Prime Minister Modi Condoles the Demise of Padma Shri Awardee Kamala Pujari

New Delhi, July 20, 2024: The Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, expressed his profound sorrow over the demise of Padma Shri Awardee Kamala Pujari, who passed away on July 20, 2024. Kamala Pujari, a revered figure in the field of agriculture, was known for her significant contributions to promoting organic farming and preserving indigenous seeds.

In his heartfelt message on X (formerly Twitter), the Prime Minister remarked, “Pained by the passing away of Smt. Kamala Pujari Ji. She made a monumental contribution to agriculture, particularly boosting organic agricultural practices and protecting indigenous seeds. Her work in enriching sustainability and protecting biodiversity will be remembered for years. She was also a beacon in empowering the tribal communities. Condolences to her family and admirers. Om Shanti.”

Kamala Pujari, born in 1949/1950, hailed from Patraput Village, near Jeypore in the Koraput District of Odisha. She was a pioneering figure in the realm of organic farming, having learned the foundational techniques from the MS Swaminathan Research Foundation at Jeypore. Throughout her life, she remained committed to preserving local paddy varieties and advocating for sustainable agricultural practices.

Despite lacking formal education, Kamala Pujari’s dedication led her to conserve hundreds of indigenous paddy varieties. She mobilized her community, organized gatherings, and passionately promoted the abandonment of chemical fertilizers in favor of organic methods. Her efforts bore fruit as farmers in Patraput and neighboring villages embraced organic farming, resulting in better harvests and improved soil fertility.

Kamala Pujari’s work extended beyond paddy preservation. She collected and conserved endangered and rare seeds, including turmeric, tili, black cumin, mahakanta, phula, and ghantia. Her relentless advocacy for organic farming and her role in empowering tribal communities earned her widespread respect and recognition, culminating in the prestigious Padma Shri award.

Her legacy as a custodian of indigenous agricultural practices and a champion of organic farming will continue to inspire future generations. Kamala Pujari’s contributions to sustainability and biodiversity conservation remain invaluable, and her memory will be cherished by all who were touched by her work.

Kamala Pujari is survived by her family and a community that deeply admired her commitment to preserving traditional farming practices and promoting environmental sustainability.