The government plans to include organic rice in Mahaprasad served at Puri Jagannath Temple.

The Odisha government is considering using organic rice for Mahaprasad at Lord Jagannath Temple. This week, the Agriculture department discussed this at Krushi Bhavan. Dr. Arabinda Kumar Padhee, Chief Administrator, chaired the meeting. Stakeholders talked about using chemical-free rice for holy offerings at Shree Mandira. State efforts aim to make Mahaprasad free of chemicals.

The decision to include organic rice and vegetables in the 12th-century shrine’s Mahaprasad has been well-received by the Suar-Mahasuar and Jagannath Temple administration. Organic rice will be used in Kotha Bhoga at Shree Mandira initially. There are plans to extend its use to Bhoga during Shri Gundicha Rath Yatra. An initiative named ‘Amruta Anna’ will offer Mahaprasad made from organic rice at Anand Bazaar. The state Agriculture department mentioned opening a special counter for this purpose at Anand Bazaar in a recent press statement.

The Department plans to use organic rice varieties like Kalajeera, Pimpudibasa, Jubaraja in ‘Amruta Anna’ Mahaprasad. Kalajeera rice has obtained the GI tag. Odisha surpasses the national average in rice productivity. This year, Kalajeera rice was grown in 1,365 acres in Koraput, with a dedicated mandi in Kotpad. Steps are being taken, such as organic certifications, subsidies, and support for Farmer Producer Organisations, to boost organic rice farming. A steering committee will oversee the smooth implementation of these initiatives.

The committee includes representatives from various groups like the Jagannath Temple administration, Suara-Mahasuara, producer groups, NGOs, and departmental officers as members. Initially, 100 to 200 acres of land will be used to produce organic rice. Later, more organic paddy production will be promoted. The organic grains will be used in ‘Amruta Anna’ Mahaprasad. The process will involve using cow urine, cow dung, seed amrut, and other organic fertilizers to support and increase the cow population in the state.

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