Agro-Met Units in Kodagu, Mandya, Chamarajanagar and Ramanagara to shut operations from Feb. 29

Kushalnagar:  Dealing a huge blow to Niti Aayog’s advice on growing climate-based crops, the Centre has decided to shut down the District Agro-Met Units (DAMUs) in Kodagu, Mandya, Chamarajanagar and Ramanagara. The reason attributed for the closure is reportedly a fund crunch.

 These Agro-Met Units provided vital agrometeorological advisory services to thousands of agricultural workers and farmers. Effective March 1, 2024, the Union Government’s directive to cease operations after Feb. 29 will leave farmers without this crucial support.

A flagship initiative 

The Gramin Krishi Mausam Seva (GKMS) scheme is a flagship initiative of the Government of India, under the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), dedicated to providing weather-related services crucial for farmers’ decision-making in day-to-day agricultural operations.

This collaborative effort between the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) led to the establishment of 200 District Agro-Met Units (DAMUs) across India in 2018-19. With continuous advancements in observational networks and forecasting technologies, the Agro-Met Advisory Service (AAS) network was expanded to the sub-district / block level.

This expansion is facilitated through the establishment of District Agro-Met Units (DAMUs) within the premises of Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) operated by ICAR and State Universities, facilitated by Agricultural Technology Application Research Institutes (ATARIs). 

In Karnataka, 10 Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) have Agro-Met Units (Ballari, Chamarajanagar, Chikkamagaluru, Kodagu, Kolar, Koppal, Mandya (VC Farm), Ramanagara, Tumakuru and Yadgir) and they will cease operations from Feb. 29, affecting a total of 199 units nationwide. Consequently, 398 staff members employed in these units will lose their jobs.

 WhatsApp groups

These units played a critical role in disseminating agrometeorological advisories to district and block-level farmers via WhatsApp groups, offering essential guidance on agricultural practices. For instance, the Agro-Met Unit at Gonikoppal in Kodagu has over 30 WhatsApp groups and 10,000 farmers  are participants. 

The unit provides localised information about the weather forecast and even functions as a call centre where the staff answer all the questions posed by farmers and growers on paddy, coffee, black pepper, ginger, arecanut and orange cultivation. Advisories were also sent about livestock maintenance. 

Weather summary report, temperature, humidity and rainfall forecast data is disseminated every Tuesday and Friday. These weather bulletins are also accessible to farmers through the Meghdooth app.

Significant risk to farmers

The closure of these Agro-Met Units poses a significant risk to farmers who rely on these advisories for their day-to-day agricultural activities. Moreover, the absence of such forecast could lead to substantial losses for farmers, particularly in regions prone to weather-related challenges like landslides and flash floods.

The Agro-Met Unit at Gonikoppal in Kodagu was set up as the district receives the highest rainfall and the patterns are different in each of the five taluks. Also, farmers need localised information to plan their crops, harvest, irrigation, remove weeds, dry and do other activities. Apart from weekly reports, daily alerts are supplied by this Agro-Met Unit in case of sudden developments in weather.  

The advisory services are crucial for coffee growers, as they offer forecasts up to five days in advance and accurately predict heavy rainfall three hours beforehand. These alerts were not only beneficial to farmers but also served as essential tools for the district administration.

Authorities utilised this information to initiate actions such as evacuating people from flood-prone areas and implementing preventive measures. Additionally, these forecasts facilitated timely decisions by local authorities, including school closures, to mitigate the impact of adverse weather conditions.

No local but only district-level advisories from March 1

With the discontinuation of these Agro-Met Units, the responsibility for local forecasting now rests heavily on automatic field units like the Agro-Meteorological Field Unit (AMFU) at the Organic Farming Research Station in Naganahalli (OFRSN), Mysuru or the existing KVKs. 

However, these units may only cover districts rather than the smaller administrative units like taluks and blocks, as done by the Agro-Met Units. Farmers are worried that district-level advisories may not adequately address the specific needs of all areas, leaving certain regions without sufficient guidance for their agricultural activities. 

Speaking to Star of Mysore, S.K. Chengappa, Agro-Met Observer at ICAR-KVK in Gonikoppal, Kodagu, expressed deep concern over the closure of Agro-Met Units, emphasising the substantial loss incurred by farmers and horticultural communities. 

He highlighted the efficiency and structured approach of the Agro-Met Units, with plans underway to extend their reach to the Gram Panchayat level. He said that while farmers may still access district-level information starting March 1, the absence of localised, taluk-level and village-level information will create a significant gap in essential agricultural guidance.

“As of now, we do not have staff or resources to continue the Agro-Met Unit. Will have to see how to continue the local farmers’ assistance,” said Virendra Kumar, a scientist at ICAR-KVK in Gonikoppal.

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Kushalnagar: A 57-year-old man took his own life after an accident resulted in the death of a 24-year-old youth. The elderly person, who is said to have taken the extreme step overwhelmed with grief, is identified as H.D. Thammaiah.

The incident occurred in Madikeri last Friday when the youth Dhanal Subbaiah’s motorcycle collided head-on with H.D. Thammaiah’s bike at Chain Gate premises.

While Dhanal Subbaiah, a resident of Kandanakolli near Haleri, was pursuing his Master’s degree at Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa College in Madikeri, Thammaiah was a resident of Heravanadu near Madikeri.

Due to the impact of the accident, Dhanal Subbaiah sustained severe injuries and was transported to a hospital in Madikeri. Despite the medical efforts, he did not respond to treatment and succumbed to his injuries at 3 am yesterday.

According to family members and Police, Thammaiah was upset following the accident which concerned his family members. Thammaiah unfortunately took the extreme step of ending his own life just hours after the death of Dhanal.

The man hanged himself at his home. The circumstances surrounding the accident and the subsequent suicide are currently under Police investigation. While the Madikeri Town Police is handling the accident, Madikeri Rural Police Station is investigating the suicide case.

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• Rs. 9.7 crore project first proposed in 2022; cost now escalates to Rs. 12.26 crore
• Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to lay foundation stone later today

Kushalnagar: Madikeri, often referred to as the Scotland of India, is on the brink of witnessing a ground-breaking development with the establishment of a state-of-the-art Sub-Regional Science Centre and Planetarium.

The Department of Science and Technology is spearheading this endeavour, at an estimated cost of approximately Rs. 12.26 crore. The foundation stone for this significant project will be laid today (Jan. 25) by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah at 4 pm.

Situated amidst 3 acres of pristine land in Karnangeri village, Madikeri, the facility is poised to boast an 8-metre dome dedicated to constructing the planetarium. Minister of Minor Irrigation, Science and Technology, N.S. Boseraju, who is also the Kodagu District Minister, underscored Madikeri’s unique advantage of minimal light disturbance at night, making it an ideal location for observing stars and planets.

In a press release, Boseraju emphasised the Department’s commitment to promoting science and technology, fostering scientific education, nurturing rational thinking, and enhancing awareness about astronomy. The initiative is geared towards establishing science centres and planetariums across district centres in the State.

With its unpolluted skies and negligible light interference, Kodagu district provides an exceptional environment for stargazing. Minister Boseraju drew parallels between Kodagu and other picturesque locations such as Spiti Valley in Himachal Pradesh, Pangong Tso Lake in Ladakh, Run of Kutch in Gujarat, Nile Island in Andaman and Nicobar, and Matheran in Maharashtra.

The sub-regional science centre and planetarium project aim to kindle interest in space exploration and offer valuable educational opportunities to students in the district.

Proposed in 2022

The Sub-Regional Science Centre and Planetarium was proposed for the first time in 2022 and the then Deputy Commissioner Dr. B.C. Sathish had secured approval from the BJP Government and the Karnataka Science and Technology Promotion Society (KSTPS).

The project was estimated to be established with Rs. 9.7 crore. While Rs. 4 crore was approved for the Science Centre, Rs. 5.7 crore was reserved for the mini Planetarium. Now the cost has been escalated to Rs. 12.26 crore.

The construction was to adhere to environment-friendly practices and the buildings were proposed to be designed to harmonise with the geographical and weather conditions of Kodagu district. The Science Centre was proposed to have an outdoor area specifically designed for children, providing them with a hands-on learning experience through scientific experiments.

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Kushalnagar: At this year’s Republic Day parade in New Delhi, the focus will shift towards celebrating ‘Nari Shakti’ (women power) and achievers at ‘Kartavya Path.’ The opening spectacle will feature a hundred talented women artists playing traditional Indian instruments. This marks departure from previous displays, which heavily emphasised military prowess, aligns with the themes of “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India) and “Bharat Loktantra Matrika” (India, mother of democracy). Notably, the emphasis on women empowerment and achievements takes precedence without diminishing the showcasing of military might.

Adding to the significance, two outstanding female officers from Kodagu will shine in the 2024 Republic Day Parade. Captain Sharanya Rao will lead the Army Wing of the Tri-Service Contingent of Women, marching proudly along the ‘Kartavya Path,’ while Punya Ponnamma will command the All-India NCC Women’s Contingent.

Sharanya Rao hails from Kukkloor village near Virajpet and is the daughter of Harish Rao, Manager of Bittangala Golf Club and Mythili Rao, a lecturer at SMS College. After completing her schooling at St. Anne’s School, she did her PUC in Cauvery College. She completed her Mechanical Engineering at Coorg Institute of Technology (CIT), Ponnampet and did her MSW in Alva’s College, Moodbidri. At present, she is serving as Captain in Kargil Sector, Jammu and Kashmir.

Capt. Sharanya Rao, an all-rounder who excelled in both academic and sports, was awarded Best Outgoing Student of CIT Award in 2018. She marked her academic excellence by being one amongst the University topper and her sports excellence by representing the University in handball and women’s hockey event.

“I am the Supernumerary Officer and will be leading the Army component of the Tri-Services contingent. It is a proud moment because, for the first time in history, a Tri-Services contingent would be marching,” she said.

Punya Ponnamma is from Madikeri and is the daughter of Circle Police Inspector Anoop Madappa and Vinita Dechamma, a lecturer at Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa College. As an NCC cadet, she has participated in several camps and displayed excellent performance. She is currently pursuing third year law studies at Christ University, Bengaluru.

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Revenue Minister assures speedy land transfer

Bengaluru: In a significant development, Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda has committed to expeditiously transferring the necessary land for the construction of an airstrip in Kodagu District to the District Administration.

This assurance followed a meeting held yesterday at Vikasa Soudha in Bengaluru, presided over by Krishna Byre Gowda and attended by Kodagu District In-charge Minister N.S. Boseraju.

The Kodagu District Administration conducted a comprehensive land survey for the proposed airstrip near Kushalnagar. Initially, a 49.5-acre plot near Sainik School, Kushalnagar (Koodige) at Doddathoor village, bordering Basavanathoor village, was identified in the first survey.

However, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) deemed it insufficient, prompting a re-survey. The second survey identified over 130 acres of land at Dodda Aluvara village near Koodige, within the jurisdiction of the Revenue Department, addressing the need for additional space.

Minister Boseraju, addressing reporters post-meeting, noted that issues related to the Revenue Department were brought to his attention during the Karnataka Development Programme (KDP) meeting in Kodagu a few days ago. He stated, “The meeting with the Revenue Minister aimed to find solutions to these problems.”

Expressing satisfaction, Minister Boseraju affirmed, “The Revenue Minister’s positive response to the land transfer for the airstrip instils confidence in the timely resolution of the highlighted issues.”

The meeting also delved into acquiring necessary grants and permissions for constructing a mini Vidhana Soudha and an administration building in newly established taluks. Virajpet MLA A.S. Ponnanna and Madikeri MLA Dr. Manthar Gowda, along with various officers, attended the meeting.

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Kushalnagar: A Temple that was submerged after the construction of the picturesque Chikklihole Reservoir in Kushalnagar Taluk of Kodagu district has emerged from the waters, thanks to the dry spell and the failure of monsoon. People are coming to see the Temple in hordes and the place has become a picnic spot and a weekend getaway.

The Shiva Temple, constructed in 1983, has become accessible to people after 40 years.  In April 2017 too, the Temple was visible for a brief period but was soon covered in water as it rained in June that year. This time, however, people have a chance to see the Temple till the next normal monsoon which is scheduled to start in June 2024.

The Temple, located right in the middle of the Chikklihole Reservoir is visible along with the sanctum sanctorum and the pillars on the sides. There is a small well that was used as a source of water for the Temple before the Reservoir was constructed. Apart from the Shiva Temple, there are structures dedicated to Lord Ganesha and Nandi.

Clear warning, say residents

The re-emergence of the Temple six months before the onset of monsoon season is causing concern among locals about the potential implications and raising anticipation of a looming water crisis. This situation suggests a possible worsening of the water scarcity issue within the Cauvery basin. Usually, in December, the water inside the Chikklihole Reservoir does not dry up like it has happened this year. The current circumstances serve as a clear warning, say the residents.

Unfortunately, this year, due to inadequate rainfall in Kodagu, the Cauvery River did not flow vigorously, resulting in a water shortage in the Reservoir. The Chiklihole Reservoir, constructed for irrigation and agricultural purposes, saw water flowing into it in the initial months and excess water was discharged. As a result, the Reservoir lost its storage capacity as it did not rain beyond the initial months. 

Thousands of farmers depend on the Chikklihole Dam for irrigation in the villages of  Kushalanagar, Rangasamudra, Chikka Bettageri and Dodda Bettageri, Nanjarayapatana, Virupakshapura, Rasoolpura, Bollur, Basavanahalli and Guddehosur.

Even in hot summers these years, there was rarely a situation like the submerged Shiva Temple emerging from the waters. This year, however, the dam has become dry, exposing the structures beneath it.

150-year-old Temple

The Shiva Temple was built 150 years ago by the Magdoor family, hailing from Kerala. The family migrated from the neighbouring region and were indulging in agriculture for a living. As the place had a special significance due to its spiritual nature, astrologers from Kerala were invited there. On the advice of the ‘thanthri’, the Temple was constructed with regular pujas and a grand Mahashivarathri and temple fair that used to be attended by thousands of people.

The Chikklihole Dam was built in 1983 when R. Gundu Rao was the CM to store and supply 0.18 tmcft (thousand million cubic feet) of water. When the Temple was submerged, the Government, honouring religious sentiments, ordered an alternative Temple to be built nearby. Many channels were constructed to take the water to the fields of tail-end farmers. 

In 1993, the descendants of the Magdoor family constructed another Temple of Lord Vishwanatha nearby and consecrated the main idol of Lord Shiva from the old submerged Temple in it. The Vishwanatha Temple of Magdoor went on to become famous.

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Kushalnagar: An ayurveda doctor was found dead under mysterious circumstances in his car near Anekadu on Bengaluru-Bantwal Highway on Friday. He is suspected to have taken his life by injecting poison.

Dr. G. Satish (47), a native of Shivalli in Pandavapura taluk in Mandya, was running a Ayurveda Clinic in the village. He was also serving on outsource basis at Government Ayurveda Hospitals in Periyapatna and Konanur.

 A Maruti Swift car was parked  on the Highway near Anekadu at around 3 pm yesterday, with a person in the driving seat found dead inside. The passersby, who noticed this, informed the Rural Police Station. When the Police Inspector Ramesh and staff rushed to the spot, they found injection marks on the hand of Dr. Satish, besides finding a syringe and bottle in the car. His identity came to be known with the help of a chit found in his pocket and his Driving License (DL).

The staff from Government Ayurveda Hospitals of Konanur and Periyapatna were also summoned to the spot to confirm the identity of the deceased.

According to the preliminary investigation, it is a case of suicide with the circumstantial evidences like syringes and medicines found on the spot. However, the authenticity of the death can be ascertained only on the basis of autopsy report.

Police have registered a case of suspicious death and have continued with their investigation.

Dr. Satish, who was visiting the hospital at Konanur on Wednesday and Saturday every week, was going to Periyapatna hospital on the remaining days of the week.

Accordingly, the doctor had been to Periyapatna hospital at 10 am yesterday and looked quite restless and vomited after a while. After drinking a cup of tea brought by a hospital staff, he went out at about 11 am telling that he would take rest in the car, said Ashwathi, a staff at Periyapatna Hospital.

“He was a good person and maintained a cordial relation with all. By his appearance, he did not look dejected, but don’t know why he took the extreme step,” said Ashwathi in a grief stricken tone.

Sandeep, a friend of Dr. Satish who spoke to media persons at Anekadu said “He was working as a doctor on outsource basis on contract for the past 18 years. However, he was pained over his job not being regularised. His son was also suffering from ailment and even he (Dr. Satish) had health issues. Hence he was dejected that may have driven him to end his life.”

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Kushalnagar: The survey work for the 84.50-km Mysuru-Belagola-Kushalnagar Railway line, initiated in September 2022, is nearing completion and the land survey report is expected to be submitted to the Mysuru Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) next month.

Confirming this to Star of Mysore, DRM Shilpi Agarwal mentioned that they are anticipating the report of the land survey conducted from Belagola Railway Station in Srirangapatna taluk of Mandya district to Kushalnagar. “The survey report and the Detailed Project Report (DPR) are likely to be submitted next month, after which the works will commence,” she added.

In October 2020, the Chief Administrative Officer, Construction, South Western Railway (SWR), called for a final location survey for the new broad-gauge line between Mysuru (Belagola) and Kushalnagar. The railway line, sanctioned in 27.2.2019 by the Ministry of Railways for Rs. 1,854.62 crore, received a grant of Rs. 1,000 crore in the Union Budget 2022-2023.

The physical survey is also approaching its conclusion, with the survey team marking the land to be acquired up to Giriguru on the Mysuru-Kodagu border. The railway line will traverse from Belagola to Hunsur, Chilkunda, Periyapatna and reach Giriguru (in Mysuru District), where the final Railway Station will be established. However, the line will not extend to Kushalnagar in Kodagu and will end at the border of the two districts.

Giriguru, located on the banks of the River Cauvery, will have a bridge constructed across the River to provide connectivity to Kodagu district. Nevertheless, it will only serve as a connecting bridge for passengers, as the train will not proceed beyond Giriguru, according to sources.

Soil testing work has been entrusted to Tamil Nadu-based Global Projects by the Railways, tasked with investigating sub-surface geophysical conditions for planning and design using integrated geographical and geophysical data. The company is assessing soil types such as topsoil, clay soil, stone-mix soil found in earth’s floor to determine infrastructural feasibility.

In conjunction with the soil test, multidisciplinary investigations, including topographical, gradient, geotechnical and hydrological studies, land acquisition survey and rail track mapping survey, are being completed for the entire route. These surveys are integral to the final location survey, a crucial initial step before initiating any Railway project.

The exact land usage considerations encompass comprehensive land patterns, including height, depth, undulation, levelling patterns, rivers, vegetation and streams. Once the survey is completed, the ground properties are utilised in planning the tracks, sub-stations, bridges, slope stability of cuts and the overall stability of the tracks.

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Madikeri: In a significant move aimed at bolstering connectivity and infrastructure, the Kodagu District Administration has conducted a comprehensive land survey for the establishment of a mini airport or airstrip near Kushalnagar.

Deputy Commissioner (DC) Venkat Raja is set to submit a detailed report to the State Government soon, marking a crucial step in the realisation of this long-anticipated project.

The survey team reviewed various factors crucial to the successful implementation of the initiative, first announced in 2018.

Previous surveys identified a 49.5-acre plot adjacent to Sainik School, Kushalnagar (Koodige) at Doddathoor village, stretching to the border of Basavanathoor village, for the purpose.

The Karnataka State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation (KSIIDC) is the Nodal Agency to develop airstrips across Karnataka. The initial plan for the 49.5-acre plot involved a 950-metre airstrip, complete with basic facilities like the airstrip, terminal, security post and fencing. However, during inspection, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) deemed the plot inadequate, prompting the District Administration to order a re-survey.

The recent survey identified more than 130 acres of land, under the jurisdiction of the Revenue Department at Dodda Aluvara village near Koodige, addressing the need for additional space.

DC Venkat Raja confirmed that the survey report will be submitted to the State Government soon and upon approval, the land will be handed over to the KSIIDC.

The successful completion of the mini airport terminal is expected to make a significant contribution to the region’s economic and infrastructural growth. The establishment promises improved connectivity and enhanced transportation options, fostering local development and attracting further investments.

The Government Order issued in 2018 outlines the development of airstrips in various locations, including Kushalnagar, Chikkamagalur, Karwar, Raichur, Gadag, Bagalkot, Davanagere, and Udupi.

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B.N. Veena, Additional Deputy Commissioner, Kodagu district, seen inaugurating the Crafts and Weaves Mahotsav 2023, organised at Gayathri Kalyana Mantapa on Market Road in Kushalnagar, Kodagu, yesterday morning. R.V. Gangadharappa, Dy.SP, Kushalnagar and K.S. Sunil Kumar, Assistant Director, Handicrafts Service Centre, were present as chief guests. The Crafts and Weaves Mahotsav, organised under the aegis of Development Commissioner for Handicrafts, Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, will be open to public between 10 am and 8.30 pm till Nov. 1.

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