Category Archives: Business & Economy

Coffee Board ties up with NSEL for electronic spot market for coffee beans

Agriculture, Business & Economy, Coffee News, Coffee, Kodagu (Coorg)

CoffeeKF02jul2013
This is the first initiative taken by the Board to provide an opportunity for better price realisation

Coffee Board of India, an autonomous body under the ministry of commerce, has signed a memorandum of understanding with National Spot Exchange (NSEL) to launch a warehouse receipt based electronic spot market for coffee beans. This is the first of its kind initiative taken by the Board to provide an opportunity for better price realization and educate them about quality assessment.

Currently, over Rs 2,000 crore worth of coffee is traded in physical form at the farm gate level. Agents of exporters collect the beans at the estates and transport it for curing. Earlier, ABN AMRO and ITC had tried to provide online trading platforms for coffee, which did not work well, the coffee growers said.

As per the MoU, the NSEL will conduct online trading of coffee beans for both raw and cleaned coffee. It has tied up with coffee curing companies for curing of coffee post the online transaction. NSEL has set up two warehouses at Kushalnagar in Kodagu district and Chikmagalur in Chikmagalur district for storing coffee on behalf of the growers.

“The aim of this partnership is to ensure that small and medium coffee growers get an opportunity to sell their coffee online. We will provide them quality assessment and grading facilities at their farm gate with the help of Coffee Board. The growers are free to fix their own prices. There will be no fee to the growers for online trading. We will charge the buyers a small commission,” an official of NSEL said.

The partnership between Coffee Board and NSEL is also aimed at providing market linkages and relevant back-end infrastructure, education, training and technical advice to growers. The Coffee Board will carry a mobile laboratory to conduct the grading of coffee beans at the farm gate. The price will be discovered based on transparent electronic bidding. After the online trading is carried out, NSEL will deliver the beans at the doorstep of buyers or curing works through its transport network, he said.

The NSEL is also in the process of providing finance. Federal Bank, Standard Chartered and ICICI Bank among others have approached NSEL for providing finance on the warehouse receipts.

Ramesh Rajah, president, Coffee Exporters’ Association of India said, “It is an excellent idea. The seller will know how much price he will get for his coffee. However, there are many glitches involved in online trading.”

He said issues like Rule 7B, VAT and transaction costs would have to be sorted out properly. As the sale of cured coffee attracts taxation, the growers will not come forward to sell through online platform. The NSEL and Coffee Board will have to sort out these issues, he said.

NSEL has till now added 54 commodities on its online spot-trading platform.

source: http://www.business-standard.com / Business Standard / Home> Companies> News / by Mahesh Kulkarni / Bangalore – June 28th, 2013

South west monsoon active once again

About Kodagu / Coorg, Agriculture, Business & Economy, Nature

Mysore :

Sudden depression in bay of Bengal coupled with intensified south west monsoon has brought cheers on the farmers and water resource officials as the region failed to receive much rain last week. On Monday suddenly the skies opened up and rain started pouring .

Meanwhile, Kodagu district administration has declared holiday for the schools and colleges on Tuesday in the wake of heavy rain being witnessed by the region. Even Mysore district received rain on Monday.

Along with the farmers , the engineers of the water resource department who were worried about the dwindled inflow into the dams are a relived lot with the inflow into all the four dams in the Cauvery delta increasing considerably.

Especially the inflow into KRS dam which slumped down to less than 3500 cusecs after a week of inflow ranging between 10000 and 15000 . This is expected to increase by tomorrow morning following heavy rain in Kodagu district , the core area of the Cauvery catchment . An engineer of the water resource department said the inflow into KRS dam was 3223 cusecs on Monday evening against an outflow of 1195 with the dam’s level standing at 79.96 ft against the maximum height 124.80 ft.

However inflow is anticipated to rise considerably by tomorrow afternoon with the rain lashing the Cauvery catchment area , the engineer added.. According to director state meteorology department Puttanna though the Kodagu is yet to record heavy rainfall, district is expected to receive more rain in the coming days. “Today, the rain is more due to low pressure in bay of Bengal and from tomorrow onwards the monsoon rain will continue to occur” he added .

Last year average rainfall in Kodagu in June was 375.6 mm, but this year it has recorded 498.4 mm rainfall and this has raised hopes of region receiving good rain this year . Even inflow into Kabini dam increased suddenly on Monday evening with inflow reaching 11968 cusecs with the water crossing 2275.50 ft mark against the dam’s maximum height of 2284. A dam engineer told TOI that the inflow may increase and cross 16000 cusecs by Tuesday morning due to reports of Kerala’s Waynad district receiving heavy rain in the last 12 hours. Even the water level in the Harangi dam is slowly inching towards it’s maximum height of 2859 ft with the level on Monday evening standing at 2831 .45 ft . with an inflow of 1095 cusecs . ” Water level in Kabini dam may reach it’s maximum level in next four five days if the inflow continues to remain at 16000 cusecs” the engineer added.

source: http://www.articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Mysore / by MB Maramkal, TNN / June 24th, 2013

Rivers in spate in Kodagu, Chikmagalur districts

About Kodagu / Coorg, Business & Economy, Green Initiatives / Environment, Nature

DC declares holiday for schools, colleges today

The inflow of water into Harangi reservoir has increased following copious rainfall in various parts of the district on Tuesday.

KodaguKF27jun2013Madikeri, Napoklu, Sampaje, Bhagamandala, Virajpet, Srimangala, Shanthalli recorded more than 100 mm rainfall.

The house belonging to M C Changappa was partially damaged in Kunjila village. Another house in Bellur village was also damaged in the rainfall. Cauvery, Lakshmanatheertha, Hemavathi, Harangi, Barapole, Chiklihole rivers are in spate following incessant rainfall in the region.

With rain water flowing on road, the movement of vehicles on Napoklu-Moornadu road has been disrupted. Flood water has inundated road at Bhagamandala. If the region continues to receive rainfall, then road will be cut off from the rest of the world. A minor bridge in Balamuri is inundated in flood water. Water has entered paddy fields in Balamuri.

In the last 24 hours, the district received an average of 91.91 mm rainfall. This includes Madikeri—121 mm, Virajpet—90.15 mm and Somwarpet taluk—64.75 mm.
Rains received in hobli centres are as follows: Madikeri kasaba—100 mm, Napoklu—110.8 mm, Sampaje—132.2 mm, Bhagamandala—150 mm, Virajpet kasaba—127.4 mm, Hudikeri—38.1 mm, Kodlipete—40 mm, Kushalnagar—24.4 mm, and Suntikoppa—62.3 mm rainfall.

Chikmagalur

With heavy rains lashing Mudigere, rain water has entered into fields in Kesavalalu and Uggehalli. If the region continues to get rainfall, then houses will also be inundated.
Paddy saplings kept ready for transplantation in the fields have been inundated at Banakal, Baggasagodu, Horatti, Mugrahalli, Kithlegandi, Bettadamane and Gonibeedu.

Work in the coffee estates have been suspended following heavy rainfall. With rains lashing catchment areas, Bhadra and Somavathi rivers are in spate in Kalasa.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> District / Madikeri – DHNS / June 25th, 2013

Sethuraman estate gets US certification for robusta coffee

Agriculture, Business & Economy, Coffee News, Records, All, World Opinion

Bangalore :

Indian coffee estates are moving slowly to gain US’ roasters interest.

As a first step, the Sethuraman Estates located at Magundi in Chikmagalur after showcasing its produce at various speciality coffee events in the US has now become the first Indian coffee estate to get ‘R Grade’ certificate.

‘R Grade’ certificate are given for washed robusta coffees by the Coffee Quality Institute (CQI) which is an arm of Speciality Coffee Association of America (SCAA).

getting premium

The SCAA recently tested Sethuraman Estate’s robusta coffee submission at the CQI and found to have all the required quality parameters. This certificate facilitates the estate to sell and charge a high premium in the US .

The certificate and recognition allows Sethuraman Estates to sell its entire submission of 15 tonnes speciality robusta in the US market spread over a year by using the CQI and SCAA logo.

“The ‘single-origin estate-branded’ coffee of Sethuram Estates has so far fetched a premium of over 30 per cent over the domestic market prices. Currently the domestic washed robusta coffees is trading at Rs 145 a kg,” said Nishant R. Gurjer, Managing Partner, Sethuraman Estates.

entering US

“This certificate and recognition will allow us to enter the lucrative US café market as well,” he added.

The Sethuraman estate located at Chikmagalur began in operations in the 1950s. In the US market, the company is marketing estate-branded coffees – the Sitara Parchment Robusta and the Ne Plus Ultra of Robusta coffee brands.

The US, a traditionally arabica-consuming country, is slowly replacing it with robusta coffees and few companies have initiated moves to source from various countries for create blends.

shift to robusta

This has led to the Coffee Quality Institute, which used to certify only Arabica coffees, now has introduced separate certification for robusta coffees.

ratings

According to the institute’s finding of Sethuraman Estates, the following are the rating with baseline score of 7.14. Aroma 7.58 , flavour 7.42, aftertaste 7.42, acidity 7.83, mouth feel 7.42, balance 7.50, Uniformity 10, clean cup 10 Sweetness 7.42 cupper points 7.58.

Gurjer said, “We entered the US market in 2006 by exporting just two containers (36 tonnes) and so far have reached the level of 8 containers (144 tonnes) of speciality robusta coffees.”

source: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com / Business Line / Home / by Anil Urs anil.u@thehindu.co.in / Bangalore – June 21st, 2013

Kodagu gets copious rainfall

Agriculture, Business & Economy, Green Initiatives / Environment, Nature, Records, All

Landslides reported from various parts of the district
The rains have intensified in Kodagu district. All taluks including Madikeri received heavy rainfall on Monday.

The overflowing ponds, streams and rivers have brought smiles on the faces of farmers. Rise in the water level in Kootuhole check dam, Chikli and Harangi reservoirs have helped to solve water crisis in the district. Vehicle users were put to hardship on water logged roads.

RainsKF20jun2013
Landslides have been reported from different parts of the district. There has been disruption in power supply following damage to electric wires. Kodagu district recorded an average of 39.65 mm rainfall till 8 am on Monday, whereas that received on the same day last year was 25.65 mm. The district has received 560.28 mm rain from January till date, against 291.47 mm rain recorded last year. Madikeri taluk has received 56.40 mm rainfall in the last 24 hours, Virajpet taluk — 36.38 mm and Somwarpet taluk — 26.18 mm rainfall.

The water level at Harangi reservoir on Monday was 2817.31 ft as against the maximum level of 2859 ft.

Telemetric rain gauges

Kodagu district has 48 telemetric rain gauges, of which 38 rain guages are functioning. The gauges are located at Sudarshan guest house, Avandur, Bhagamandala, Galibeedu, Karada, Mundrotu, Napoklu, Naladi, Sampaje, Talacauvery, Moornadu and Dabbadka in Madikeri taluk, Somwarpetm Koodige, Kushalnagar, Madapura, Shanivarsanthe, Suntikoppa, Harangi, Shanthalli, Soorlabi, Koodlipet in Somwarpet taluk, Virajpet, Ammathi, Kurchi, Karmadu, Kallalla, Maldare, Mathigodu, Moorkallu, Nagarahole, Ponnampet IB, Srimangala, Thithimathi, Siddhapura in Virajpet taluk.

The telemetric centres at Karike, jail in Madikeri, Anekadu, Dubare, Huduguru, Kargodu in Somwarpet taluk, Balekovu, Devamachi, Makutta, Vatekolli in Virajpet taluk have been damaged.The State has proposed to install telemetric rain gauges in 98 gram panchayats in the district, of which 23 rain gauges have been already installed, said District Statistician Prameela.

In the backdrop of heavy rains forecast by the meteorological department, Additional Deputy Commissioner (In-charge) G Prabhu, in a press release has said that head teachers have been entrusted with the responsibility of declaring holidays to schools.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> District / DHNS – Madikeri, June 17th, 2013

Coffee Board of India Recruitment 2013 – Walk in for Sr Research Fellow Posts:

Agriculture, Business & Economy, Coffee, Kodagu (Coorg), Uncategorized

Coffee Board, Central Coffee Research Institute (CCRI) conducts walk in interview for the recruitment of Senior Research Fellow posts in DBT sponsored project. Eligible candidates can attend walk in interview on 24-06-2013 at 10.30 AM. More details regarding educational qualifications, age limit, selection and application process are mentioned below…

Coffee Board Vacancy details:

Name of the Post: Senior Research Fellow

Age Limit: Candidates upper age limit is 30 years as on 11-06-2013.

Educational Qualification: Candidates must possess M.Sc or M.Sc (Agriculture) in Biotechnology or related subject in biological sciences from a reputed University.

Selection Process: Candidates will be selected based on interview.

How to Apply: Interested candidates can attend walk in interview along with application, bio-data, copies of all required certificates and same in original, passport size photograph held at The Divisional Head, Plant Biotechnology Division, Unit of CCRI, Dr.S. Radhakrishnan Road, Manasagangothri, Mysore-570006 on 24-06-2013 at 10.30 AM.

Date & Time of Interview: 24-06-2013 at 10.30 AM

For more details regarding age, qualifications, pay scale, selections and other information contact the Coffee Board .

Coffee Board of India Post Graduate Diploma in Coffee Quality Management

Business & Economy, Education

Coffee
Coffee

Coffee Board of India Post Graduate Diploma in Coffee Quality Management (PGDCQM) admissions 2013

Coffee Board of India invites applications for Post Graduate Diploma in Coffee Quality Management (PGDCQM) for 2013 session.

Eligibility: Candidates must hold a Bachelors degree with at least one of the subjects namely Botany, Zoology, Chemistry, Biotechnology, Bioscience, Food Technology, Food Science, Environmental science or a Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural sciences. Preference given to candidates sponsored by export/Curing establishments/coffee plantations.

Selection by committee based on academic record, personal interview and sensory evaluation test.

Application forms can be downloaded from our website or collected personally from Coffee Board, Bangalore. – http://www.indiacoffee.org/userfiles/pgdcqm13-14(1).pdf

Filled in application form along with a demand draft for Rs.200/- payable to “Coffee Board General Fund Non Plan Account” and a self-addressed envelope (9″ x 6″) should reach Head (Quality Control Division), Coffee Board, No.1, Dr.B.R.Ambedkar Veedhi, Bangalore-560001 by 15th July 2013.

Date of Interview and selection: 31st July 2013

source: http://www.hosuronline.com / Hosur Online / Home / by A Soosai Prakash / Friday – June 14th, 2013

Coffee Board Announced Setting up Coffee Entrepreneurship Centre in Bangalore

Business & Economy, Coffee, Kodagu (Coorg)

The Coffee Board announced establishing the Coffee Entrepreneurship Centre in Bangalore in order to sustain the coffee cafe culture in India. The Chairman of Coffee Board, Jawaid Akhtar explained that the idea came up because of rapid growth of coffee cafes as well as parlours in India, especially in the non-traditional (non-coffee growing States) areas. However, there is a dearth of manpower in these areas.

The primary objective of the Coffee Entrepreneurship Centre is to create the manpower base. This base would be created by facilitating training to people scientifically and providing them the knowledge about specialty coffees.

Also the objective is creation of the manpower in various levels of coffee business such as setting of roast and ground (R&G) outlets as well as coffee retailing. This will also assist the entrepreneurs in establishing as well as operating the cafes with the formal training.

In order to facilitate the educational support, the Coffee Board also roped in Indian Institute of Plantation Management (IIPM). The Coffee Entrepreneurship Centre is infact housed in the IIPM campus of Bangalore.

The Centre will provide lab-scale experience to people in making espresso coffee, traditional brewing, grinding coffee as well as roasting. The Board will make use of the faculty at IIPM in order to run the courses. At present, there are approximately 2200 coffee cafes in India which are operated by the big companies like Barista, Costa and Café Coffee Day.

The Coffee Entrepreneurship Centre will have one-month courses on How to start coffee businesses as well as How to make different coffees.

Coffee Board gave grant of 30 lakh Rupees in order to set up this centre.

source: http://www.jagranjosh.com / Jagran Josh / Home> English / June 13th, 2013

Madikeri to get underpass

Business & Economy

The long pending project, would help many, when completed
MadikeriKF11jun2013
The work on underpass which will provide connectivity to district hospital and women and children’s ward of the hospital is in full swing.

The hospital is situated on one side of the road and the women and children’s wing of the hospital is situated on another side of the state highway near General Thimmaiah Circle.

Hundreds of vehicles ply on Mysore road between district hospital and women and childrens’ ward.

The patients and the public were finding it difficult in crossing the road between the hospital and the ward. With the completion of the underpass, the public can cross without any problem.

The public were demanding an underpass for the past several years. About 80 per cent of the work has been completed.

When the work on widening of Mysore-Madikeri-Sampje road was taken up, the KRDCL had submitted a proposal to construct an underpass two years ago.
The work on underpass has been taken up by the Karnataka State Road Development Corporation.

The KRDCL had completed the work on underpass. The remaining work is being taken up at a cost of Rs 92 lakh by the health department. The government has already released Rs 68 lakh to complete the work.

The pending work will be completed and the underpass will be inaugurated at the earliest, said health department engineering division chief engineer Prabhakar.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> District / by Srikanth Kallammanavar, DHNS / June 09th, 2013