Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government is set to introduce ‘Amruta Anna,’ a special initiative to incorporate organically grown rice and vegetables in the preparation of Mahaprasad at the revered Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri. The move aims to make the sacred offering chemical-free and promote organic farming in the state.
A high-level consultation meeting was held on Wednesday, chaired by Chief Administrator of Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) Arabinda Kumar Padhee, who also serves as the Principal Secretary of the Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment (A&FE) Department. Officials discussed various aspects of implementing organic produce in temple offerings.
In the initial phase, organically grown rice will be used for Kotha Bhoga, the primary offering to the presiding deities of the temple. Plans are also in place to extend this practice to the preparation of Bhoga during the annual Ratha Jatra festival. Devotees will have access to Mahaprasad made from organic rice through a dedicated counter at Anand Bazaar within the temple premises.
The initiative will primarily utilize indigenous rice varieties like Kalajeera, Pimpudibasa, and Jubaraja, all cultivated within Odisha. Notably, Kalajeera rice, known for its aromatic properties, has already received a Geographical Indication (GI) tag. This year, the state cultivated Kalajeera rice over 1,365 acres in Koraput, and a dedicated mandi (market) for its sale has been established in Kotpad.
To ensure a steady supply of organic produce, the state government plans to promote organic farming through subsidies, certifications, and a cluster-based approach. Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) will be encouraged to cultivate organic rice, with an initial target of covering 100 to 200 acres. Traditional fertilizers, including cow dung and cow urine, will be used to maintain soil fertility without chemical intervention.
A dedicated steering committee will be formed to oversee the implementation of ‘Amruta Anna.’ The committee will include representatives from the SJTA, Suar-Mahasuar Nijog (the servitor community responsible for Mahaprasad preparation), farmer groups, NGOs, and government officials.
The consultation meeting saw participation from key stakeholders, including Agriculture Director Prem Chandra Chaudhary, OUAT Dean Prof. Prasannajit Mishra, Puri Collector Siddhartha Shankar Swain, and senior officials from SJTA. Representatives of organic producer groups, self-help groups, and experts from Rajendra Indigenous Rice Research Institute also contributed their insights to the discussion.
With ‘Amruta Anna,’ Odisha is taking a significant step towards sustainability, ensuring that the divine Mahaprasad remains pure and chemical-free while uplifting local farmers and promoting organic agriculture.
