In the quiet village of Peringottukara in Thrissur, Kerala, an extraordinary grassroots movement is redefining what it means to conserve culture through crops. What began as a temple-led community initiative has blossomed into one of India’s most inspiring organic conservation programs - Sarvathobhadram Organic, an effort rooted in faith, sustainability, and food heritage.

A Seed of Revival Sown in Faith

The initiative was launched in 2018 under the guidance of the Sree Avanangattil Kalari Sree Vishnumaya Temple through a flagship program called Rishaba Yagam during the Krishi Unnati Mela. Its aim was simple yet profound — to bring back organic farming traditions to Thanniyam Panchayath and empower small and marginal farmers to embrace ecological cultivation.

The program began with small kitchen gardens, soon spreading to more than 6,500 families across the Thanniyam Block Panchayath. During the COVID-19 pandemic, this local produce proved invaluable for household food security. With time, the movement extended into the famed Kole Wetlands, reviving 62 acres of land that had lain fallow for 17 years.

Living Museum of Rice

Today, the Sarvathobhadram Organic Society conserves 500 traditional rice varieties, each with its own story, aroma, and nutritional secret. These varieties, lovingly grown, harvested, and processed by hand, are preserved on the farm as well as in farmers’ fields.

From the fragrant Tulsi Bhog of Bengal to the medicinal Navara of Kerala, from Assam’s “magic rice” Komal, which softens without cooking, to Odisha’s Jagannath rice used in temple Mahaprasad- the diversity mirrors the spiritual and cultural depth of India’s rice heritage.

There are aromatic grains like Mullan Kaima and Jeerakasala from Wayanad that perfume biryanis, and red rice varieties like Rakthashali and Kullan Thondi, celebrated for their iron-rich health benefits. Each variety reflects not only agricultural diversity but also the intimate link between biodiversity, health, and tradition.

Upscaling Conservation, One Farmer at a Time

In 2026, Sarvathobhadram Organic plans to conserve an additional 500 seed varieties and establish seed banks to ensure long-term preservation. Farmers, students, and researchers will receive hands-on training in cultivation, seed selection, and organic management through Farmer Field Schools (FFS).

These practical training programs will emphasize soil preparation, organic nutrient management, pest control, and manual post-harvest techniques such as threshing and winnowing, ensuring varietal purity and ecological sustainability.

Science of Tradition

Beyond cultivation, the team is delving into nutritional and therapeutic analyses of traditional rice varieties. Collaborating with nutrition experts, they aim to document levels of proteins, minerals, antioxidants, and phytochemicals- and even study their potential anti-diabetic and anti-cancer properties. Such efforts bridge ancient wisdom with modern science, opening new doors for health-conscious consumers.

Spreading Awareness Through Culture and Cuisine

Sarvathobhadram Organic believes that heritage lives best when it’s shared. In February 2025, the organization hosted an exhibition in Guruvayoor, showcasing “Sacred Offerings” -temple prasadams made from traditional rice, including payasam, rice flakes, and other sweet delicacies offered daily to more than 1,500 devotees at the Vishnumaya Temple. These offerings, both sacred and sustainable, highlight the spiritual and ecological link between faith and food.

Sustainability Rooted in Diversity

The initiative also advocates for integrating biodiversity into agriculture by shifting from monocropping to mixed cropping, using organic inputs, conserving native species, and managing water resources judiciously. Waste reuse, integrated nutrient management, and local sourcing are promoted as key tools to make farming more climate-resilient.

Recognitions and National Impact

In just a few years, Sarvathobhadram Organics has earned multiple national honours for its contribution to sustainable farming:

• Water Champion Award 2023 (TERI–IWA–UNDP)
• Krushak Bandhu Award 2023 (Society for Agricultural Research and Management, Odisha)
• Amritam Sustainable Award 2022 (Aurobindo Yoga & Knowledge Foundation)
• Global Pride Award 2022 (Emerging Sustainable Organic Farming Brand)
• Global Business Entrepreneur Award 2023 (Rajasthan)

These recognitions underscore not only the technical success but also the social and spiritual impact of the program.

Beyond Seeds: A Movement for the Future

The story of Sarvathobhadram Organics is more than a tale of conservation- it is a living model of how communities can preserve biodiversity while nurturing livelihoods and faith. By reviving forgotten rice varieties and restoring ecological balance, this Kerala-based initiative has become a beacon of hope for sustainable agriculture across India. As the world searches for ways to make food systems resilient and climate-friendly, the lessons from this humble temple farm remind us that the future of farming lies as much in our ancestral seeds as in our modern innovations.