Thiruvananthapuram: Ghee will not be purchased from outside Kerala, including for preparing prasadam at Sabarimala. The Travancore Devaswom Board has decided to purchase two lakh litres of ghee from Milma. This is part of the preparations for the next pilgrimage. The contract to supply most of the items for offerings has been completed.

Ghee was purchased from a firm at a low price. Often from other states. The price fluctuates every year. When tenders are issued, the lowest price is the only criterion. The only thing that is checked thoroughly is whether the ghee supplied has any toxic elements.

The Devaswom Board President P S Prashanth and member S Ajikumar said that ghee is being purchased from Milma to ensure quality. The price has not been finalised. It is likely to be slightly higher than the current price.

40 lakh kg of jaggery is being purchased for appam and aravana. An agreement has also been reached for about two crore cans for Aravana production.

The High Court has approved the capacity expansion and renovation of the Aravana plant in Sannidhanam. Permission has also been given for the renovation work.