Kamala Pujari, a noted organic farmer and Padma Shri awardee, passed away on Saturday due to kidney-related ailments. She was 74. Pujari was admitted to SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack two days ago after her condition worsened. Despite the efforts of a four-member medical team, she died early Saturday morning. Previously, she had been transferred to Cuttack from Jeypore District Headquarters Hospital.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi extended his condolences and announced that Pujari’s funeral will be held with full state honours. Majhi also spoke with Pujari’s son, Tankadhar Pujari, by phone.
“Her contribution to the field of agriculture will be remembered forever,” said Naveen Patnaik, Leader of the Opposition in the Odisha Assembly and former chief minister.
Born in Patraput village, Baipariguda block, Koraput district, Pujari was a pioneer in organic farming, known for cultivating 100 varieties of rice. She was associated with the M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation and was honoured with the Padma Shri in 2019 by then-President Ram Nath Kovind. In 2018, she was appointed to the state planning board and received the Best Farmer award from the Odisha government in 2004. Pujari was also awarded the Equator Initiative Award in Johannesburg, South Africa, in 2002.