Kamala Pujari, pioneer in organic farming and Padma Shri awardee, passes away

Bhubaneswar, July 20: Padma Shri awardee Kamala Pujari passed away in the early hours of Saturday at the age of 73.

Pujari, who had been receiving treatment at a hospital in Jeypore, was transferred to the ICU at SCB Medical College and Hospital two days prior due to a worsening condition. She succumbed to a cardiac arrest while undergoing treatment at SCB, according to sources.

A specialized team of doctors, including experts from the Medicine, Nephrology, and Pulmonology departments, was assembled to care for Pujari. The team, led by Professor Jayant Panda from the Medicine department, was overseeing her treatment.

Pujari, originally from Koraput, was renowned for her efforts in promoting organic farming and preserving traditional paddy varieties. She was recognized with several accolades for her work, including the Padma Shri in 2019, awarded by President Ram Nath Kovind. Her achievements also include winning the 'Equator Initiative Award' in Johannesburg in 2002.

Pujari's dedication to traditional farming and organic agriculture was evident in her extensive work preserving hundreds of indigenous paddy varieties. She was deeply committed to her cause, organizing community gatherings and advocating against the use of chemical fertilizers.