club.
The club went on to attract 116 foundation members and welcomed women as members from its beginning. Its first premises were at historic Old Canberra House before it moved to its present Yarralumla location in 1965.
Today, the Commonwealth Club describes itself as a longstanding meeting place for Canberra’s diplomatic, political and community circles, continuing the tradition of connection established by its founders.
Cariappa’s contribution came during an important period in India–Australia relations.
Well-known Australian historian Prof. David Walker has observced that India was among the most persistent international critics of Australia’s White Australia policy during the 1950s, with India’s concerns contributing to wider debate within Australia.
Despite the difficult political environment of the era, Cariappa developed strong personal connections in Canberra and became a well-known figure in Australian social and diplomatic circles.
Cariappa, a distinguished military officer and later India’s first Field Marshal, was also known for his interest in Indian philosophical traditions, including the Upanishads and the Bhagavad Gita.
He arrived in Australia in September 1953 accompanied by his 12-year-old daughter, Nalini, and his niece Sagari Chengappa, who assisted him as hostess at official functions.
The Commonwealth Club’s history reflects Canberra’s evolution from a small early settlement into Australia’s national capital and the development of its diplomatic and community networks.
More than seven decades after its establishment, the club continues to promote the values of connection, diplomacy and community that shaped its foundation.
Singh’s address brought that history into the context of contemporary India–Australia relations, as the two countries continue to expand cooperation across trade, education, defence, technology, critical minerals and the broader Indo-Pacific.
source: http://www.theaustraliatoday.com / The Australia Today / Home> News / by Amit Sarwal / September 26th, 2026
Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot administered the oath of office to Usharani, KS Bharath Kumar and NV Bhavani as Additional Judges of the High Court of Karnataka, at a ceremony held at the glass house of Lok Bhavan on Friday.
The trio was elevated from the district judiciary as additional judges of the High Court.
Justice Usharani, from Dakshina Kannada district, completed her BA (Law) and LLB from Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara College in Mangaluru, began judicial service as a Munsiff in 1998.
Justice Bharath Kumar from Virajpet graduated from National Law School of India University, Bengaluru. He was appointed as a district judge in 2015.
Justice Bhavani from Mysuru is the daughter of former judge of the High Court, late NS Veerabhadraiah. She graduated from NLSIU and practised in Bengaluru. She entered the district judiciary in 2015 and served in Mangaluru, Ballari, Chikkaballapura and Bengaluru.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Karnataka / by Express News Service / September 27th, 2026
The Indian duo won a bronze medal in the squash mixed doubles at the ongoing Asian Games 2026 in Aichi-Nagoya.
Joshna Chinappa and Velavan Senthilkumar secured a bronze medal in the squash mixed doubles event at the Asian Games. | Photo Credit: RV MOORTHY
Indian squash mixed doubles players Joshna Chinappaand Velavan Senthilkumarsecured a bronze medal at the ongoing Asian Games2026 at Aichi-Nagoya on Saturday.
The duo lost went down to Hong Kong China’s Lee Ka Yi and Tang Ming Hong 1-2 (10-11, 11-2, 10-11) in the semifinals.
Tamil Nadu chief minister C. Joseph Vijay announced a cash prize of INR 30 lakh for the two athletes.
“My heartfelt congratulations and appreciation to squash players Joshna Chinnappa and Velavan Senthilkumar, who have brought pride to India and Tamil Nadu by winning the bronze medal in the Mixed Doubles category of Squash at the ongoing Asian Games in Japan,” he said via a statement on X.
“In appreciation of the great achievement of these heroes, the Tamil Nadu Government will provide a high incentive of Rs. 30 lakhs each. Their victory will give new inspiration and hope to the young generation of athletes of Tamil Nadu,” he added.
Vijay had earlier announced cash rewards for athlete Baranica Elangovan, badminton player A. Hariharan, cricketer G. Kamalini, and relay runners Vishal T.K. and Vithya Ramraj.
source: http://www.sportstar.thehindu.com / Sportstar / Home> Asian Games 2026 / by Sportstar News Desk / September 26th, 2026
Sustainability standards on the anvil | Photo Credit: Getty Images/iStockphoto
The Coffee Board has developed sustainability standards and is in the process of implementing the certification process, said Kurma Rao, its Chief Executive Officer and Secretary.
India, the world’s seventh-largest coffee producer and fifth-largest exporter, exported coffee worth more than $2 billion in 2025-26, with nearly 39% comprising value-added products., he said.
Indian coffee’s distinctive advantage lies in its traditional shade-grown cultivation, which the Board aims to leverage through the new sustainability standards.
“We have published the standards. We are in the process of implementing the certification and a steering committee has been formed for it,” he told The Hindu.
The certification will be done at three levels – first will be done by the Board based on self certification by the growers. The second level will involve independent third-party verification, while the third level will benchmark Indian standards against internationally recognised sustainability frameworks.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Business / by M Soundariya Preetha / September 25th, 2026
Sprawling villas, Ayurvedic wellness and warm service define nature-led retreat in Karnataka’s Western Ghats.
The cool, coffee-covered hills of Coorg have long been a favourite escape from Bengaluru, the southern Indian tech hub formerly known as Bangalore. About five hours away by road, the region in Karnataka is known for its lush forests, vast plantations and slower pace of life.
The Leela Coorg Forest Sanctuary sits comfortably within this landscape, and the first thing you notice on arrival is just how much space there is. While most luxury resorts squeeze villas, restaurants and swimming pools into a few carefully landscaped acres, The Leela sprawls across an entire hillside, making you feel less like you have checked into a hotel and more like you have temporarily acquired a small plantation in Coorg – which, come to think of it, is something of an Indian dream.
Spread across 30 hectares, the property began life as a coffee plantation and has wisely resisted the temptation to manicure away its origins. Robusta and Arabica coffee plants, pepper vines, fruiting fig trees and towering silver oaks still punctuate the landscape. Malabar parakeets and barbets flit through the trees, while the occasional Malabar giant flying squirrel makes a dramatic appearance overhead. It is easy to see why The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts calls its latest offering a “sanctuary”.
The opening comes as The Leela marks its 40th anniversary. A brand known for its polished resorts and palace hotels – and a favourite destination for the big fat Indian wedding – takes a somewhat different approach in Coorg, putting nature and wellness at the heart of the guest experience.
The welcome
The hotel sends a BMW 5 Series to collect me from Bengaluru, a pleasant bonus given the traffic on Indian roads. As we drive into Coorg, the road gradually ascends into the ancient Western Ghats. The air cools, the landscape grows lush and mist settles over the valleys. By the time I arrive, city life feels like a distant memory.
Indian hospitality rarely believes in understated arrivals, and The Leela follows the template. Five people appear to welcome me, all smiles and hovering care. A young woman in a sari sprinkles water from the sacred Kaveri river; another offers a garland made of coffee beans and cardamom pods. The soaring bamboo lobby reminds me of both a Zaha Hadid and Balinese design aesthetic.
In short order, I am assigned a butler, Manisha, a pleasant and brisk 26-year-old who takes care of my needs for the next three days.
An electric golf cart is the preferred mode of transportation, and I soon discover why. The property is large but its red-brick buildings are tucked into the landscape. The downside is the terrain. My villa is in the valley; the lobby is almost at the summit. Walking between the two could count as cardio, not that I ever choose this option.
The neighbourhood
The resort is near Madikeri in the heart of Coorg, or Kodagu as it is known locally. This is coffee country, with forested hills, waterfalls and a distinctive Kodava culture.
One morning, we drive for about 90 minutes to Talakaveri, regarded as the source of the Kaveri river. The road winds through misty hills to the river’s birthplace, a place of considerable beauty and religious significance. Standing there, I finally understand why nearly every girl I have met from Coorg is named Kaveri.
The room
The property is entirely villa-based, with sizes ranging from 80 square metres to 930 square metres for the presidential villa. I stay in the Forestlight Luxury Villa which, at 300 square metres, is larger than the Manhattan apartment I once owned.
I enter through a blue door into an open veranda and al fresco dining area, complete with a Gaggia coffee machine. Outside is a private infinity pool, heated pool and hot tub, along with two massage tables and a hammock.
Inside, a king-size bed opens on to the veranda. The generous bathroom has indoor and outdoor showers, his-and-her sinks and a separate dressing area with luggage storage and a safe.
The scene
Secluded resorts have one perennial problem: how to keep guests entertained without making them feel they are at summer camp. This Leela sanctuary has plenty of answers.
Guests can kayak on the lake, try catch-and-release fishing or visit the petting zone, where cows, goats, horses, rabbits, turkeys and, somewhat incongruously, emus share space. On rainy afternoons, a games area offers carrom, chess, table tennis, foosball, pool and a giant carrom board made with Pakistani marble.
As a birdwatcher, I also enjoy a morning walk with resident naturalist Emmanuel, who introduces me to some of the property’s blue birds, butterflies, trees, mushrooms and spices.
The service
Service is one of The Leela’s strengths. Staff seem encouraged to anticipate rather than merely respond. Manisha unpacks my bag, prepares a cheese platter, and ferries me around the property for spa and yoga appointments. Restaurant waitstaff remember my preferences, and offer choices and alternatives.
The naturalists are eager to share their love for the land and its non-human inhabitants. Even the staff who cart me around in the golf buggies are solicitous. The guest experience co-ordinator, Yashmita, puts together an itinerary that is both inclusive and flexible, important for a resort that emphasises relaxation.
The wellness
Aujasya by The Leela Spa occupies 2,500 square metres and combines Ayurveda with contemporary treatments, fitness facilities and relaxation areas.
On my first day, I try the Turkish hammam – this is the only resort in the region to have one – where two therapists massage, polish and exfoliate my skin as I lie on a heated marble table. I emerge feeling squeaky clean and, dare I say it, a few grams lighter.
The following day brings an Ayurvedic shirodhara by the serene Ruby. After an oil massage, warm oil is streamed over my forehead and head for about 20 minutes. It is blissfully relaxing, particularly for restless minds.
The food
Luma, the all-day dining restaurant, is spacious and serves excellent regional and international food, with live counters offering Japanese, Middle Eastern, Indian, European and pan-Asian dishes. Try the Coorg dishes for a taste of the region.
Zen serves beautifully plated pan-Asian food in a garden setting. The desserts with Japanese Nama chocolate are elegant. Here, too, the waitstaff point out ingredients and details in a way that elevates the experience.
The Cellar serves excellent mocktails using local herbs and spices.
At 92 Degrees, the property’s coffee lounge and library, guests can explore the bean-to-cup journey and learn more about Coorg’s coffee heritage, a great way to connect to the spirit of the place.
The verdict
The Leela Coorg Forest Sanctuary combines spacious villas with warm, attentive service and an extensive range of activities and wellness experiences. Its greatest luxury, however, is that it offers time and space for guests to disconnect from the city without compromising on comfort. For travellers seeking a nature-led luxury escape in South India, it makes a persuasive case.
The bottom line
Villa rates start from $580 per night, including 18 per cent tax. Check-in is from 2pm and check-out is at 11am.
This review was conducted at the invitation of the hotel and reflects hotel standards during this time. Services may change in the future.
source: http://www.thenationalnews.com / The National / Home> Lifestyle> Travel> Hotel / by Shoba Narayan / September 25th, 2026
Dr. Vani C Raghavendra (hailing from Chammanamada family in Kodagu and currently residing in Mysuru) has entered the Guinness World Records for her participation and contribution to the “Largest Reading and Listening Competition,” organised by Ebek Language Laboratories Pvt. Ltd., Chennai, India.
Dr. Vani achieved this milestone and received the official Guinness World Record certificate by actively completing all stages of the competition and accurately answering the quiz questions within the required time limits.
This achievement stands as a testament to her dedication, hard work and profound passion for education.
As an educator at Sadviveka School, Dr. Vani is committed to building self-confidence and essential life skills among her students.
Believing that education brings both knowledge and the power to transform lives, Dr. Vani shared that this record is a dream realised through the support of her mentors, family, friends, colleagues and students.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / September 24th, 2026
Diya Bheemaiah of Kodagu has been selected to represent India at the BWF World Junior Badminton Championships to be held in Cairo, Egypt, from Oct. 5 to 7.
In the selection trials conducted at the National Centre of Excellence (NCE) Badminton Academy from Sept. 18 to 21, Boppanda Diya Bheemaiah teamed up with Haryana’s Baruni Parshwal, putting on an exceptional performance to claim the available spot.
Having already represented the country in this year’s Asian Championships (Japan), the Dutch and German Junior Internationals, Diya will represent the country at the prestigious World Junior Badminton. She currently training at the Badminton Association of India’s National Centre for Excellence (NCE) in Guwahati, Assam.
Speaking to Star of Mysore, Diya Bheemaiah said, “I feel very happy to be selected for the Indian team. I am proud to have represented the country in three major tournaments including the German Open, Dutch Open, Asian Games this year and now at the BWF Junior World Championship.”
A resident of Rajarajeshwarinagar in Mysuru, Diya’s father, B.B. Bheemaiah, is a badminton coach while her mother, K.K. Kusuma (Kambiranda), a former international athlete, works as a fitness coach. Diya’s younger brother, B.B. Vishal Uthappa, is also a badminton player.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Sports / September 24th, 2026
‘Kodava Veera Janangada Antaratma Part-1’, written by Iythichanda Ramesh Uthappa, was released recently at the Kodava Samaja in Ponnampet. The event was organised by Jabbhoomi Charitable Trust.
Virajpet MLA and Chief Minister’s Legal Advisor Ajjikuttira S. Ponnanna released the book and stressed the need for Kodavas to preserve their inherited customs and values without being influenced by external forces.
The book focuses on the uniqueness and nuances of Kodava culture and seeks to highlight the importance of preserving traditional values.
It also attempts to challenge colonial historical narratives through researched accounts, references and documentation of Kodagu’s oral traditions.
The author examines the underlying meanings of various Kodava customs, heritage and regional practices, besides highlighting the spiritual and cultural ties the community has historically maintained with its ‘Guru Karonas’.
Speaking after releasing the book, Ponnanna said Kodavas should never forget their authentic traditions and practices. He appreciated the author’s efforts in preparing the comprehensive volume and said documentation was vital to the community’s ongoing demand for inclusion in the Scheduled Tribes list.
Jabbhoomi Trust’s Chottekmada Rajiv Bopaiah said the book was the outcome of more than two years of collecting records and historical material relating to Kodava attire, rituals and traditions.
“This is the first step in recording our culture in a way that allows us to proudly claim it as our own,” he said.
Author Ramesh Uthappa said the book was an effort to pass Kodava practices on to the next generation by documenting what he had learnt from elders. He said the work avoided distorted history and instead presented factual accounts of Kodava life. “Such works will play a crucial role in legally documenting Kodava rights and existence,” he said.
The author also interacted with the audience and explained various aspects of the book, citing examples of the uniqueness and nuances of Kodava culture.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Articles / September 24th, 2026
The forty-year-old is competing at the Asian Games for a remarkable seventh time; the veteran, still chasing gold, is keen to add to her tally of five medals at the quadrennial showpiece.
Joshna is still going strong. | Photo Credit: PTI
For nearly a quarter of a century, Joshna Chinappa has stood like a colossus on the squash court. At 40, Joshna doesn’t seem to have lost her fighting spirit and tenacity.
She knows she is ageing, has tweaked her training module accordingly and has remained one of the finest players in the country a good 24 years after she made her Asian Games debut in Busan in 2002.
Taking part only in the women’s team and mixed doubles (with Velavan Senthilkumar) events at the ongoing Aichi-Nagoya Games, the veteran from Chennai is more than eager to bag another medal.
Seeded third in mixed doubles, the Velavan-Joshna duo will take on the fellow Indian pair of Suraj Chand and Shameena Riaz in the round of 16 after having received a bye in the first. In the women’s team event (Anahat Singh, Tanvi Khanna and Shameena are her teammates), the No. 3-seeded India has been drawn in Pool C alongside Japan, China and Iran.
On the PSA World Tour, Joshna’s career has overlapped with three generations of elite squash players. Most of her contemporaries — Nicol David (43), Laura Massaro (42), Jenny Duncalf (43), Alison Waters (42) and Annie Au (37) — have long retired, underlining her remarkable longevity.
Placed 73rd in the chart, Joshna is India’s third-highest ranked woman behind the 18-year-old Anahat Singh (World No. 17) and Tanvi Khanna (World No. 71). A winner of 11 PSA titles, she continues to perform at a high level and is determined to make another significant contribution at the Asian Games. Everyone who has followed Joshna’s career knows how meticulous and disciplined she is in her preparation.
Saurav Ghosal, a former men’s top-10 player, perhaps perfectly summed up her longevity. “First and foremost, she really, really loves the game. She’s immensely talented, but she has also worked tirelessly on every aspect of her game to remain at the top for as long as she has. I hope that she comes back from the Asian Games with quite a few gold medals.”
In this interview with The Hindu, the five-time Asian Games medallist reflects on her longevity, debut at the 2002 Asiad, most cherished memories from the continental showpiece, and the motivation that continues to drive her at the highest level. Excerpts:
You are competing at the Asian Games for the seventh time, becoming the first Indian sportsperson to achieve the feat…
I honestly didn’t think I would make a seventh Asian Games appearance. I just focused on my training and tournaments. It definitely feels great to be a part of the Indian team again.
You have won five medals at the Asiad, but a gold remains elusive. What are the chances of clinching the yellow metal?
We have a strong team and yes, it would be great to win another medal. I have always taken my matches one at a time, so I am as prepared as I can be.
Looking back, which was your best Asian Games?
Performance-wise, 2018 would probably be the best I played (singles bronze and silver in women’s team).
How special was it to be on the Asiad stage as a teenager?
As a 15-year-old, it was amazing to see so many superstars of Indian sport in one Village. There is one memory that stands out from my first Games in Busan in 2002. We are usually given our official India clothing and I would obviously wear that to play and train. But in my down time at the Village, I wore a personal T-shirt at the food hall a couple of times, and legendary hockey player Dhanraj Pillay told me that I had to be in my India clothing. It’s something we should always be proud of. It was inspiring for me because it made me aware that I am always representing my country at the Games on and off court… that has stayed with me till now.
You were part of the top 10 in the PSA rankings thrice. When you got there for the first time as a 29-year-old in July 2016, how did you feel?
The top 10 is a special place. It took a lot of effort, especially coming back from my ACL surgery, and years of work with my team.
There were top players like Nour El Sherbini, Raneem El Welily, Nouran Gohar, Camille Serme and Massaro. So how difficult was it to get or stay there?
I definitely played with a bunch of incredibly talented and hardworking women who were greats of the game. Playing with them, beating some of them and making it to the top 10 was one of the best moments of my career.
What did the win over Nicol — an eight-time World champion — in the 2018 Asian Games women’s team semifinals mean to you?
It meant a lot because I have always looked up to her and admired how humble she is as a champion. I really wanted to do it for the team. She is one of the greatest of all-time. Coming in from the disappointment of losing singles and making the team final after beating a strong team like Malaysia was amazing!
You had a on-court rivalry with Dipika Pallikal but shared a bond and went on to bag medals at the Asian Games and Commonwealth Games…
We have had some amazing wins together for India and I will always think of my time competing with her and playing alongside her as inspiring and motivating.
You have won 11 Tour titles. You had to wait 10 years to earn your latest crown, at the Japan Open in 2025. Why did it take so long to end the drought?
I didn’t expect to win in Japan. It felt great to win after ages, especially since I beat girls who were in their early 20s and were ranked way higher than me. The difference now is that I am a lot more relaxed towards competing and I am more performance-oriented than result-focused. Maybe it just helps me enjoy and appreciate these moments more and play better squash.
Every title I have won has come at different times of my life: they all have come after years of training and preparation. Each one has been rewarding.
How have you been able to sustain at this level for nearly quarter of a century? Is it down to mental sharpness, your focus on fitness, outlook towards life or all three?
The main reason I am able to still compete today is my parents. My team, including my coach, strength and conditioning trainer, physios, nutritionist and sports psychologist, has been amazing. The support from my sponsors, the State government, Central government and Squash Rackets Federation of India has been great. It takes a lot to compete at the highest level and it’s only possible because of the amazing people I work with. I do work a lot on the mental and physical side of the game besides recovery. I really appreciate and worship my body, which has been so incredibly supportive.
Joshna took to the sport after playing with her father at MCC. | Photo Credit: Getty Images
How much has the sport evolved since you began playing?
So much! At the international level, the game has become so much more physically demanding, faster and skilful. Domestically, we have many players playing, and the level has improved a lot. Seeing so many PSA (World Tour) events happening in India is wonderful because many of our players benefit tremendously by playing in them and watching the top players competing here in India.
Squash will make its debut at the 2028 LA Olympics…
Such exciting times ahead for squash. India has a great chance to do well.
You had knee injuries/surgeries in 2011 and 2023? How challenging was it physically and mentally to come back from those?
I tore my ACL on the right knee in 2011 and was out of the game for a year. I was encouraged to quit playing and get into coaching. I had no financial support but I moved to Bombay (Mumbai) and worked with a really good Egyptian physio and trainer — Ahmed Youssef. When I got back to playing, coach Ritwik Bhattacharya helped me. Some of my best victories came after that surgery because I believed I had a lot more to offer to the game and I really wanted to play for India again.
And in 2023, during the last Asian Games, I found that there was no cartilage in my right knee and it also needed a surgery. But I did the surgery more for quality of life as it was painful to do basic things like driving, getting out of bed comfortably and jogging. My surgeon, Dr. Jagdeesh, who did my ACL surgery, also did my cartilage surgery and told me that I would be able to compete again. So I moved to Bengaluru and worked with Yash Pandey at Peak Performance. I got back on court after five months of rehab. I decided to train and play for a couple more years to see if I could play the Asian Games.
How big a support has your father been and what are your memories of playing with him at Madras Cricket Club?
My dad is the main reason I am here today. He introduced me to the game as he was a squash player himself. I have the best memories of tagging along with him to the MCC and playing squash with him, other MCC members and my friends. He was my coach and motivator for a very long time, especially when I was a junior.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Sports> Other Sports / by K Keerthivasan / September 24th, 2026
Concern has intensified as the Coffee Board is undertaking a detailed land survey of coffee growing regions in India, including Karnataka.
The Board official said Karnataka produces 70 per cent of India’s coffee. File Photo | Express
Bengaluru :
Coffee estate owners in Karnataka are worried. Though the State Government passed a resolution opposing the 7th draft notification for implementation of the Kasturirangan report, it has now announced that it will undertake a detailed survey of forest land, buffer zones and eco-sensitive areas in and around forest patches. This comes as a concern as around 30 per cent of coffee estates sit on encroached forest and revenue department land parcels.
Sources in the Coffee Board said coffee estates in Karnataka abut forest land. “In the past, land parcels used for coffee cultivation were part of forest and revenue lands, but were not a concern. Now with rising man-animal conflict, the declaration of ESA and protected forest patches, the area under coffee plantation is becoming a concern,” a source said.
“Most of the areas of concern are in Kodagu, Chikkamagaluru, Shivamogga and Hassan districts. The encroachments have not yet been legalised. If the land parcels are taken away, the coffee plantation area in the state will be reduced, impacting coffee production too. Further, if the Kasturirangan report notification on ESA is implemented, 30-35 per cent of coffee growing region will be lost as it falls under protected areas,” the source said.
Concern has intensified as the Coffee Board is undertaking a detailed land survey of coffee growing regions in India, including Karnataka. Through the survey the Board is also assessing the impact of drought and unprecedented rainfall in parts of the state which would impact coffee production during the next financial year.
According to Coffee Board officials, during FY 2025-26, 3.62 lakh tonnes of coffee was produced. Looking at the blossoming period, the Board had estimated production at 3.80-4 lakh tonnes.
A senior Board member, seeking anonymity, said: “There is limited scope for expansion of coffee-growing region in Karnataka, which is around 2.46 lakh hectares. The Board is looking at utilising areas where arecanut is grown in Shivamogga and Sagar for growing coffee, apart from regions in northeast India and Andhra Pradesh. But Karnataka’s suitable climate for shade grown coffee will be destroyed if land parcels are recovered or declared as protected areas.
The Board official said Karnataka produces 70 per cent of India’s coffee, and the Union government has set a target of increasing coffee production in Karnataka to 7 lakh tonnes by 2047. But with land becoming a constraint, rising man-animal conflict and buffer zone rules, this target seems out of reach, the official said.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Karnataka / by Bosky Khanna / September 23rd, 2026
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