Chenanda hockey fest promotes beekeeping, farming

Madikeri: The ongoing Chenanda Hockey Festival at Napoklu, which will see 380 Kodava families are participating, is promoting the district's culture, including a farm training initiative to support agriculture sector. The organisers said that a coffee and honey farming training programme was hosted as part of the event. "The coffee and beekeeping training will be held at Napoklu ground on April 12," said Ajith Poonacha, a core committee member. He said Coffee Board officials held a workshop on scientific coffee cultivation, including soil testing, scientific pest control methods and training for coffee growers.To promote honey and beekeeping, the organisers said Ponnampet Forestry College professor Kench Reddy is hosting a beekeeping training programme. "Kodagu honey is popular, but beekeeping in the district is recording a decline. With an aim to promote beekeeping among residents, the Chenanda family is handing over beekeeping boxes as souvenirs to teams that lose in the matches," he said.Chenanda family also promoted an afforestation drive by planting 2,800 saplings across several regions in the district. It also plans to plant 500 additional saplings across.Meanwhile, the organisers said 33 teams took part in a hockey tournament organised exclusively for school students. "A total of 30 players have been selected for training following after the tournament, They will be extended professional hockey training," said Suresh Nanaiah, committee member. He said 12 best players will be identified and enrolled in sports residential schools.77 Kodava families to kick ball in floodlight footballThe sixth annual Kodava Floodlight Football tournament was inaugurated at Althon turf ground in Arvathoklu near Gonikoppal. A total of 77 Kodava families are taking part in the tournament, which will be held till April 12. The event is being organised by Mukkatira (Devanageri) family.MLC from Kodagu district Suja Kushalappa inaugurated the event on Tuesday evening. Speaking on the occasion, the BJP legislator said that Kodagu is earning a name in sports across the country. "In addition to hockey and cricket, which were played among Kodava families, in recent years, tug-of-war and football games have been taking place, which are working to unite Kodava families," he said. "Along with sports, customs and culture of Kodagu should be preserved," he added.Mukkatira Somaiah, leader of Devanageri Mukkatira family, was present.