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Give Top Priority To Cultivate Coffee Naturally In Kodagu

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Ponnampet Forestry College Dean calls upon growers to maintain quality from estate to cuppa; 18th AGM of Kodagu Mahila Coffee Jagruthi Sangha held

Madikeri:

Coffee growers should give priority for cultivating tasty coffee naturally, said Ponnampet Forestry College Dean Dr. Cheppudira G. Kushalappa. 

He was speaking at the 18th Annual General Body meeting of Kodagu Mahila Coffee Jagruthi Sangha held at a private hotel in Madikeri recently. Though Vietnam and Brazil produces large quantity of coffee, they are unable to get back the amount invested in coffee cultivation. They use highest quality of fertilisers to cultivate the crop and most of the finances are drained out here. 

The growers of Kodagu must concentrate on cultivating coffee naturally by reducing the use of fertilisers. There are 360 species of trees inside the coffee estates in Kodagu. As a result, the ground gets good manure. This is the reason why Kodagu coffee is famous across the world. 

“The undeniable natural beauty and abundance in Kodagu — from rainfall to fertile soil and diverse water sources — has made the region a highly sought-after location to cultivate coffee. Coffee flourishes in a unique blend of climatic conditions that includes humidity, heat and rainfall. Kodagu is ideal for these conditions and the slopes of the Western Ghats ensure orthographic rainfall that measure between 60 to 80 inches,” he said. 

The abundant species of    shaded trees work together in a two-tier system to protect coffee plants. These trees also prevent soil erosion and provide mulch to act as fertiliser. “The soil of Kodagu is rich with nitrogenous material and has a good sub-surface drainage,” he said and called upon growers to maintain quality from the estate to the cuppa. 

Coffee Board quality expert Vikram Kuttaiah said that the prices of coffee have not increased drastically for the last 25 years. The maintenance of Arabica coffee was Rs. 25,000 per acre 25 years ago and now it has reached Rs. 80,000 per acre. The maintenance of Robusta variety has increased from   Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 60,000. 

 “The maintenance costs have increased manifold but the prices of coffee has remained stagnant. There is a huge disparity between production costs and end profits. There is a situation where the grower has to be satisfied with meagre income,”   he explained. 

Kodagu Mahila Coffee Jagruthi Sangha President Pandikuthira Chitra Subbaiah said that the Sangha has been creating awareness about Coorg Coffee since the last 18 years. Sangha Director Kumari Kunjappa has been provided permission by Kodagu District Administration to open an outlet at Coorg Village that is coming up near Raja’s Seat in Madikeri, she said.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / December 14th, 2020

CNC To Hold Annual Gun Carnival In Kodagu On Dec. 18

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Madikeri (Kodagu):

The 10th Annual Codava National Council (CNC) Thok Namme (Gun Carnival) will be held Dec. 18 at 10.30 am at Kolakeri in Napoklu to mark “World Minorities Rights Day.” 

Gun is a part and parcel of Kodavas and to showcase the valour and rich folkloric cultural heritage of the community. The Thok Namme is scheduled to be held at Cauvery Estate of Appachira Rammi Nanaiah in Kolakeri. 

All participants are requested to carry their guns to the ceremony. This programme is intended to showcase warrior-hood tribal traits of the community. As pet the schedule, a mass worship of guns will be performed on the banks of River Cauvery. The ritual will be led by CNC President N.U. Nachappa, followed by Thok Paat (folkloric weapon prayer).

Later, a shooting competition for men, women and children will be held followed by a public meeting. Prize distribution will be held and traditional Kodava food will be served to all participants. 

Gun right, a clarification

In the wake of Kodagu Deputy Commissioner Annies Kanmani Joy issuing orders to all gun holders in Kodagu to surrender the same due to the forthcoming Gram Panchayat elections, the CNC has clarified that gun licence is different and gun exemption is different. 

During elections, under the directions from the Election Commission of India, all District administrations, Collectorates and Commissionerates will issue orders to all gun licence holders to surrender their weapons by depositing it in the nearest Police Station till the completion of election process to facilitate smooth electoral exercise as well as to maintain peace and tranquillity. “This order will not and does not apply to a Kodava community member as the community is exempted from Indian Arms Act to possess firearms or guns. This was clarified in 1994 during the period of Chief Election Commissioner of India T.N. Sheshan who reformed India’s electoral system.

Sheshan made it clear that the exemption certificate holders and also those who consider weapons as sacred and gun as an article of worship, this order of depositing the guns during elections will not apply, the CNC stated. 

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / December 12th, 2020

Joshna Chinappa, first Indian woman to play 400 PSA Tour squash games

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Joshna’s contemporary Dipika Pallikal has competed in 297 PSA Tour matches. England’s Alison Waters (487) and Camille Serme (France, 439) have topped the list in the women’s category.

Joshna Chinappa achieved the unique feat in the CIB-Black Ball Squash Open in Cairo (Egypt).    –  RITU RAJ KONWAR (FILE PHOTO)

India squash player Joshna Chinappa became the first Indian female player and second (male and female) to play 400 PSA Tour squash matches.

The 34-year-old achieved the unique feat in the CIB-Black Ball Squash Open in Cairo (Egypt). 

The Indian, seeded 10, defeated Julianne Courtice of England 10-12, 11-6, 11-9, 12-10 in the women’s first round.

Only Saurav Ghosal (444) has played more than Joshna.

Joshna’s contemporary Dipika Pallikal has competed in 297 PSA Tour matches. England’s Alison Waters (487) and Camille Serme (France, 439) have topped the list in the women’s category.

source: http://www.sportstar.thehindu.com / SportStar / Home> Squash / by Team SportStar / Chennai – December 09th, 2020

A cloud of anxiety hangs over tribals in Kodagu

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Tribals in Reshmehadlu hamlet in Kodagu district. Credit: DH

The tribal population in Kodagu has been in fear of losing their existence, in the wake of implementation of the Kasturirangan report.

The land on which their livelihood depends upon might be termed as an encroachment. This is the fear of tribal population in Kodagu, said social activist Prabhu.

It is true that forests should be preserved and biodiversity has to be preserved. But, evacuating forest-dwelling tribal people in the name of an ecologically sensitive region, cannot be accepted. The government should provide them with alternative livelihood when they leave the forest and come into the mainstream, he said.

“There is a scattered population of Adivasis in the forest areas of Kodagu. The existing forest regulations have been hurdles in providing them with basic amenities. The Central government had earlier announced a package to bring Adivasis to the mainstream. As per the regulation, every evicted family which comes into the mainstream should be provided with Rs 15 lakh, along with three acres of agricultural land,” he added.

Stating that the tribal population cannot live in the forest for long, Prabhu said that 867 families have come out of Nagarhole National Park.

Still, around 1,000 families have been living in Chennayyanakote, Gaddehadi, Chenihadli, Reshmehadlu, Tattekere, Vaddaramadu, Bommamadu and Nanacchi. Those who have already come out of forests have not been provided with agricultural lands, he said.

In this situation, if the rest of the people come out of forests, how will the government manage to provide them with lands? he asked.

He further said that there is no question on whether the tribal people are for or against the Kasturirangan report. The main concern is there should be a mode of livelihood for tribals once they come into the mainstream and the government must ensure the same.

Apart from Adivasis, other primitives in the district have also been fearing the repercussions of the Kasturirangan report, said Prabhu.

’55 villages in the list of the ecologically sensitive area’

As many as 55 villages are in the list of the ecologically sensitive area. Out of these, 23 villages in Madikeri, 21 villages in Virajpet and 11 villages in Somwarpet are under ecologically sensitive region and currently there are residential areas and agricultural activities here, he added.

The farmers have been cultivating crops with the help of water from River Cauvery. These farmers should not land up in trouble in the name of the eco-sensitive region, he said.

An agriculturist said that coffee is the major crop in Kodagu. Trees in the coffee plantations need pruning once a year. But, if the report is implemented, there is no scope to cut the trees in the plantations, he added.

As per the Kasturirangan report, permission from the National Green Tribunal is required to construct a lake, which is not practical. Before deciding on the implementation of the report, a study of the demography, climate and agriculture should have should have been carried out, he said.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> State> Mangaluru / by Adithya K A, DHNS, Madikeri / December 09th, 2020

Madikeri Kodava Samaja President Inspects Kodava Heritage Centre

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Madikeri:

With the works on Kodava Heritage Centre near Vidyanagar on the outskirts of Madikeri having resumed recently, Madikeri Kodava Samaja President Konganda S. Devaiah and Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa – General K.S. Thimayya Forum Convenor Col. Kandrathanda C. Subbaiah visited the site on Monday  and inspected the ongoing works.

The two received inputs on the design of structures coming up at the site, the architectural  outlook of Ainmane and the nature of works in progress.

The contractor said that the works have been taken up at a cost of Rs.1.56 crore and the collapsed walls of structures are being rebuilt. 

Pointing out that red stone pillars, which do not have the capacity to bear the roof load are being replaced with concrete pillars following directions from the PWD, the contractor said the roof for Ainmane is being designed with the concept of Mundmane. Also the repair works of steps leading to the overhead tank is underway and a View Point is being built atop the water tank. The View Point will have iron canopy instead of jungle wood roof-cover as it was found that the iron cover was better  considering the geographical location of the site.

Continuing, the contractor said that the Heritage Centre will have two Ainmanes, with the first one being built now and the other later. The PWD has give nine  months time to complete the works, the contractor said and added that he was hopeful of completing the works by March 2021 itself.

After receiving inputs from the contractor K.S. Devaiah and Col. Subbaiah went through the blueprint of the project  and took note of the roof design, amphitheatre, View Point, Mundmane, water pond and other features. Devaiah asked the contractor to build the structure strictly  in accordance with the characteristics of Ainmane and to maintain quality in works.

Col. Subbaiah asked the contractor to get a blueprint of the complete project from private agencies. Asking the contractor not to deviate from Kodava customs and traditions in the construction of structures, he said that the contractor too must have the self-satisfaction of having executed quality works.

Speaking to Mysooru Mithra, the sister publication of Star of Mysore, Col. Subbaiah said that he inspected the works and interacted with the contractor. 

Noting that more inputs on the project will be sought from PWD and Tourism Department officials following which the project will be discussed in detail with Kodagu Deputy Commissioner (DC), he said that he will hold talks with Kodagu District In-charge Minister too later. Thereafter, the DC will be appealed to convene a meeting of officials of all concerned departments and efforts will be made to ensure that all works on Kodava Heritage Centre are wholly completed, he added.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / December 08th, 2020

Coconut shooting gains popularity

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It is not uncommon for people to spot someone walking by the road holding a rifle in Kodagu district.

Youths practise coconut shooting while their father looks on, in Madikeri. (Photo | Express)

Madikeri : 

It is not uncommon for people to spot someone walking by the road holding a rifle in Kodagu district. Guns are a part of  its culture even as Jamma holders of the district and the Kodava community enjoy the privilege of exemption from the Arms Act. Gunshots are often fired in the air as part of many ritualistic practices in the district.

Further, apart from ancestral practices and rituals, the rifles are now extensively used to shoot coconuts – which has turned into a popular sport among the residents of the district. Coconut shooting competitions that used to be organised in households during Kodava festivals are now being organised more frequently by various forums and with no bar on caste or community. These competitions have gained momentum in the recent past – especially after the relaxation in the Covid-19 lockdown. 

“Covid-19 situation had turned the entire world gloomy. Everyone was at home and most of them were bored of the monotonous routine. Following the relaxation of Covid norms, the Nelaji Mahila Samaj planned to host a coconut shooting competition at Nelaji,” explained Appumaniyanda Daisy Somanna, secretary of the Mahila Samaj. One of the first sport activities after the lockdown, this competition saw participation from 158 enthusiasts – including women, men and children.   

Appanderanda Dinu, one of the organisers of coconut shooting competition at B Shettegeri opined that this event is one of the best sport activity options available during the pandemic. Apart from becoming the best sports huddle during the pandemic, shooting competitions are extensively promoting shooting skills among residents – especially youngsters.

“Shooting has been a part of our lives. My granddad had served in the Indian Army. My father developed interest in shooting because of his father. Now, we are being coached by my father,” explained Nilma Ponnnu Manavattira, a youngster who does not miss taking part in these shooting competitions.

Alongside her siblings Nilika and Bopanna, she participates in every shooting event and the family has won many trophies in these events. 

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Karnataka / by Prajna GR / Express News Service / December 08th, 2020

Logo of Kodagu Kalaa Utsava 2020 launched

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MP Pratap Simha released the logo of Kodagu Kalaa Utsava 2020. 

Amateur artist Sadik Hamsa is organising the Utsava to bring out artists. 

Speaking on the occasion, the MP said that art and culture are a part of the country. There is a need to support the artists. 

Sadik Hamsa said that he has been organising the Utsava for the last three years and the artworks of artists will be exhibited.

The Utsava will be held from December 21 to 28, at Shanbouge Centre Hall in SSR Ramamurthy Road. Those interested may contact 9845820257.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> State>Mangaluru / by DHNS, Virajpet / December 04th, 2020

Nidhi Subbaiah thrilled to bag her first horror film

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The Pancharangi actor is excited to be a part of the film that will mark the directorial debut of directors Pavan and Prasad; it will be the second project bankrolled by Lohith H’s Friday Films.

Nidhi Subbaiah

Lohith H is set to present a horror film starring Nidhi Subbaiah, which will mark the directorial debut of Pavan and Prasad. This is the second project bankrolled by Friday Films after Life is Beautiful, and the movie will be made in association with Silver Train international and C K Cine Creations, and produced by Kishore Narasimhaiah, Biji Arun and Chethan Krishanappa. 

The Pancharangi heroine is excited about taking up a horror subject. It will be Nidhi Subbaiah’s first attempt at this kind of a plot. “Watching a thriller or a horror film has been my daily dose of entertainment, and now I will be getting to explore one such subject,” she says, adding, “The fear of the unknown is what thrills me, and keeps me curious to know what’s next. It’s something I am looking forward to being a part of. What compounds the thrill is that I have two filmmakers directing me, and I am getting associated with the production house for the first time. All this makes it all the more interesting.”

The 15-films old actor, who has mostly worked in Kannada and Hindi projects, was last seen in Shivarajkumar’s Ayushman Bhava, in which she made a guest appearance. While the pandemic was one of the reasons for her to go slow, the actor of films like Anna Bond and Krishnan Marriage Story and Ajab Gazabb Love has also been selective about her projects.

“Post Pancharangi, I had directors coming in with similar bubbly roles, which I felt was monotonous. I felt I might as well be in a 9 to 5 job rather than doing the same role over and over again. I waited for a good film to come by, which I could finally bag. A good subject excites me to go to the sets,” says Nidhi, who is planning to start the shooting from mid-January. “The producers plan to shoot the film at one stretch,” she says.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Entertainment> Kannada / by Express News Service / December 05th, 2020

Mysuru, Kodagu gearing up for gram panchayat elections

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250 GPs in Mysuru, 101 in Kodagu will see two-phase polls

The gram panchayats in Mysuru and Kodagu are gearing up for the two-phase elections which were announced on Monday.

The GPs in Madikeri and Somwarpet taluks will go to polls in the first phase and the GPs coming under Virajpet taluk will have elections in the second phase.

In Mysuru district, 148 GPs in Hunsur, K.R. Nagar, Periyapatna, H.D. Kote and Sargur will go to polls in the first phase. A total of 102 GPs in Mysuru, Nanjangud and T. Narsipur will have elections in the second phase.

The election notification for the first phase will be issued on December 7 with the last date for filing nominations scheduled on December 11. The nominations will be scrutinised on December 12 and the last date to withdraw nominations would be December 14. The elections will be held on December 22 from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., said Deputy Commissioner Annies Kanmani Joy.

Elections will be held if necessary (if there was no unanimous election of the candidates in the fray). Any re-election will be held on December 24. The counting of votes will take place in the respective taluks on December 30.

In the second phase, the elections will take place on December 27. The Deputy Commissioner will issue the election notification for this phase on December 11 and December 16 will be the last date to file nominations. The last date to withdraw the nominations will be December 19. Any re-election will take place on December 29. Like in the first phase, the counting of votes will also take place on December 30 from 8 a.m. onwards.

Out of 104 GPs in Kodagu, elections will take place for 101 GPs as the tenure of GPs of Ponnampet, Gonikoppa and Channaiahyanakote will end in 2020-21.

The model code of conduct will be confined to the GP limits where the elections are scheduled from November 30 to December 31 and it won’t be applicable to the limits of town panchayats, city municipal councils and city corporations, the Deputy Commissioner told reporters on Monday.

Ballot papers will be used for the elections which will be apolitical in nature with no party symbols used by the candidates.

The total number of voters in all three taluks was 3,66,013, including 1,81,443 men and 1,74,570 women. Kodagu will have 562 polling booths and 110 polling officers and assistant polling officers had been identified.

The details on the GP-wise reservation had been published in the website www.kodagu.nic.in

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> States> Karnataka / by Special Correspondent / December 01t, 2020

Ramesh Changappa elected as Kodagu Hopcoms prez

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Biddatanda Ramesh Changappa and Mallanda Madhu Devaiah were elected as the president and vice president of Kodagu district Hopcoms in Madikeri.

Biddatanda Ramesh Changappa has been elected as the president of Kodagu district Hopcoms, while Mallanda Madhu Devaiah has been elected as the vice president.

S P Ponnappa, Padiyammana V Mahesh, Leela Medappa, Sathish, Machimanda D Ganapathi, H M Sudheer, Baby Poovaiah, B A Harish, Nagesh Kundalpadi, Umesh Rao Urs, Poovappa Nayak and K M Manohar were elected as the directors.

The election was held in the office of the horticulture department.

Speaking on the occasion, the newly elected president said that various programmes will be organised through Hopcoms in the district in the coming days.

Measures will be taken to purchase the farm produce directly from farmers at a better price, he added.

Vice president Mallanda Madhu Devaiah said that it is a huge responsibility and he will strive for the betterment of Hopcoms.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> State> Mangaluru / by DHNS, Madikeri / November 27th, 2020