In an initiative aimed at making Lord Jagannath’s ‘Mahaprasad’ completely chemical-free, the Odisha government has proposed a special project to provide organic rice and vegetables for offerings in the revered 12th-century Jagannath Temple in Puri.

The proposed project, named ‘Amrut Anna,’ is expected to ensure that the food offered to the deity is free from chemical fertilizers and pesticides. The initiative has received a positive response from the temple servitors and stakeholders involved in the preparation of Mahaprasad.

A consultation meeting regarding the project was held at Krushi Bhavan, the headquarters of the agriculture department, on Wednesday. Officials, temple administration representatives, and agriculture experts discussed the feasibility and implementation of the organic supply chain for the temple kitchen.

An official from the agriculture department stated that the project aims to promote organic farming among local farmers while ensuring a consistent supply of chemical-free rice and vegetables for temple offerings. The initiative aligns with the government’s broader goal of encouraging sustainable agricultural practices in the state.

Servitors of the temple have expressed their support for the move, emphasizing that using organic produce will enhance the sanctity of Mahaprasad, which is consumed by thousands of devotees daily.

The government is expected to collaborate with organic farmers and self-help groups to facilitate the procurement and distribution of organic produce to the temple. More discussions and policy frameworks will be finalized in the coming months to implement the project effectively.

With this initiative, Odisha aims to set a new standard in temple food offerings, ensuring purity and quality while also supporting organic farming in the state.