Amritsar: Pilgrims’ platter goes more organic as SGPC’s farm expands to 13 acres

Starting in 2015 with seven acres of organic farm to grow vegetables which make way to the community kitchen of the Golden Temple, the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) have expanded the farm to 13 acres and now, more quantity of organic vegetables are served on the pilgrims’ plates. 

The organic farm, that was started at the land of Gurdwara Satlani Sahib near Attari, has now been expanded as the demand for the organic vegetables has gone up. 

Earlier, around 10-12 quintals of vegetables were being sent to the shrine every second or third day but now, the quantity of vegetables going to the Golden Temple’s kitchen have grown to around 25 quintals. 

Besides seasonal vegetables, the SGPC also aims to grow wheat at the organic farm. 

Talking to Hindustan Times, SGPC’s additional secretary Daljit Bedi said, “Yes, the farm has been expanded to 13 acres as there is more inclination towards organic vegetables these days. The seasonal vegetables are grown there and the same are cooked in the community kitchen. These are served to those partaking the langar.” 

Bedi said that the entire idea behind introducing organic farming was to have vegetables free from any chemicals or sprays. 

Notably, there are over one lakh pilgrims who partake the langar at the shrine every day and the organic farming by the SGPC has been appreciated. 

Rajinder Singh, manager of Satlani Saab Gurdwara said, “Ever since the farm has been expanded to 13 acres, more range of vegetables are grown here. This season we had carrot, peas, reddish, onions and some other seasonal vegetables. On trial basis, we have started few new vegetables as well.” 

Claiming that fruits are also being grown in this farm, the manager said that fruits are planted in the farm and it will start giving results in the near future. 

It is learnt that as the organic vegetables are becoming popular these days, the SGPC may further promote such farming techniques.