Organic prasad at Char Dham, other temples

Tribune News Service

Dehradun, February 23

Uttarakhand Chief Minister TS Rawat on Friday launched organic prasad scheme aimed at popularising the locally produced food grains in the form of prasads to be made available on the Char Dham circuit and later in the 625 temples dotting the state.

“Our small initiative last season during which the prasad counter set up in the vicinity of the Badrinath temple managed to make good sales has emboldened us to set similar counters at other temples,” said TS Rawat, Chief Minister Uttarakhand while interacting with media persons today.

He said the prasad that comprised of chauli and other condiments was prepared by the women self help groups. “These women groups were able to earn a revenue of Rs 19 lakh and a net profit of Rs 9 lakh, which is a good sign. Such initiatives are aimed at sustaining the rural economy by providing a market to the local food grains,” said Rawat.

The organic prasad is made up of local grains such chulai, mandava or kuttu and cooked in ghee with a dash of dry fruits.

“These would be packed in baskets made up of ringal. Entire economy in the hills will thrive and will also fulfil our goal of doubling the income of the farmers,” stressed Rawat. The technical support would be provided by Himalayan Environment Studies and Conservation Organisation (HESCO), an NGO. “We are seeking technical assistance from the government as the entire initiative will spur rural employment,” said Dr Anil Joshi, patron of HESCO. The government has left it to the local self help groups to come up with a brand name for the prasad so that it becomes popular.

Will sustain rural economy

These women groups were able to earn a revenue of Rs 19 lakh and a net profit of Rs 9 lakh, which is a good sign. Such initiatives are aimed at sustaining the rural economy by providing a market to the local food grains. — TS Rawat, Chief Minister