Former TTD EO Proposes Internal Ghee Production to Curb Adulteration

Former Executive Officer of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) and retired IAS officer L.V. Subrahmanyam has proposed that the temple body establish a robust, independent system for ghee procurement, modeled after the successful Amul cooperative in Gujarat.

Speaking to Eenadu, Subrahmanyam suggested that TTD should encourage farmers in the combined Chittoor and Nellore districts to rear indigenous cows. He recommended that the Devasthanam procure milk directly from these local farmers to manufacture ghee internally. He expressed confidence that farmers would supply pure milk out of devotion to the deity, which would ensure uncompromised quality while providing employment to thousands of rural families.

Addressing the controversy surrounding the alleged use of adulterated ghee in Srivari Laddu Prasadam during the previous government’s tenure, the former official condemned the incident as an "unforgivable sin" and a curse on humanity. He alleged that this was not an accidental oversight but a "criminal conspiracy," claiming that perpetrators deliberately researched which chemicals to mix to mimic the texture of pure ghee.

Subrahmanyam expressed outrage that the supply reportedly continued even after lab tests in 2022 confirmed adulteration. "It is shameful to justify the act by claiming only chemicals were added, not animal fat. Is that not sacrilege?" he questioned.

Asserting that both the EO and the Chairman bear equal responsibility for temple affairs, he demanded that those responsible stop their arguments and perform penance at Tirumala. He urged the government and the TTD board to implement strict measures to prevent such occurrences in the future.