Category Archives: Nature

Karnataka hot contender for top slot in pepper production

Business & Economy, Green Initiatives / Environment, Nature

Increase in pepper prices from Rs. 200 a kg to Rs. 700 a kg serves as incentive for farmers to take up its cultivation.

PepperBF25nov2015

2014-15 estimates point to State overtaking Kerala

Spices Board of India Chairman A. Jayathilak said that estimates for 2014-15 suggest that Karnataka has overtaken Kerala as the largest producer of pepper in the country.

He was speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the International Pepper Community’s 43rd session and meetings here on Monday.

Dr. Jayathilak said a large number of coffee and arecanut farmers from Karnataka had taken to pepper production as an “adjunct crop”.

The increase in pepper prices from Rs. 200 a kg three years ago to around Rs. 700 a kg had served as an incentive for farmers to cultivate the spice that enjoys huge demand in the international market.

According to estimates, the State last year produced around 5,000 tonnes over Kerala, which used to occupy the numero uno position by accounting for 40 per cent of the country’s pepper production.

Pepper production in the country had dipped to 37,000 tonnes in 2013-14 owing to unfavourable weather conditions. However, the situation was looking up with estimates suggesting a production of 70,000 tonnes in 2014-15.

Earlier, while delivering the presidential address at the session, Dr. Jayathilak appreciated the contribution of farmers from Karnataka in the turnaround. The spices board chose Mysuru as the venue for the annual meet to honour pepper growers in the State, he said.

He cautioned that importing countries were coming up with stringent quality standards that were “practically difficult” to achieve, particularly in case of pesticide residues.

Rajani Ranjan Rashmi, Additional Secretary, Department of Commerce, New Delhi, in his keynote address, said the wellness industry and health tourism had provided enormous potential for the growth of the spice industry. He urged the industry to further explore the medicinal and nutritional value of pepper.

Pratap Simha, MP, claimed that Kodagu accounted for half the pepper produced in Karnataka.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> National> Karnataka / by Laiqh A. Khan / Mysuru – November 24th, 2015

Agri Scientist Laxmipathi Gowda awarded two Fellowships

Green Initiatives / Environment, Inspiration/ Positive News and Features, Leaders, Nature, Science & Technology

Mysuru :

Mysuru-based renowned agriculture scientist Dr. C. L. Laxmipathi Gowda has been conferred Fellowships of two prestigious agriculture research professional bodies in 2015.

In January this year, Dr. Laxmipathi Gowda was elected as a Fellow of the National Academy of Agricultural Sciences (NAAS) based in New Delhi. The Academy is a national level body in India devoted to agricultural sciences. The Fellows of the Academy are recognised for their contributions to science, and includes distinguished personalities in the field of Agriculture and Allied Sciences, both from India and abroad.

Early this week, the American Society of Agronomy (ASA) awarded him the Fellowship of American Society of Agronomy during the Annual Meeting held at the Hilton Minneapolis, Minneapolis, USA. The ASA is a progressive international scientific society that fosters the transfer of knowledge and practices to sustain global agriculture dedicated to advancing the field of agronomy in relation to soils, crop production, environmental quality, ecosystem sustainability, bioremediation, waste management, recycling, and wise land use.

Dr. Laxmipathi Gowda was formerly Deputy Director General-Research, ICRISAT, Hyderabad. As Coordinator of the Cereals and Legumes Asia Network (CLAN) he helped strengthen the national research-for-development (R4D) capacity of national agriculture research systems (NARS) in 12 countries in Asia.

As chickpea breeder he also helped 30 national programmes in Asia and Africa to select and release 70 improved, high-yielding and disease resistant chickpea (Bengal gram or Chana) varieties (both Desi and Kabuli types) that were adopted by smallholder farmers extensively leading to increased food production.

He has received more than 30 awards and recognitions from many countries and professional bodies. Recently, the Government of Karnataka nominated him as a Member of the Vision Group on Agriculture chaired by Prof. M. S. Swaminathan.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> General News / Wednesday – November 18th, 2015

Lalbagh to host India’s first national landscape fest

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Green Initiatives / Environment, Nature, Records, All, Travel, World Opinion

Bengaluru :

The country’s first national landscape fest is all set to begin from November 11 to 15 in Lalbagh under the joint endeavour of the horticulture and agriculture departments that would demonstrate and exhibit several aspects of landscaping, urban horticulture and spiritual gardens.

A unique initiative, the fest would showcase the biggest vertical garden in the history of Lalbagh – at 7 feet tall and 1000 feet wide, covering an area of 7,000 square feet all around the glass house at Lalbagh.

Dr Jagadeesh M, joint director of horticulture department, said, “Bengaluru being known as the garden city and losing the grandeur of its name in recent days, we have tried to organise this fest to drive the city more into landscaping and beautifying a spot. The show will be arranged inside the glass house. In addition to that, the concept of organic urban roof gardening will also be explored outside the glass house, by which the bio-waste from each household will be used to produce organic manures. This method of growing vegetables and fruits ensures the consumption of organic plant products.”

“The Bonsai Garden will host exhibition on spiritual gardening which will have Nakshatravana, Raashivana, Navagrahavana, Shivapanchayatvana and several other spiritual plants. It would have landscape technology stalls as part of the show,” he added.

The fest would receive more than 3,000 landscape experts and architects and over 3 lakh visitors are expected to visit Lalbagh during the fest.

Dr Krishna Chavan from Belagavi, an international landscape architect, who has organised the fest, said, “The fest will enable Bengalureans to explore and balance nature and colour their lives with plants and flowers. I have used the concept of five elements of nature – water, air, soil, stone and plant for beautifying the landscape.”

Speaking to TOI about police security to be provided in Lalbagh during the fest, DCP Lokesh Kumar, said, “More than 400 cops will be deployed for security and traffic in and around Lalbagh. Tickets will be available till 6.00 pm and visitors can stay till 7.00 pm in the garden. Only two-wheelers can be parked in Alameen College and both two-wheelers and cars have to be parked at Shantinagar Bus depot, JC Road and near Lalbagh HOPCOMS stall.”

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / News Home> City> Bengaluru / TNN / by Sreemoyee Chatterjee / November 09th, 2015

Lalbagh to host India’s first national landscape fest

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Green Initiatives / Environment, Nature, Records, All

Bengaluru  :

The country’s first national landscape fest is all set to begin from November 11 to 15 in Lalbagh under the joint endeavour of the horticulture and agriculture departments that would demonstrate and exhibit several aspects of landscaping, urban horticulture and spiritual gardens.

A unique initiative, the fest would showcase the biggest vertical garden in the history of Lalbagh – at 7 feet tall and 1000 feet wide, covering an area of 7,000 square feet all around the glass house at Lalbagh.

Dr Jagadeesh M, joint director of horticulture department, said, “Bengaluru being known as the garden city and losing the grandeur of its name in recent days, we have tried to organise this fest to drive the city more into landscaping and beautifying a spot. The show will be arranged inside the glass house. In addition to that, the concept of organic urban roof gardening will also be explored outside the glass house, by which the bio-waste from each household will be used to produce organic manures. This method of growing vegetables and fruits ensures the consumption of organic plant products.”

“The Bonsai Garden will host exhibition on spiritual gardening which will have Nakshatravana, Raashivana, Navagrahavana, Shivapanchayatvana and several other spiritual plants. It would have landscape technology stalls as part of the show,” he added.

The fest would receive more than 3,000 landscape experts and architects and over 3 lakh visitors are expected to visit Lalbagh during the fest.

Dr Krishna Chavan from Belagavi, an international landscape architect, who has organised the fest, said, “The fest will enable Bengalureans to explore and balance nature and colour their lives with plants and flowers. I have used the concept of five elements of nature – water, air, soil, stone and plant for beautifying the landscape.”

Speaking to TOI about police security to be provided in Lalbagh during the fest, DCP Lokesh Kumar, said, “More than 400 cops will be deployed for security and traffic in and around Lalbagh. Tickets will be available till 6.00 pm and visitors can stay till 7.00 pm in the garden. Only two-wheelers can be parked in Alameen College and both two-wheelers and cars have to be parked at Shantinagar Bus depot, JC Road and near Lalbagh HOPCOMS stall.”

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / News Home> City> Bengaluru / Sreemoyee Chatterjee, TNN / November 09th, 2015

2-day Seed Savers meet, Seed Festival in city

Green Initiatives / Environment, Nature

‘Desi’ Cooking Contest tomorrow

Mysuru :

With an aim to create awareness on conservation and revival of crop genetic resources and to exchange seeds, a two-day Seed Savers Meet and Seed Festival have been organised at Nanjaraja Bahadur Choultry in city on Oct. 28 and 29 from 10 am to 8 pm.

Zilla Panchayat President Dr. Pushpa Amarnath will inaugurate the Fest at 11.30 am on Oct. 28. Legal expert and policy analyst from Delhi – Shalini Bhutani, Joint Director of Agriculture (Mysuru) M. Mahantheshappa, farmer leader Nandini Jayaram, Convenor of Alliance for Sustainable and Holistic Agriculture Kavitha Kuruganti and Bharat Beej Swaraj Manch Convenor Jacob Nellithanam will be the chief guests. National Award winner Farmer-Scientist Shankar Guru will preside.

Cooking Contest

To attract people towards local food and country breed, a ‘Desi Aduge Spardhe’ (Traditional Cooking Contest) has also been organised at the venue at 10.30 am tomorrow (Oct. 28). Entry is Free.

Participants should cook food using Siridhanya, Desi Akki, Kempakki, Kale Gida, Kaadu Gida and Medicinal Plants or prepare cuisine using any of the above items.

About 50 Seed Saver groups from seven States of India, working on farm conservation and promotion of seed diversity and related knowledge, will participate.

Over 1,500 varieties of crop seeds will be on display, along with relevant posters and literature. Books, organic products, organic food and some seeds will be available on sale.

The Festival will also feature parallel talks, presentations, film shows and a cultural programme of song and music at the same venue. For details about the Seed Festival, contact Shantakumar on 94487-74871 or 95351-49520.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> General News / Tuesday ,October 27th, 2015

Call to farmers to adopt Agnihotra farming

Green Initiatives / Environment, Nature

AgnihotraBF02oct2015

Mysuru :

A day-long workshop on ‘Agnihotra Farming,’ organised under the aegis of Ananta Bharatha Charitable Trust (ABCT), was held at Central Sericultural Research and Training Institute (CSRTI) on Manandavadi Road here yesterday.

Indian Informal Worker Initiative Secretary Dr. Dhwani Sharma, who spoke after inaugurating the workshop, regretted the negligence of Agnihotra Farming in our country.

Pointing out that Agnihotra Farming is the invention of our country, she said that German farmers have successfully practised this form of farming and are growing vegetables and crop that are abundantly rich with life-enriching nutrients.

She called upon the farming community to adopt Agnihotra Farming, which is ‘Homa Therapy Farming’ for abundant crop production and less expenses.

ABCT Founder and former Minister S.A. Ramdas, in his address, said that the Agnihotra was a concept perceived by our ancient Saints for better agricultural production and nutrition- rich crops.

Stating that the ABCT will join hands with Indian Informal Worker Initiative for promotion of agriculture in such a way that it gives good monetary returns besides delighting the mind, Ramdas said that this concept is based on 5Ms — Minimum cost, Maximum production, Marketing, More profit and More healthy.

Ramdas also said that the ABCT has planned to set up soil research centres, water centres, environment centres and agriculture product centres across the State in the near future.

Explaining the salient features and benefits of Agnihotra Farming, he declared that 102 farmers of the district will be selected in the first phase of Agnihotra Farming promotion.

Dr. Shailendra Sharma, Scientist, Dr. K.M. Indiresh, Dean, College of Horticulture, Mysore, Dr. V. Sivaprasad, CSRTI Director and others were present on the occasion.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> General News / Friday – October 02nd, 2015

‘Forests and Wildlife can be protected only if there is transparency in the Dept.’

Green Initiatives / Environment, Nature, Travel

WildlifeWardenBF30sept2015

Says Hon. Wildlife Warden N.M. Naveen Kumar

One should not work in the forest just for the sake of working but should have the passion for wildlife, its protection and conservation. One such person, who not only has the passion for wildlife but also wants to create awareness among the young generation about the importance of forests and wildlife, is N.M. Naveen Kumar, Hon. Wildlife Warden of Chamarajanagar district, who holds a M.Sc degree in Public Policy and Management from University of London. He has been appointed by the State Government for the second term. Chamarajanagar District Wildlife Division consists of six ranges in Bandipur National Park, complete BRT Tiger Reserve, M.M. Hills Wildlife Sanctuary and a major portion of Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary.

In a tete-a-tete with Star of Mysore, Naveen Kumar spoke about Wildlife Wardens, their duties, responsibilities and challenges. Excerpts…

by S. Kenneth Shishir

Star of Mysore (SOM): Who is an Honorary Wildlife Warden?

Naveen: An Hon. Wildlife Warden is a gazetted public servant, appointed under Section 4, Sub Section BB of the Wildlife Protection Act 1972. It is a statutory post that is created by an Act of Parliament.

SOM: What are the duties and responsibilities of Hon. Wildlife Warden?

Naveen: The notification issued by the Ministry of Environment and Forests has clearly stipulated the duties and responsibilities of the Hon. Wildlife Warden. The primary duties according to the Act are of enforcement in nature, namely, Control of poaching and clandestine trade in wild animals and products; Detection and prosecution of offences under the aforementioned Act; Preventing damage to the habitat of wildlife; Initiating measures for dealing with man-animal conflicts including the assessment and payment of compensation, etc.; Carrying the message of conservation to the people and enlisting public support for nature and wildlife conservation.

SOM: What powers do you have to carry out these duties?

Naveen: Hon. Wildlife Warden has the status of a deemed public servant under Section 59 of the Wildlife Protection Act 1972 and has powers of entry, search, seizure and detention under Section 50 for prevention and detection of offences under the aforementioned Act and also has powers to inspect records of licences under Section 47 Sub Section B of the Wildlife Protection Act 1972.

SOM: Do Forest officials extend co-operation to Hon. Wildlife Wardens in carrying out works?

Naveen: Co-operation is being extended to a limited extent only by a few honest officers who have the passion for wildlife conservation.

The officers whose priorities (unfortunately in majority) have certain personal agendas and they see the Hon. Wildlife Warden, especially an educated, informed and pro-active ones, as a thorn in their flesh.

SOM: Could you elaborate?

Naveen: The problem with the functional process of the Forest Department is that it is completely beyond public scrutiny unlike the works of Revenue, PWD or Police Department. For example, the Forest Department’s functioning is beyond the sight of the common man (Public) because forest is a technical subject and most importantly, the general public has no right of entry. This has created an atmosphere where “Power – Transparency = Corruption.”

Therefore, the role of Hon. Wildlife Warden becomes very crucial as he/she is the only representative of the public who has powers of entry and access into the forest.

SOM: How is the Anti-Poaching Force working in Bandipur?

Naveen: We have increased the number of Anti-Poaching Camps and to a large extent, they have been instrumental in preventing and contain poaching. But on the ground in case of Bandipur, more than 60% of the Anti-Poaching Camps do not have a gun despite several written observations in this regard.

SOM: How do they work without weapons then?

Naveen: Patrolling on foot with a machete in their hands and any observations of human intervention, animal deaths, etc. are being reported to the head quarters in the evenings. Moreover, Anti-Poaching Camps are under-staffed and in case of Bandipur, there are 68 vacant positions with 28 persons at the guard level being transferred with a replacement of only 10 guards which has left Bandipur National Park to the mercy of poachers and timber smugglers.

SOM: What are your suggestions to improve forests?

Naveen: In order to protect, conserve and improve the forests, there has to be transparency and open public scrutiny of the Department’s functioning; Corrupt officers, especially those trapped by Lokayukta and against whom cases are pending, should not be given sensitive postings in places like Nagarahole and Bandipur National Parks; The subordinate staff vacancies should be filled on priority; Weapons should be issued and hardness allowance extended to those working in the Wildlife Divisions. They should also get basic incentives like Life Insurance, canteen benefits on the lines of Police Department.

SOM: What are the challenges faced in the forest?

Naveen: Some of the major challenges being faced in the forest include sand lifting from core area sometimes with the connivance of officials concerned, timber smuggling which is being routed to depots and small game poaching especially deer, variety of fowls, hares and so on.

SOM: Has the night traffic ban been effective?

Naveen: Of course yes. Night traffic ban has been effective in ensuing peace and tranquillity for wild animals and has averted a lot of road kills. It is an outstanding example of what a passionate officer (in this case Dr. R. Raju, IFS) can contribute to the wildlife if he really minds.

SOM: What measures have been taken to end or control man-animal conflicts in forest borders?

Naveen: The Congress-led State Government has taken up a major project which is worth Rs. 230 crore. The Railway Barricade Project for border areas of both Bandipur and Nagarahole National Parks is the first in the country which is an initiative of C. Srinivasan, retd. APCCF, Project Tiger. Upon completion of this project, man-animal conflicts, especially man-elephant conflicts, would drastically subside.

Apart from this, night patrolling along sensitive areas and Village Watch Committees has been functioning to control Man-Animal conflicts.

SOM: What is your message to the younger generation who are interested in nature and wildlife conservation?

Naveen: Just remember, wildlife conservation is all about ‘swimming against the tide.’ Never hesitate to voice your opinion against the system when it is not in the interest of conservation. Help in protecting, preserving and conserving forest and wildlife by creating awareness about its importance to mankind. Those interested in wildlife conservation or have suggestions pertaining to wildlife and forest conservation may contact Naveen Kumar on e-mail: nmnaveen@yahoo.com

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Feature Articles / Wednesday – September 30th, 2015

Cultivation of red cabbage turns lucrative

Business & Economy, Green Initiatives / Environment, Nature

Hubballi :

Streetside Chinese snack makers would struggle to find red cabbage, which is not grown in the district, and the cost of the leaf flower is high, too, because it would be imported from neighbouring districts and states.

To cover this deficit, local farmers are beginning to grow red cabbage, having discovered that it is lucrative. There are other such crops, too, which are attractively priced. Snack stalls use red cabbage extensively to garnish Chinese dishes like gobi manchurian, noodles and salads, and in its absence, looked for alternatives.

Anitha Golappanavar, a resident of Managundi of Dharwad, has taken up cultivation of this infrequently grown vegetable, with technical aid from the horticulture department. “I studied the marketing strategy of red cabbage and learnt the mechanisms of growing it with their assistance. It can be easily grown as we grow common cabbage in the Dharwad climate,” she said.

She added that it has limited marketing network, so she found a way to market it online, because it has a good market in Mumbai, Mangaluru and Delhi. “I was inspired by a documentary on a private TV channel and got information on the internet. It’s an experiment in our land; my husband is also an employee of the horticulture department, and technically supported me to grow it with drip irrigation. The seeds were brought from Mysuru.”

Arun, food manager at Denissons Hotel, said red cabbage is used for garnishing salads and snacks, and is costlier than the regular green-white cabbage. “We used to bring them from Bengaluru, Belagavi and other parts of the state. If it’s available in the local market, it is helpful for us, especially street vendors,” he said.

Saralamma, senior assistant director of the horticulture department, said details of the grower and supplier, contractor and user of the flower are easily available on websites. The crop could a get good a price in the market and the climate of the district is suitable for growing it, too.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatime.com / The Times of India / News Home> City> Hubballi / TNN, September 07th, 2015

Pathologists working out global plan in city

Green Initiatives / Environment, Nature, World Opinion

Leading plant pathologists and bio-technologists of the world have assembled in Bengaluru for consultations on evolving a global action plan for a strong bio-security system. About 200 scientists from 20 countries have put their heads together at a four-day international symposium on Phytophthora being organised by the Kasargod-based Central Plantation Crops Research Institute (CPCRI) at the Indian Institute of Horticultural Research here from September 9 to 12.

CPCRI Director P. Chowdappa told The Hindu that the proposed action plan would have measures to prevent the spread of plant diseases from continent to continent and country to country.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Bengaluru / by Special Correspondent / Bengaluru – September 11th, 2015

Nursery to address ‘green disparity’

Education, Green Initiatives / Environment, Nature
The centre will also sell gardening equipment, seeds, saplings and manure
The centre will also sell gardening equipment, seeds, saplings and manure

Addressing a ‘green disparity’ that had left Bengaluru North and East high and dry, the University of Agricultural Sciences (UAS) and Horticulture department have embarked on a major mission create more gardens in these part of the city.

Executing an ambitious plan, both the organisations have set up a sprawling two-acre nursery on airport road that would provide all the required inputs to people for greening the area.
The UAS in association with the Nursery Men Cooperative Society, an affiliate of the Horticulture department, on Friday inaugurated the nursery that will nurture the green need of the people of North and East Bengaluru.
The resource centre will also be a place for people to buy gardening equipments, seeds, saplings and manure.
Giving details of the project, Dr N Rajanna, manager and head of the Agricultural Technology Information Centre (ATIC) which is supervising the setting up of nursery unit said, “Bengaluru had only one nursery set up by Nurserymen Cooperative Society. But it was based in Lalbagh and largely benefitted the people of Bengaluru south. People from other parts of the city wanted to buy any plants or saplings, they had to go all the way to Lalbagh.

Hence, many from North and East had refrained from gardening activities. Now, with the nursery on UAS campus, adjacent to the airport road, people from these areas of people can be benefitted and take up gardening.”
The officials are hopeful that availability of nursery inputs at a closer distance would only attract more and more people to take up gardening and public planting exercise.

What will it do
* The society will be supplying seedlings and plants at the same cost as Lalbagh * People can buy all sorts of plants including ornamental, flower, fruit and medicinal plants * There will be gardeners at the centre who would help with the queries on setting up a kitchen garden or terrace garden * Besides, there will be availability of nursery inputs like equipments and seeds

Green disparity
Several reports by IISc experts over the condition of green cover in IT city, Bengaluru North and East revealed more built up area when compared to Bengaluru South that is replete with gardens and vast green patches.

The Location
The nursery has been set up conveniently at the entrance of UAS campus from the Airport road making it easier for people to visit, park and spend considerable time in choosing plants.

source: http://www.bangaloremirror.com / Bangalore Mirror / Home> Bangalore> Others / by Niranjan Kaggere, Bangalore Mirror Bureau / August 30th, 2015