India’s coffee growth is being affected by unpredictable weather patterns, including insufficient rainfall, temperature fluctuations, drought, and heavy flooding.
While Baba Budan, the Sufi monk, planted the smuggled seven coffee beans in the bountiful hills of Chikmagalur, little did he know that India, one day, would be the 6th largest coffee producer, with Karnataka contributing 71 per cent of coffee production to the world. Though the coffee culture has evolved through the years, and there has been a significant boom globally for coffee, the threat for your morning cup is real and is right there knocking on the doors–climate change!
Unpredictable weather patterns are affecting most parts of the world, including India. The country grows a lot of Robusta and Arabica, and both these varieties suffer prolonged periods of inadequate rainfall, temperature rise, drought and heavy flooding.
The Case With Arabica And Robusta Samia Subhani, a fourth-generation coffee planter and the founder of “The Kaimara Belt Coffee,” sounded distressed. Her family has been into coffee growing and trading for over 150 years, and their estate in the Baba Budangiri hills grows Arabica, the most demanding variety. Subhani’s estate has 50-80 farmers working on the plantation daily, all dependent entirely on coffee farming. But with the ongoing effects of climate change, coffee is going through a difficult phase putting all their lives at risk.
Arabica is the most demanding variety of coffee when it comes to cultivation. Photo Credit: Shutterstock
“Climate change causes leaf shedding, reduced coffee plant productivity, and increased vulnerability to pests. Extreme cold delays plant flowering and lowers berry quality. Heavy rains at irregular times cause cherries to burst and drop prematurely. Continuous heavy rains before harvest prevent drying, leading to crop spoilage,” Subhani explained.
But like they say, every solution has a problem. Subhani mentioned that we must dig deeper into our pockets and follow some mitigation measures to maintain the yield and deliver quality coffee to patrons. “So, we provide artificial rains during droughts, maintain proper irrigation in the system, avoid using harmful pesticides to control soil erosion and use only soil-friendly organic fertilisers.”
While this is the situation in an Arabica coffee plantation at Chikmagalur, Coorg, popularly known as the “Scotland of India,” is known to grow more of Robusta.
“Climate change is certain to impact coffee yields due to temperature changes. Coorg is experiencing water scarcity, affecting coffee production. Coffee plants require water, nutrients, rainfall, and sunshine for healthy growth and harvest. Fluctuations in yield have increased, with lower yields in recent years. Delayed monsoons in Coorg will further reduce usable berry production,” said Shruti Shibulal, CEO and Director of Tamara Leisure Experiences.
Though these climatic impacts are less friendly to coffee crops, Shibulal believes they have the advantage of scientific studies to inform how we can prepare for this impending change. Collaboration and knowledge sharing between those with high knowledge of the crop and those with research-driven and technological expertise is vital to assess, test and implement viable solutions.
Robusta is grown extensively in Coorg. Photo Credit: Shutterstock
“The Tamara Coorg is a 100 per cent organic plantation. Therefore, our irrigation is entirely dependent on rainfall. Rainwater harvesting tanks here facilitate the annual reuse of 90 lakh litres of rainwater. These reserves do marginally help us contend with unpredictable weather patterns. However, the coffee trees depend on rain and sunshine in balanced intervals to yield the greatest number of healthy berries,” she added.
According to Shibulal, instead of using measures like industrial fans or increased labour to speed up the drying process of coffee berries, they focus on protecting and nourishing their coffee trees using organic fertilisers and natural supplements. They also prioritise sustainable practices like reusing rainwater for irrigation and actively monitoring soil health. She further emphasised the importance of maintaining a tree canopy structure, which creates a favourable micro-climate for coffee plants and supports biodiversity.
“I would turn my support to local and regional producers or individual plantations (whenever possible). Smaller establishments will face greater challenges during times such as these. As consumers, we must lend our loyalty to those actively pursuing practices that combat climate change in the long run,” Shibulal concluded.
Climate Change Affecting Coffee Planters All Over Tapaswini Purnesh, a fifth generation coffee planter and Director–Marketing & Promotions of Classic Coffee, mentioned that other coffee planters, including the Harley Estate at Sakleshpur in Karnataka, are also battling climate change.
“The worst scenario is the last 4 to 5 years, where we have been experiencing heavy rains during harvest season, i.e., November to February, which normally is a complete dry spell. India is unique to the sun drying of coffee. However, due to unseasonal rains during harvest, plantations are now installing mechanical dryers to avoid quality deterioration,” Purnesh said.
She also stated that coffee production is highly labour-dependent. In the long run, finding labour may become increasingly challenging, an evident trend. As the cost of implementing adaptive measures rises and the arduousness of growing quality coffee amidst climatic pressures is considered, customers must acknowledge that good coffee comes with a price tag. “The coffee growers will be motivated to enhance and refine their coffee cultivation practices if they receive adequate remuneration from the price realisation.”
Meanwhile, the latest estimates warn that climate change may mean that as much as half of the land used for coffee production worldwide may no longer be suitable for it by the middle of the century if global warming continues at this rate. So, as all these coffee planters suggest, every citizen must be more responsible towards our environment, travel responsibly, and follow more sustainable practices to save our environment and the most loved, coffee.
source: http://www.outlookindia.com / Outlook Traveller / Home> Explore> Story / by Deepa Shri Rajan / June 25th, 2023
Dubare Elephant Camps, nestled amidst the picturesque beauty of Karnataka. It offers an unforgettable experience for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers. Located on the banks of the River Cauvery, this unique destination provides an opportunity to interact with elephants in a responsible and sustainable manner. In this comprehensive travel guide, we will explore the fascinating world of Dubare Elephant Camps, providing insights into the camp’s history, activities, wildlife encounters, accommodations, nearby attractions, and essential travel tips. Let’s embark on this remarkable journey into the heart of the elephant kingdom.
History and Background
Dubare Elephant Camps have a rich history rooted in the tradition of the mahouts (elephant trainers) who once served the Maharajas of Mysore. Initially, it served as a training ground for elephants used in the royal processions and other important functions. Over time, it transformed into a conservation and eco-tourism destination, where visitors can learn about the gentle giants and contribute to their well-being.
Getting There
Dubare Elephant Camps are located approximately 240 kilometers from Bangalore, the capital city of Karnataka. The nearest airport is the Kempegowda International Airport in Bangalore, while the nearest railway station is Mysore Junction. From there, one can hire a private taxi or take a bus to reach the camps.
Activities at Dubare Elephant Camps
a. Elephant Interactions:
The highlight of the camp is the opportunity to interact with elephants. Visitors can learn about their behavior, feed them, participate in bathing sessions, and even take part in the elephant grooming process.
b. River Rafting:
The camp offers thrilling river rafting experiences on the River Cauvery, allowing visitors to soak in the breathtaking views of the surrounding forests.
c. Nature Walks and Bird Watching:
Explore the lush green surroundings on guided nature walks, spotting diverse bird species and learning about the local flora and fauna.
d. Fishing:
Engage in a calming fishing experience in the river, trying your luck at catching the elusive Mahseer fish.
e. Coracle Rides:
Hop onto a traditional coracle boat and glide through the gentle waters of the River Cauvery, enjoying the tranquility and scenic beauty.
Wildlife Encounters
Apart from elephants, Dubare is home to a wide variety of wildlife species. Visitors have the chance to spot animals such as deer, gaur (Indian bison), wild boars, and various reptiles. Lucky guests may even catch a glimpse of the elusive leopard or tiger. The forest also boasts a vibrant birdlife, with species like Malabar pied hornbill, Indian roller, and white-bellied treepie making it a bird watcher’s paradise.
Accommodations
Dubare Elephant Camps provide various options for accommodation, ranging from tented cottages to eco-friendly lodges. The camps offer basic amenities while maintaining a close connection to nature. Visitors can enjoy a comfortable stay surrounded by the serene beauty of the forest.
Nearby Attractions
a. Namdroling Monastery: Situated in Bylakuppe, the largest Tibetan settlement in India, the Namdroling Monastery is home to thousands of monks and houses stunning Tibetan architecture.
b. Cauvery Nisargadhama: A scenic island formed by the River Cauvery, Nisargadhama offers lush greenery, bamboo groves, and a deer park, making it an ideal picnic spot.
c. Nagarhole National Park: Located nearby, this national park is a tiger reserve and a haven for various wildlife species. Visitors can embark on a thrilling safari to witness the incredible biodiversity of the region.
Best Time to Visit
The ideal time to visit Dubare Elephant Camps is from October to March when the weather is pleasant. During this period, one can enjoy outdoor activities without being hindered by the monsoon rains.
Essential Travel Tips
a. Carry comfortable clothing, walking shoes, and insect repellents.
b. Respect the animals and follow the guidelines provided by the camp authorities for the safety of both visitors and elephants.
c. Plan your visit in advance and make necessary reservations, especially during peak seasons.
d. Avoid littering and maintain cleanliness within the camp and its surroundings.
Dubare Elephant Camps offer an incredible opportunity to connect with nature, immerse in wildlife encounters, and understand the significance of elephant conservation. From thrilling activities to serene moments amidst the wilderness, this destination promises a memorable experience. By responsibly exploring the Dubare Elephant Camps, visitors can contribute to the conservation efforts and create lasting memories of their wildlife adventure in Karnataka, India.
source: http://www.nativeplanet.com / Native Planet / Home> Travel Guide / by Navya Sona /June 24th, 2023
With Indian cuisine in focus both globally and locally, there has never been a better time to chronicle Indian culinary culture in all its diversity. Rushina Munshaw Ghildiyal, herself the custodian of Uttarakhandi food, showcases 16 other women who are each committed to keeping their own culinary heritage alive. These are some of India’s most passionate culinary custodians, who are driving conversations around and exploration of regional, micro regional and community cuisines through media, books, TV, home delivery menus from their own home kitchens, and pop-ups at restaurants.
Kaveri Ponnapa
Kodava Food Kaveri Ponnapa is a Bengaluru-based independent writer on gastronomy and heritage, who is thought of as synonymous with Kodava culture and cuisine.
Avare Curry
Why We Think Kaveri Is A Culinary Custodian While researching her first book The Vanishing Kodavas, Kaveri spent a significant amount of time in the villages of Kodagu (Coorg), connected with the local people, and got a first-hand experience of their lifestyle, which is still connected with the land. The Vanishing Kodavas is acclaimed as a cultural study of the Kodava people based on 15 years of fieldwork documenting their history, customs, worship and cultural practices. Kaveri’s writings on these subjects have been published in leading national and global publications. Her website The Vanishing Kodavas, blog The Coorg Table and its Facebook page continue to be unique rich resources for information and authentic recipes and are followed by audiences from across India and the globe including the Kodava diaspora, as well as people fascinated by the unique cuisine of this small community. Her current project, based on her observations of how a cuisine is born out of a particular landscape, culture and history, is a book documenting the culinary culture of the Kodava community from an anthropological and cultural perspective, enriched with information on local ingredients, practices and recipes including many that are no longer eaten or being forgotten. Kaveri has curated successful Kodava food festivals with ITC Windsor, been consultant to the Leela Palace and Taj MG Road Bengaluru on Kodava cuisine, and continues to train chefs and speak about the cuisine at hospitality institutions such as The Oberoi Centre for Learning and Development, Delhi.
Bale Nuruk
What We’ve Learned About Kodava Cuisine Through Kaveri – Kachampuli is a souring and thickening agent indispensable to Kodava cuisine. Every kitchen will have a bottle or three of this dark, tart vinegar – made for centuries from the ripe fruits of the Garcinia gummi gutta tree, indigenous to Kodagu – stored away. It is a signature flavour in all the classic Coorg dishes.
– Rice is central to Coorg cuisine and used in many forms. Tari is washed, dried and hand-pounded rice that breaks down roughly into three to four bits and is used to make all the Coorg puttus. Akki podi is finely-powdered rice, used to make rice rotis and batters for some fried sweets. –
Kartha masala, or black masala, is a signature spice blend made of slowly dry roasted, ground spices that lends a characteristic flavour to many classic recipes. The basic ingredients of cumin, mustard seeds, black peppercorns and fenugreek seeds are roasted slowly to a coffee-brown colour, powdered and used in curries. A few other spices might be used too, depending on the recipe.
Theetharamada Sinchal Kaveramma shattered the national record in the 400-metre hurdle and met the qualifying mark for the Asiad (Asian Games), during the 62nd Inter-State Athletics Championships in Odisha.
Notably, she broke the national record, crossing the finish line in a thrilling photo-finish with a time of 56.76 seconds, surpassing the previous record of 57.02 seconds. This remarkable achievement also stands as Sinchal’s personal best time. She clinched the silver medal in the 400-metre hurdles event and a bronze medal in mixed relay.
The recently concluded National Inter-State Senior Athletics Championships, held at the Kalinga Stadium at Bhubaneswar, Odisha, served as a selection trial for both the delayed Asian Games in Hangzhou, scheduled for September, and the upcoming World Championships in Hungary.
Numerous top-tier athletes travelled to Bhubaneswar with the aim of securing their spots in the Asian Games later this year. Sinchal is among the 65 athletes representing 27 disciplines who persevered through scorching heatwaves to meet the Asiad qualification standard.
Sinchal receives training from Bollanda Vikram Aiyappa and Pramila Aiyappa in Bengaluru. Speaking to Star of Mysore, she attributed her record-breaking performance to her coaches and family, expressing her full dedication to them.
Sinchal has already commenced her preparations for the main Asian Games, scheduled to take place from Sept. 15 in Bangkok.
Sinchal is the daughter of Theetharamada M. Ravi and Rashmi (Kuppanda), residents of Nalloor village near Ponnampet. Her grandparents are Theetharamada Mudappa and Chondamma of Nalloor, as well as Kuppanda C. Thimmaiah and Muthakki of Nalvathoklu.
Sinchal completed her primary education at Lions Primary School in Gonikoppa and attended high school at Alvas English Medium High School in Moodbidri. She pursued her pre-university course at Alvas PU College and is currently in her final year of B.Com studies at Bishop Cotton Women’s Christian College in Bengaluru.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Sports /June 21st, 202
Indian squash players performed creditably in international, and home events.
There can be little doubt that in the last quarter of a century Indian sport has made a mark on the international stage. In various disciplines Indian sportsmen and women have won medals at World and Olympic meets and particularly in disciplines like weightlifting, boxing, wrestling, shooting, athletics and badminton Indians have earned a lot of respect worldwide.
But if there is one sport in which Indians have been making a comparatively quiet buzz it is squash. Not only have they performed creditably in international events but the country has also staged several international meets.
The most recent one was the just concluded Squash World Cup in Chennai, where eight countries participated. It was for the second time the city was hosting the event, the previous one being in 2011. Favourites Egypt won the event defeating Malaysia in the final. India made it to the semifinals before going down to Malaysia.
Zena Wooldridge, the president of the World Squash Federation (WSF) spoke highly of both the excellent infrastructure in the country and the potential of Indian squash to rise even higher. “India is such a massive attraction to any country and as such the Indian market is something that is irresistible in more ways than one’’ said Wooldridge who was in Chennai for the mega event.
Squash has come close to being an Olympic sport more than once before narrowly missing out to other disciplines but Wooldridge has not lost hope. She is confident of it being included in the 2028 Olympics, “Squash has not done anything wrong to not get the go ahead. I think we had some of the best bids and presentations.’’
In fact in keeping with the times the sport has made an important change in the points system and this was seen for the first time during the Chennai event. It featured a novel seven point best of five games format instead of the traditional eleven points posing a unique challenge for the players. In other words this abbreviated version was termed as the sport’s T-20 format but the players had no problem in adapting to it.
Think of Indian squash and the names that spring to mind immediately are Joshna Chinappa and Dipika Pallikal. The two young women along with the leading men’s player Saurav Goshal have done the most to put Indian squash on the international map. All of them have been ranked at various times in the top ten in the WSF rankings on the way, notching up victories over the leading players in the game.
All three, as well as several upcoming players, readily acknowledge that their game improved by leaps and bounds because of the Indian Squash Academy (ISA) a world class facility in Chennai that is the brainchild of N. Ramachandran former president of the Indian Olympic Association and former president of the WSF. There was a time when Mumbai was the hub of Indian squash but things changed when the ISA was set up at the turn of the new millennium.
The Squash Rackets Federation of India (SRFI) secretary-general Cyrus Poncha is firmly of the view that Chennai is now the place for squash players, “It goes without saying that Chennai is the squash hub in India and the reason for that is the presence of the ISA in the city. The training and the tournaments we conduct and the coaches we have at the ISA ensures high standard performances by our players.’’
Ghoshal for one has trained both in England and India. “When I am in India it is in Chennai that I undergo training. The facilities at the ISA are on par with any other academy abroad,’’ he says.
A factor in the growing popularity of squash according to Poncha is that it is an indoor and all weather sport. “We have been seeing a steady growth in the number of players taking to the sport. We have a programme wherein we go to schools and bring interested students to the squash academy. We take in kids as young as ten years and train them,’’ he says.
A far-sighted approach in making the sport popular has also helped. Initially matches in the Asian and World championships were held at the ISA. But the authorities realised that for squash to become popular it had to be taken to the masses.
In keeping with this for the last few years national and international events have been held at the Express Avenue Mall in the heart of the city. The huge crowd present during the recent Squash World Cup was testimony to the sport’s growing popularity.
Even those who had come in for shopping or window-shopping had a glance at what was going on at the court in the main foyer. But there were hundreds who had come specifically to watch the proceedings. From the various floors the spectators enjoyed the fare even as they clapped and cheered for the Indian players while holding aloft the national flag.
There is little doubt that Joshna and Dipika by their exploits on the squash court have inspired a younger generation to take to the sport. Joshna was part of the Indian team that took part in the world meet while Dipika who is married to Indian cricketer Dinesh Karthik has twins to care off and plays the game only sporadically. Incidentally Goshal is Dipika’s brother-in-law having married her sister.
Considering squash’s status at one stage, it has been a great journey for both Joshna, now 36 and Dipika, five years younger. The ISA took stock of their talent and moulded them. They were school children when squash crept into their activity zone.
The visionary zeal of N. Ramachandran, an industrialist and an ardent squash lover ensured the establishment of the ISA that virtually shaped the careers of several young talents. It was during his tenure as the Secretary General of the SRFI that the ISA became a reality. Today it is an institution that has helped script several wonderful moments for Indian squash.
source: http://www.thecitizen.in / The Citizen / Home> Sport / by Partab Ramchand / June 21st, 2023
The turf that was laid in 2021 remains unused and in a shambles.
The hockey turf sanctioned by Hockey India way back in 2013 which was completed in 2021 has a deserted look without a single match being played so far. Credit: DH Photo A sprinkler to water the pitch that was wrongly placed behind one of the two goal posts at the hockey arena in Somvarpet. Credit: DH Photo
Synonymous with the region’s love for hockey, the little-known Somvarpet – which translates to Somavara (in Kannada): Monday and pete meaning market – in Kodagu district has produced several Indian players over the years.
While BP Govinda (member of the bronze medal-winning Indian team at the 1972 Munich Olympics) and SV Sunil (two-time Olympian and Arjuna awardee) are the stalwarts, other Indian internationals such as Arjun Halappa, Vikram Kanth, Hariprasad, Abharan Sudev, Roy KP, BM Geeta along with many in the national camps and India A teams have helped put Somvarpet on the sports’ global stage.
Recognising its contribution to Indian hockey and the immense talent pool, it was only apt when Hockey India chose this small town in the western ghats to lay a long-pending demand for synthetic turf – much to the excitement of hockey lovers here.
Though the ‘bhoomi puje’ was done way back on March 14, 2013, work began only in 2018 while the laying of the turf was completed in 2021 at Somvarpet’s Government PU College premises. More than two years later, however, the field remains closed and unused without a single match being played so far.
Surprisingly, around two years ago, HI issued an FIH (International Hockey Federation) certification and declared the turf fit as per international standards even though half the work – undertaken by a Hyderabad-based sports infrastructure company – had remained incomplete. This came as a rude shock to many and their concerns falling on deaf ears.
While defective drainage system and unscientifically built retention walls lead to flooding during monsoon, sprinklers have been placed behind goalposts. Besides, there are no water and electricity connections which have left the turf dry in summers.
“There is weed growing around the mat and in the stands. The newly-built arena has an abandoned look,” rued Ashok HN, director of Dolphin’s Hockey Academy in Somvarpet.
“It has been 10 years and we don’t know how many more years do we have to wait to witness some hockey action here,” he added.
A total of Rs 2 crore was allocated by the DYES initially but the expenditure of the project shot up to nearly Rs 5 crore in the course of time. With the money spent going waste, the stadium with a scenic backdrop fails to paint a pretty picture.
“It is really tragic because Somvarpet is one of the main hockey beds of the State and so much money has been spent,” said AB Subbaiah, secretary of Hockey Karnataka and member of the selection committee of HI.
“The mandate is for the agency to give a minimum guarantee of seven years after the completion of work. The DYES has to hold the contractor accountable.”
When DH contacted Vismayi VT, the assistant director at DYES of Kodagu district, she assured that the turf would be functional soon.
The newly-elected MLA of Madikeri, Mantar Gowda, inspected the facility on Monday and promised to fast track the process of getting the stadium ready and operational. “Around 90% of the work is completed. The interlocking of the surface around the the turf and clearing the weed are the only tasks pending. And about the wrong placement of the sprinkler, we have requested the contractor to shift it. As soon as all this is ready, we will co-ordinate with MLA sir and our head office in Bengaluru to fix an inauguration date at the earliest,” said Vismayi.
If making the turf in Somvarpet – fourth in the district after Madikeri, Kudige and Ponnampet – functional is the immediate priority, maintaining it will be a challenge in the years to come.
source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> Sports> Other Sports / by Hita Prakash, DHNS, Bengaluru / June 14th, 2023
In this excerpt from his memoir, Sukumaran Chaligatha, a poet who belongs to the Adiya tribe, writes about his experience working in the ginger farms of Kodagu and the exploitation tribal workers faced.
The following is a chapter from poet Sukumaran Chaligatha’s memoir Bethimaran. The chapter, titled Kudannadili Bulenta Injimu Uganda Njathukkallumu (The Ginger Crop of Kodagu and Sustenance of Life), has been translated from Malayalam by Binu Karunakaran.
Like the Bengalis who migrate to Kerala consider the state their ‘Gulf’, the Kodagu district in Karnataka too was ‘Gulf’ for the residents of Wayanad, who were taken there for work in the ginger farms. The journey was compelling. From every ooru (tribal hamlet) they would take five to six jeep-loads of people – men, women and children – jam-packed like cattle. The children felt happy seeing the adults find work and travel because of them.
Most of the workers in the ginger farms of Kodagu were from Kerala. Landlords in Karnataka owned huge farms running into acres. Houses are located five kilometres from each other. The people who take the land on lease for cultivation have specific instructions for Malayali agents, that on this particular day, in a particular colony, you will find good workers.
Each person would have taken 20 to 30 acres of land on lease and would need five or six jeep-fulls of farm workers. We would board the jeeps at around 6 in the evening. If someone eats on the way, it would be noted down in an account book. When it was time for wage distribution, this amount would be deducted. Sometimes our wages were denied. If we needed money, an advance would be given.
Some workers would take Rs 500 as advance and then splurge Rs 300 on drinks. Whatever is left would be shared with the family to meet expenses till the worker is back. One should remember that this money is meant to last the next one or two months. While returning, what remains would be the overhead of credit against one’s name in the ledger. Sometimes we would be told that money is due to them.
The jeeps would reach Kodagu late in the night. The men would be dead drunk by then. Sighting of elephants and bison was common and the front seats of the jeeps were in demand because of this. There would never be enough seats and many would hang on to the rear throughout the journey. We would reach by 2 am and there was no option but to sleep on the ground.
In the morning, the workers themselves would have to build the shed in which they would stay. It was no better than a large cattle shed, built by cutting trees in the farm and using them as poles. The roof was made of palm leaves and grass. The shed would have a kitchen, where two women would be assigned to cook rice gruel and curries. There would be a mesiri (mestri/head workman) to monitor the workers. He would keep an accounts ledger.
The mesiri was entitled to a separate room inside the shed, where liquor was stored in white-coloured pouches called moolavettis (since the corners or moola of the pouches had to be cut to consume the liquor). Anyone who drank the stuff would spin like tops. It was nothing but plain spirit. Once opened, the packets were emptied straight into the mouth without mixing even a drop of water. The women would drink too. It was nothing like the liquor one gets in Kerala.
For men, the daily wage was Rs 75 and for women Rs 55. Each moolavetti was priced at Rs 3 or Rs 4. Men would polish off five or six packets in a day, the price of which would be cut from their daily wage. Apart from the moolavetti, there would be betel quid to chew too. Mesiri would write down everything in his ledger under various overheads. And the food? Rice gruel, rice, dried sardines, and a chutney made of chillies. The menu was the same every day. After the meal, one would have to work till 5 in the evening or 6. In the mornings, work would start at 7 or sometimes 6.
The mesiri would first arrange some workers to plough the field, then decide the date on which ginger is to be planted and take us. The process resembles a burial. Initially long beds are prepared by scooping up soil from two sides on which seed tubers are sown. There would be boys as young as 10 among the workers. They would keep sowing all day from small baskets filled with seeds, all under the fierce sun. The seeds are topped with soil and over it another layer of dried leaves and grass is added. Sprouts would appear in a month’s time. The beds need to be watered regularly.
The real danger, however, was the highly potent pesticide used in the ginger farms. From a single root, 5 or 6 kg of ginger can be obtained. Which is why pesticides are used excessively. If the price for a sack of ginger goes up by Rs 2,000 or Rs 3,000, they would be rich. I have heard old-timers sharing stories of people who became crorepatis by ginger farming. It’s like winning the lottery. For some people, cultivating ginger once is enough to make it big.
The seed tubers are kept immersed in pesticides in large pit-like tanks. Adivasi men, without any kind of safety gear, have to climb down these tanks to take out the seeds. Not even a glove is provided to take out the pesticide-coated seeds or while handling cow dung. When it’s time to eat, everyone washes their hands with a cake of soap. That’s the only safety they have. Tribal hamlets are rife with stories of people who died because of this lack of safety.
Workers are needed to dig trenches. Ten people would dig side-by-side as the work needs to be completed soon. Employers know how many people they need on a particular day. For Adivasis, the work is hellish. On top of that is the sexual harassment of women by the landlords and mesiris. These happenings are narrated as stories by those who have been to Kodagu, when they work in the fields back home. There have been instances where people have been killed when issues arise.
Once the work ends, the workers come back like kings. It’s as if they have returned from the Gulf.
When one planting phase is over, the men are sent back. After a while, weeds would start sprouting and to deal with this, women are hired. After that workers are again hired to build ledges. The ginger beds need to be filled with more soil and for that men are needed. For each phase, people are hired. When it’s time for harvest, men, women, and children are taken together. When it’s time to return, some would call from Kodagu and inform their dear ones they would be returning on such and such a date. Workers would wait with excitement if their return coincided with the Valliyoorkavu festival or with Onam. After all, they did not have much to do. On the day of return, they would be truly happy. The money they earned working for so long would be splurged in a single day. Nothing is saved. The men would spend the entire money on alcohol. Those days Adivasi men were heavily into drinking. The women would buy clothes and goods for the entire family. Then everyone would leave as a group to watch a movie. From a single colony, 10 jeeps would leave for Mananthavady. Some would go to Batheri. The ambience in the ooru would be festive. Absolutely no tension. The happiness of having returned to ooru after all the torture in Kodagu. On that day, anyone else would fail to get a seat in movie theatres in Mananthavady, Batheri or Pulpally. Everything would be booked by adivasis. If someone else enters the theatre and an altercation happens, adivasis would beat them up. Brawls would be endless and many blows would be exchanged.
When I was in Class 4, I remember listening to the stories of those who returned from Kodagu. The stories were amazing. The men would also sing songs, new songs that they had themselves made up. They spoke about places where you can fish and where the river was. It was a kind of knowledge that couldn’t be found elsewhere. I listened to these stories when studying in Class 4 and 5 and felt the urge to travel. When I told my father, he agreed. That my aunt and other family members were there too made it easier. Thus began my journeys traversing many kilometres. Do you know how many places in Karnataka I have been to? The journeys would end in big estates, places that are hard to reach, without access for vehicles. Calling out to a fellow human would often be futile as there would be no one to respond. These are the kinds of places that I worked. To live, one has to…
These were the only kind of jobs available for adivasis at that time. We have been continuously subjected to disdain for being adivasis. People could subject us to anything by spreading the idea that adivasis are not intelligent or resourceful, that there is no harm if they are threatened, beaten up or even killed. Adivasis would come and work. If we had behaved like them, there would have been no settlers in Wayanad today. Isn’t it because we were decent that they continue to live there. What if we were not so…? We became slaves when the settlers arrived. They became landlords.
I was a small child when I went to Kodagu for the first time. The wage fixed for me was Rs 5. I worked for more than two months. They owed me around Rs 800 for various kinds of tasks, but it was never given. They made me, a child, work, and then stole my money. I planted ginger seeds, I dug canals to drain water from the ginger beds. I ate rice gruel, chutney made of chillies, and dry sardines. None of us could breathe well because women, children, and men were forced to stay in a single room. And there were no toilets. We went outside, to a corner of the field to attend nature’s call. If the men fell sick, they drank a packet of arrack. Our hands never felt clean even if we took a bath, they would always look black-coloured. We learned this when comparing them with the rest of our body. How much ever we decked ourselves up, we were never clean. Our bodies and health underwent many changes. The slavery and torture we went through was never talked about in Kerala. Thinking about it even now fills us with sadness. Ithiyammas (grandmothers) would say: “We brought up 10 to 15 kids only for them to work for a single measure of rice.”
Some old-timers who went to work in Kodagu are still alive. Their bodies bear the marks of their experiences. I worked in ginger farms at a place called Hunsur till I turned 15. I was studying in Class 10 when I finally stopped working. The last time I went for slave work other than in ginger farms was at Shanivarashanthe in the Nagarahole area. It was many years later. A forested place with no human habitation. It was a time when I was jobless and had no money. The work assigned was to stand guard at cassava farms on the estate and keep away wild boars and elephants. We couldn’t speak, we were supposed to listen to whatever they told us. Sometimes they would beat us or shower us with swear words. We had to get up early. At times I was full of anger. They would wake us up at 5 am, sometimes at 3.30 am. Mesiri wouldn’t let us sleep. The reasoning was that only those who rise early work. The tasks we did were full of hardship. On some days I said that I won’t work marking it as leave. If you don’t work, there are no wages. Do you know the days I have worked despite being sick? Many, including women and children, have died. Our people did not realise that they were being exploited in Kodagu. Despite all this, our people used to sing secretly. It is through these songs that they rejuvenated themselves. I think all tribal people across the world, including Africa, would have done the same thing. They would have shared stories of their own and sang songs in between. There was no time to rest between work. No one would be allowed to even sit for five minutes after a meal. I wrote a film script titled Shanivarashanthe based on my experience.
A change came after government interventions in 2008. Many organisations took up the cause, visited the ginger farms in Kodagu, and made the reports public. It became news. People began to talk about these matters that were known but no one had bothered about till then. When adivasi organisations intervened, it became serious. It started affecting families and livelihoods. The government started to keep track of people travelling to Kodagu. The local police station was asked to keep a record of their names, phone numbers, and dates of leaving. Until then no one knew such details. People would be stuffed till the vehicles are full. The only document was the ledger kept by mesiris, which would have names. But it would be in their hands. Gradually, the police stopped intervening. Adivasis themselves stopped going for such work. The trips to Kodagu from tribal hamlets came to a stop.
I wrote a poem called ‘Soundless Tata’ based on the experiences in Kodagu. When it first appeared in print, I felt as if the history of Kodagu itself had been documented. The poem was first written in Ravula and then in Malayalam.
Soundless Tata
An Adivasi youth
went to Kodagu
and came back
having lost
his umbrella.
The notes he had,
five or eight
were all green.
The coins, a few
more, all white. Two
dhotis and two
shirts wrapped
in a cover from Geetha
Textiles, bath towel,
a warm blanket and in
his hand a packet
of mixture to snack.
Kids ran to him like
Usain Bolt.
The shy wife
closed her eyes, the hug
was like Dhritarashtra’s.
Mother-in-law had
more work to do
kitchen
courtyard
kitchen
courtyard
munching by kids
ogling by neighbours
ah, you’ve come…?
Having a blast
today, having a blast
tomorrow
Met everyone, need
to leave day after,
heap soil over ginger.
Got as advance Rs 500,
Rs 200 for the wife,
Rs 50 for mother-in-law,
candies for kids,
employer hasn’t
settled the dues, kids
still have their
candies, wife’s face
is all puffed up in anger.
The jeep has come
Kodagu, Kodagu…
Will be there for the festival.
Sukumaran Chaligatha is a poet who writes in Ravula, a tribal language, and in Malayalam. He is currently a general council member of the Kerala Sahitya Akademi and also the ooru mooppan (tribal chieftain) of Chaligatha near Kuruva Dweep in Wayanad. His memoir Bethimaran, published by Olive Books, can be purchased here.
source: http://www.thenewsminute.com / The News Minute / Home> News> Literature / by Sukumaran Chaligatha / June 14th, 2023
Former Union Minister Dr. Subramanian Swamy has written to Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, urging him to form a commission to provide special status to the tribals in Kodagu, as requested by the Kodava National Council members.
Dr. Subramanian Swamy, who has already approached the High Court with the request to fulfill the demand of the tribal natives of Kodagu for a separate district, has a court hearing of the application on June 14. The veteran politician said that he wanted to meet Siddaramaiah on the occasion.
Referring to the demand of the natives in his letter to the Chief Minister, the former Union Minister stressed on the urgent need to form a government panel that would work at giving special status to the Kodavas in Karnataka.
source: http://www.english.varthabharati.in / Vartha Bharati / Home> Karnataka / by Vartha Bharati / June 10th, 2023
Mantar Gowda, MLA, directs the officials to coordinate with different departments to mitigate any extremities in weather.
A flash of lightning illuminating the skies in Mysuru. | Photo Credit: M.A. SRIRAM
With the monsoon set to keep its tryst with Kodagu in the next few days, the authorities reviewed their preparations to meet any eventuality.
A meeting was convened in Madikeri on Friday, June 9, and Mantar Gowda, MLA, directed the officials to coordinate with different departments to mitigate any extremities in weather.
He said the revenue, forest, PWD, CESC and other departments should coordinate and ensure that they attend to any problems caused in case of a landslide, uprooting of trees or telephone and electricity poles. The teams constituted for the purpose should reach the affected spots immediately and carry out repairs or any other mitigatory exercise to tide over the crisis.
The MLA said relief centres should be stocked with basic necessities and be equipped to deal with flood victims who could be shifted from their villages.
The officials were also instructed to counsel those affected by floods and infuse psychological strength in them and professional counsellors should be roped in with the assistance of Department of Health.
The nodal officers in charge of different relief centres should ensure coordination among different wings and branches of the district administration, said Mr. Gowda.
The authorities were directed to impress upon the people living in the vulnerable areas to be ready to relocate at short notice. The Chamundeshwari Electricity Supply Corporation (CESC) personnel were directed to ensure that electricity poles that are uprooted are immediately replaced and power supply restored at the earliest. Similarly, the forest department staff were asked to be on alert to clear the roads of any uprooted trees to pave way for traffic movement.
The district health officer was directed to monitor for any outbreak of water-borne diseases during monsoon and ramp up the preparations to handle any epidemic. The Education Department officials were instructed to ensure that no classes are conducted in schools identified to be in dilapidated conditions.
The ZP CEO Shekar said that meetings have been conducted at the Gram Panchayat levels and 19 schools have been identified for conversion as relief centres if need be. The principals of the respective schools will also function as nodal officers, he added.
There is a helpline at every Gram Panchayat and volunteers will also be deployed in case of any emergency, said the official.
Shantilal Jatia, heading the NDRF at Kodagu, said that a team of 24 personnel are stationed in the district and they would be ready for deployment at any time in case of emergency.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India> Karnataka / by The Hindu Bureau / June 09th, 2023
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