Odisha Hosts First State-Level Consultative Workshop under Mukhyamantri Maka Mission

Bhubaneswar: Odisha took a significant step towards strengthening its maize ecosystem with the hosting of the first State-Level Consultative Workshop under the Mukhyamantri Maka Mission (MMM) at Krushi Bhawan, Bhubaneswar. The workshop was inaugurated by Dr. Arabinda Kumar Padhee, Principal Secretary, Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment, in the presence of senior officials, institutional heads, and farmer representatives.

In his address, Dr. Padhee highlighted the rising importance of maize, which has emerged as the State’s second most important cereal after paddy. Currently covering 15 districts and 45 blocks, the Mukhyamantri Maka Mission reflects a whole-of-government approach, bringing together departments such as Agriculture, Cooperation, Mission Shakti, and ORMAS. He noted that the establishment of the Vijayanagar Bio-Tech maize-based starch extraction plant in Nabarangpur is expected to be a game changer for maize cultivation in Odisha.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Pravat Ku. Roul, Vice Chancellor of OUAT, underscored how the State’s ethanol blending policy, alongside the growing demand for sweet corn and baby corn, is opening new avenues for maize cultivation. He also acknowledged the support of institutions like the Indian Institute of Maize Research, CIMMYT, and OUAT, which are providing crucial scientific and technical backing.

Chakravarti Singh Rathore, CEO of ORMAS, emphasized the mission’s dual strategy—boosting productivity and production, while also collectivizing the maize market to ensure better price realization for farmers. Dr. Monica Priyadarshini, Director, Mission Shakti, added that the mission’s ultimate goal is to strengthen the maize production ecosystem and empower smallholder farmers.

A key highlight of the event was the signing of ten Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) between Farmers Producer Companies (FPCs) and maize buyers, including poultry industries and ethanol manufacturers. This initiative is expected to significantly strengthen the market framework for maize growers in Odisha. FPCs from districts such as Mayurbhanj, Nuapada, Nabarangpur, Koraput, Gajapati, Keonjhar, Malkangiri, Kandhamal, and Ganjam were among those who formalized agreements with buyers.

The workshop, coordinated by ACCESS Development Services, featured detailed deliberations on advanced maize cultivation technologies, hybrid seed production, customized agro-service centres, and opportunities for specialty corn promotion. Participants included representatives from FPCs, maize buyers, State department officials, and scientists from leading research institutions.