The RTI further revealed that the Bhadravathi forest division in Shivamogga did not spend a single rupee on afforestation since 2015.
The RTI further revealed that the Bhadravathi forest division in Shivamogga did not spend a single rupee on afforestation since 2015. (Representational)
From 2015 to 2022, the Karnataka Forest Department spent Rs 1.98 crore and Rs 49,95,067 on afforestation in Kushalnagar and Bhagamandala forest ranges, respectively. The two forest ranges are located in Kodagu district. The figures were shared by the department in response to an RTI filed by The Indian Express.
The RTI further revealed that the Bhadravathi forest division in Shivamogga did not spend a single rupee on afforestation since 2015.
The amount spent on afforestation includes maintenance of the forests. However, some of the officials within the forest department opined that the forest department should concentrate on afforestation in the drier parts of Karnataka rather than spending crores in the Western Ghats.
“The Western Ghats has many naturally regenerated seedlings. The department should have pumped funds in greening the dry regions of Karnataka like Vijayapura, Raichur, Gadag and Koppal. These regions have less than 5 per cent green cover. Even in the Dakshina Kannada region, a huge amount is spent on afforestation,” a senior Indian Forest Service (IFS) officer of the Karnataka Forest Department said on condition of anonymity. Notably, a response from Dakshin Kannada forest region is still awaited.
Every year, Kodagu faces floods and huge loss of property and human lives.
Amount spent on afforestation in Bhagamandala range
2015-2016: Rs 15,82,293
2016-2017: Rs 3,10,974
2017-2018: Rs 3,66,500
2018-2019: Rs 14,33,305
2019-2020: Rs 4,03,750
2020-2021: Rs 3,02,865
2021-2022: Rs 3,35,720
2022-2023: Rs 2,59,660
Amount spent on afforestation in Kushalnagar range
2015-2016: Rs 11.17 lakh
2016-2017: Rs 12.90 lakh
2017-2018: Rs 24.66 lakh
2018-2019: no data
2019-2020: Rs 27.90 lakh
2020-2021: Rs 66 lakh
2021-2022: Rs 14.47 lakh
2022-2023: Rs 44 lakh
source: http://www.indianexpress.com / The Indian Express / Home> News> Cities> Bangalore / by Aksheev Thakur / Bengaluru – April 30th, 2023
The work to develop the first biodiversity park of the state was launched in Harangi, by laying the foundation stone on Friday.
Legislator Appachu Ranjan, who conducted the ‘bhoomipooja’ for the biodiversity park work, said, “India is the biggest exporter of medicinal herbs. The new park will help us.”
He said that a medicinal herbal park will also be opened in Bhagamandala soon.
“Medicinal plants are needed to cure diseases. Also, the environment will be healthy if there is enough greenery,” he pointed out.
Karnataka Biodiversity Board chairperson Napanda Ravi Kalappa, who presided over the ceremony in Harangi, said that a master plan of building a model medicinal garden in the district was readied by the Board. The park is also being launch to conserve the richness of the flora of Kodagu, he added.
“The Karnataka Biodiversity Board intends to establish similar parks in every panchayat of Kodagu. The Coorg Mandarin used to be an exclusive plant to Kodagu, but is virtually not to be found anywhere now. Research is now being conducted to promote this species,” Kalappa said.
The over 75% vacant posts in the department have seriously affected the functioning of the department and farmers involved in animal husbandry are unable to treat their cattle.
Image used for representational purposes only(Photo | Express)
Madikeri :
Primarily an agriculture district, Kodagu farmers are also actively involved in animal husbandry and dairy farming.
However, the farmers of rural areas are unable to avail of proper healthcare facilities for their domesticated animals as the Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services in the district faces a staff crunch of over 75 per cent.
Dairy farming is one of the main occupations alongside agriculture across several parts of Kodagu – especially in Somwarpet and Kushalnagar taluks. Farmers across Kudige, Kudumangaluru, Seegehosuru, Huduguru, Madapura and surrounding villages are extensively involved in dairy farming and animal husbandry.
“Farmers spend lakhs of money to buy hybrid cattle. However, we are unable to avail proper health care for the cattle as the veterinary hospitals and the veterinary primary clinics across the villages are not posted with doctors,” explained Nagraj Shetty, a farmer in Kudige limits.
The district’s animal husbandry and veterinary services are sanctioned with a total of 306 posts. However, only 76 posts are filled to date. While the department is sanctioned with 50 posts for veterinary doctors, only 18 posts have been filled and this includes the posts of Deputy Director and other authoritative officials. Out of the sanctioned 78 posts for veterinary inspectors, only 29 have been filled.
And only two posts of veterinary helpers out of the sanctioned 43 posts have been filled in the department. The over 75% vacant posts in the department have seriously affected the functioning of the department and farmers involved in animal husbandry are unable to treat their cattle. The farmers cannot avail of private services as the district lacks private veterinary hospitals.
“Several postings were made by the state, but the same was cancelled due to a stay order. Fresh postings have not been made to the department and we are still looking forward to the new postings,” shared Dr Suresh Bhat, the Deputy Director of the department.
He added that the posted doctors are visiting the hospitals once a week and are managing the functioning of the hospitals. While the district has a total of 72 veterinary hospitals including the primary veterinary clinics, they are rendered useless without permanent postings.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Karnataka / by Prajna GR / Express News Service / February 22nd, 2023
Conservationists hope to connect people and the dwindling fish species, to save streams, rivers and otters.
Volunteers conduct survey of the stream to look for signs of Koilemeen and Small Clawed Otters
Madikeri :
Food has a way of bringing people together. Raising awareness using a local delicacy to protect streams and the ecosystem of Kodagu is the unique ‘Koilemeen Project’ — an initiative by conservationist Gopakumar Menon. To understand the motto of the project, it is important to first understand that koilemeen is the Kodava name for freshwater fish, commonly known as Spiny Loach, with the scientific name ‘Lepidocephalichthys thermalis’.
A local variety found in streams and water-filled fields of Kodagu, the koilemeen used to be a popular delicacy in Kodava households during the monsoon. However, the numbers have dwindled over the years due to various reasons, and this is where the ‘Koilemeen Project’ comes into the picture.
The objective is to involve the local community in the conservation of streams and rivers, by connecting the people to their once-popular koilemeen dish, Gopakumar explains. “In the past two decades, there has been a precipitous drop in the availability of Koilemeen. We spoke to several coffee planters and a fish trader in Virajpet, who shared his worry due to the non-availability of koilemeen,” he said.
He explained that the use of chemicals in agriculture and horticulture has severely affected the koilemeen population, which also indicates that stream and river waters are being polluted by chemicals. “Increased use of weedicides, pesticides and other fertilisers have affected the koilemeen, and indicates that our water is polluted. The project addresses the loopholes and tries to bring awareness in the community,” he added. Illegal sand mining across the streams of Kodagu has also affected the koilemeen population.
These tiny fish breed on sand, and with sand illegally mined for commercial purpose, it has affected their numbers. “The fish spawn across paddy fields (during monsoon) and other shallow streams, and swim upstream post the monsoon. However, the use of chemicals, sand mining and deposits of plastic waste across the streams has affected the fish. The project is trying to sensitise locals and get them involved. For the community, koilemeen is an easy logo to enable the conservation process,” he shared.
The group is active across social media platforms, and wants youngsters from the district to get involved in the conservation project. The project team meets small groups of planters and raises awareness on the need to stop the extensive use of chemicals. “We tell planters and farmers about the correct method to use chemicals. We are creating awareness on the hazardous use of weedicide and urging them to use fewer chemicals, while ensuring there is at least a 20-ft gap from the chemical-sprayed area and water source,” he explained.
While the project’s main objective is to protect the streams of Kodagu, the focus is not just the tiny koilemeen fish. The bigger picture includes small clawed otters – a Schedule 1 species under the Wildlife Protection Act, whose habitat is found by freshwater streams of Kodagu.
Small beings in the ecosystem, like small clawed otters, have the same protection right as elephants or tigers, but are less talked about though their existence touches the level of endangerment. Since koilemeen are occasionally hunted, it is being used as a mascot to protect the small clawed otters in their natural habitat of freshwater streams and rivers.
The team — geared in gumboots and equipped with GPS — heads out to survey streams to find signs of small clawed otters. “The signs or presence of otters indicate good health of the ecosystem. We look for droppings or spraint of otters and are collecting data on their habitat,” explained Yashas S, a master’s student, a volunteer for the project. He stresses the need to conserve the riparian habitat to protect small clawed otters.
The project aims to collect research material on the otters, and find ways to protect them from being poached. “The diet of an otter includes crustaceans and koilemeen. Our aim is to protect the prey which will help conserve the predator. Protecting the prey also means protecting the streams,” explained Gopakumar.
Alongside the community conservation initiative, the project is conducting a baseline analysis on the otter habitat, which will help take an intelligent step towards their conservation.
Purpose of the project
To involve the community in conservation of fresh water streams, rivers of Kodagu. Enable conservation by connecting community to their once-favourite delicacy. Protect koilemeen, the prey, in freshwater streams.
Urge planters to opt for organic farming, stop use of harmful weedicides Protect, conserve vand conduct analysis on small clawed otters, the predator.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Good News / by Prajna GR, Express News Service / Februry 26th, 2023
The villagers stated that they were not taken into confidence before sanctioning the project and said that these dams will severely affect the farmers and villagers living downstream of the Chiklihole.
The check dam project across Chikliholey Stream in Kodagu by the Minor Irrigation Department is under construction. (Photo | Special Arrangement)
Madikeri :
The check dam project across Chikliholey Stream in Kodagu by the Minor Irrigation Department has met with strong opposition from the villagers.
The department has now assured to call off the project as villagers alleged that the check dams are being constructed to help a private estate owner. The project is estimated to cost around Rs four crores.
The villagers of Horuru, Modur, Abhiyala, Attur and Nallur of Kedakal grama panchayat have strongly opposed the new check dam project upcoming across the Chikliholey stream.
The Minor Irrigation Department has taken up the task of building two check dams – within a span of 100 meters distance – across the Chikliholey stream near D Block of Kedakal Grama Panchayat.
However, the villagers stated that they were not taken into confidence before sanctioning the project and said that these dams will severely affect the farmers and villagers living downstream of the Chikliholey.
They claimed that the check dams also pose a risk of flash floods and landslides during monsoon.
As sources confirmed, a 128-acre private estate was recently bought by a person from outside the district at the D Block of the panchayat limits.
The villagers allege that due to vested interests, the minor irrigation department has sanctioned the construction of two check dams across the Chikliholey stream, which according to the villagers will only help the D block estate owner.
“The check dams are of no use to the farmers of the village. The planters who have plantations downstream of the Chikliholey will be severely affected by the check dam project as this will stop the free flow of the water stream. The entire Chikliholey dam will be of no use if these check dams are constructed as this will stop water flow from December to May – when people need water the most,” explained Sanju Ponappa MM, vice president of Kedakal Grama Panchayat.
The villagers on Monday called for an emergency meeting that witnessed participation from over 30 villagers alongside the Kedakal Grama Panchayat members. The stir against the construction of the check dams invited the attention of Minor Irrigation Department officials who visited the spot. Following the strong opposition from the villagers, the department has now handed over a letter to the Grama Panchayat assuring them to immediately stop the project.
The construction of the two check dams has been called off following opposition from villagers.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Karnataka / by Express News Service / February 20th, 2023
The parasitoid can be released across estates during the summer months, which is the breeding time of the mealybugs.
Madikeri :
Coffee plantations are prone to several diseases and the attack from mealybug pests is among the major reasons for crop loss across estates. However, the Coffee Research Sub Station (CRSS) in Chettalli of Kodagu district has come up with a unique and organic way to fight this pest. Leptomastix Dactylopii, a parasitoid, has been developed at the station that will be effective in culling the mealybugs in the most ecofriendly way. “Mealybugs are major pests affecting coffee and they cause considerable crop loss,” explained Dr Manjunath Reddy, Entomologist at CRSS.
Ovalshaped, soft-bodied insects, the mealybugs are a threat to the pepper vines and other fruit trees in the estates too. The bugs breed during summer and cause immense damage to the crops during monsoon. “The bugs are covered with white mealy wax, making it tough to eradicate them.
Leptomastix Dactylopii (left); File photo of a mealybug-infested coffee plant
They suck a large amount of sap from leaves and stems with the help of piercing mouthparts, depriving plants of essential nutrients,” he explained. There has been an increased buildup of the mealybugs in the estates and the wild in recent times and Dr Manjunath analysed that this might be due to the abiotic changes in climate and environment. While there are a few chemical sprays to fight the mealybugs, they have been proven ineffective as these bugs infest the estates during the monsoon. However, the CRSS has come up with the most organic way to fight these bugs.
The substation has reared Leptomastix Dactylopii, a parasitoid that attacks and hunts mealybugs. “Female parasitoids lay eggs on the third instar (a lifecycle stage) and young adult mealybugs. A single parasitoid emerges from one mealybug. The parasitoid larvae eat the mealybug from the inside out. After 20-30 days, a young adult parasitoid emerges through a hole on the top-end of the dead mealybug,” he detailed.
A female parasitoid lays 300- 400 eggs,which develop into adult parasitoids in 20-30 days. These adult parasitoids have a lifespan of 2-3 weeks. The Leptomastix Dactylopii can be left in coffee estates that suffer from mealybug infestation and 1,000 Leptomastix Dactylopii are required to be released per acre of estate.
The parasitoid can be released across estates during the summer months, which is the breeding time of the mealybugs. The parasitoids are available at the entomology department at the CRSS in Chettalli and they are priced at Rs 250 per 1,000 parasitoids. This method is seen as the most economical and organic way to fight the mealybugs that infest both Robusta and Arabica varieties of coffee plants.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Cities> Bengaluru / by Prajna GR / Express News Service / January 25th, 2023
Tourist footfall at Raja Seat in Madikeri has risen with the top tourist destination and one of the most visited sites in Kodagu hosting a flower show since Friday.
The flower show concludes on February 6.
Nearly 20 species of flowers and about 12,000 plants are part of the show with special floral decorations.
The highlights of the show include varieties of exhibits created in flowers, bonsai plants and others.
The Principal Secretary, Horticulture, Rajendra Kumar Kataria, visited the flower show with Deputy Commissioner B.C. Satish on Saturday.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> India> Karnataka / by The Hindu Bureau / February 04th, 2023
The event is being hosted by the Kodagu district administration alongside support from the Zilla Panchayat and the horticulture department.
Raja Seat gearing up for the annual Flower Show event to take place from February 3 to February 6. (Photo | EPS)
The historic mortar at the Raja Seat in Madikeri is blossoming in vibrant colours and happily stepping into the spring season. While greenery covered most parts of the park, it is now filled with brightly coloured, blossomed plants. The iconic tourist destination is now decking up for the annual Flower Show event, which will be held from February 3 to February 6.
The event is being hosted by the Kodagu district administration alongside support from the Zilla Panchayat and the horticulture department. The flower show will be inaugurated at 4 pm on February 3 with an entry fee of Rs 20.
“Raja Seat is getting ready to host the flower show, with almost 10,000 to 12,000 flowering plants already being set out at the venue,” confirmed Dr BC Sateesha, the Kodagu Deputy Commissioner and District Magistrate. Around 15 to 20 varieties of flowering plants including petunia, canna, salbia, chrysanthemum, marigold, zinnia, calendula, phlox and daliya have been seeded in the park’s garden and are already blossoming in vibrant colours.
Furthermore, the venue will have historical structures of Kodagu decorated in flowers, including the iconic Nalknad Palace. The event will also create awareness of voting where the ballot unit, VV Pat, control unit, etc. will be recreated using flowers. From cardboard cutouts of superheroes to well-known leaders, everything will be decorated with flowers along with bonsai and anthurium that will deck up the entire venue.
The event will also provide a platform for the farmers to exhibit their unique products, which will be judged for the competition. A total of 60 shops will be established at the Gandhi Maidan (a few meters away from Raja Seat)consisting of various outlets from various government departments and private partners.
Alongside the flower show, a Wine Utsav will also be hosted which will exhibit both homemade as well as wines from the Wine Board that will be available for tasting activity. The event is seen as a boost to the tourism sector as Rs 15 lakh to Rs 20 lakh has been funded.
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Karnataka / by Express News Service / January 27th, 2023
It will provide a common platform for buyers and sellers of the spice industry to interact directly and establish effective business linkages.
The Spices Board of India will be holding a buyer-seller meet for spices at Hilldale resorts in Madikeri on January 24.
A press statement from the Assistant Director of Spices Board of India’s Divisional Office in Madikeri said the buyer-seller meet, which will be held between 10.30 a.m. and 5.00 p.m., will provide a common platform for buyers and sellers of the spice industry to interact directly and establish effective business linkages.
The Spices Board India, which functions under the Ministry of Commerce, Government of India, in its statement, pointed out that Karnataka holds a significant position in spice production in India by being a major producer of ginger and black pepper.
Karnataka also produces other spices such as cardamom, chillies, turmeric, garlic, coriander, nutmeg, clove, tamarind etc. During the year 2021-22, the State produced 7,09,546 metric tonnes of spices from an area of 3,75,082 hectares, the statement added.
Spices Board India, a flagship organisation for the development and worldwide promotion of Indian spices, said India’s spices exports with “a volume of 15,31,154 metric tonnes, valued at ₹30,576 crore during 2021-22, scaled the landmark level of USD 4.102 million in value realisation, besides recording a growth rate of 26.76 per cent, 38 per cent in rupee terms and 32 per cent in dollar terms, compared to 2019-20, despite the global pandemic situation”.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India> Karnataka / by The Hindu Bureau / January 21st, 2023
Shri Manoj Kumar, Chairman, KVIC distributed live Bee Colonies, Bee-keeping equipment and 200 Bee-Boxes to the trained beneficiaries at Sulia at Dakshina Kannada, Karnataka under the RE-HAB Project, an initiative under the Honey Mission Programme of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.
Under the Project RE-HAB, “Bee-fences” are created by setting up bee boxes in the passage ways of elephants to block their entrance to human habitats. The boxes are connected with a string so that when elephants attempt to pass through, a tug or pull causes the bees to swarm the elephant herds and dissuade them from moving further.
This is a cost-effective way of reducing human-wild conflicts without causing any harm to the animal. It is scientifically recorded that elephants fear the bee swarms that can bite their sensitive inner side of the trunk and eyes. The collective buzz of the bees annoys elephants which force them to return.
Speaking on this occasion Shri Manoj Kumar said “It was seen that Bees help the farmers in arresting the encroachment of elephants in their agricultural fields and destroy them.Not only this, some precious lives are also lost in that condition. Taking an initiative, KVIC initiated a pilot project with the Technical assistance of the College of Forestry, Ponnampet, Kodagu District and the results were encouraging. Hence, 6 such projects were sanctioned in the most wanted states namely Assam, Maharastra, west Bengal, Orissa, Uttarkhand apart from Karnataka.”
Under the RE-HAB farmers are trained in bee-keeping and each of them are supplied with 10 Bee boxes and installed in the elephant corridors so bee boxes and bee hives are placed in the Elephant corridor to restrict elephants from approaching the agricultural field. This Pilot project has shown very good results in Ponnampet. This project has also helped in the increasing agricultural output due to enhanced pollination as well as Honey Extraction, he informed.
Chairman, KVIC also emphasised the farmers to take benefit of the scheme for it’s long-term advantages. Speaking on this occasion he also shared in details about the PMEGP Scheme ok KVIC which has enhanced Loan ceiling from Rs 25.00 Lakhs to Rs 50.00 by the Prime Minister and encouraged the women and rural youth to take up the scheme.
(Release ID: 1892452)
source: http://www.pib.gov.in / Press Information Bureau, New Delhi / Home / byu Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises / January 20th, 2023
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