Sikh organisation wants gurdwaras to go organic

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In order to mark the Sikh Environment Day on March 14, the Eco-Sikh organisation urged the Gurdwaras worldwide to serve organic langar to promote organic food, which, it argues, is devoid of any harmful effects as no pesticides are used in its farming.

Speaking at a press conference here on Tuesday, representatives of the organisation said that they have set a target of collaborating with 300 farmers, from whom they will purchase organic items directly. The project will be launched in Ludhiana on March 14.

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Highlighting the benefits of organic langar, Rajwant Singh,  President of Eco Sikh said that it will have positive impact on the community at large, as it will encourage them to adopt healthy food habits. “We are beginning from gurdwaras as it will help in bringing awareness among masses about the utility of organic food and its positive aspects,” he said.

Blaming the use of pesticides and chemical fertilisers in farming for the increase in cancer cases in Punjab, Suneet Tulli, EcoSikh board member said, “We are consuming unhealthy and poisonous food on a daily basis, which affects our health and expose us to diseases.”
JS Ghulal, a noted organic farmer from Ludhiana, also joined the EcoSikh team and said, “Growing organic vegetables and crop is an economically viable option, and we must encourage its consumption and demand by serving it in our religious places so farmers are also encouraged to cultivate it.”

Emphasis was also made on the usage of steel thalis and minimizing the use of styrofoam and plastic plates from langars.