Bhubaneswar: Odisha aims to expand the cultivation of healthier and nutrient-rich rice varieties from the current 1,200 hectares to 10,000 hectares over the next four to five years, with a focus on value addition, market access and higher returns for farmers.
The target was highlighted at the Odisha Healthier Rice Business Summit 2026, organised in Bhubaneswar by the Departments of Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment and Mission Shakti, in collaboration with the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) and ORMAS.
The summit brought together farmers, Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), women-led producer groups, private processors and research institutions to explore ways to move Odisha’s rice sector beyond conventional cultivation towards a value-driven, farmer-centric economy.
The proposed expansion covers low-GI, ultra-low GI, high-protein and micronutrient-rich rice varieties, as well as traditional aromatic varieties such as Kalajeera. Technical research support is being provided by IRRI and Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT). A Specialty Rice and Millet facility is also planned to support advanced processing and value addition.
Addressing the gathering, Deputy Chief Minister and Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo said Odisha could play a key role in meeting future global food security needs. He stressed the need to connect farmers and FPOs with research institutions, industry and markets to promote healthier rice, strengthen value addition and improve farmers’ incomes.
The government, he said, was committed to providing the infrastructure, policy support and institutional convergence needed to take Odisha’s healthier rice from farms to national and international markets.
The summit also saw business commitments covering around 1,000 metric tonnes of healthier rice, valued at approximately ₹6 crore. Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs), Letters of Intent (LoIs) and purchase orders were signed involving industry buyers and FPOs, including KisaanSay, Bijaylaxmi Agro, Jaivik Sri FPC of Koraput and Loisingha W-FPC of Balangir.
Technical sessions focused on supply chain integration, traceability, quality assurance and market scalability, with participation from government officials, researchers, industry representatives and commercial importers.
Among those present were Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment Department Commissioner-cum-Secretary Sachin Ramchandra Jadhav, OUAT Vice-Chancellor Prof. Pravat Kumar Roul, Indian Rice Export Federation Director General Mohammad Sultan, and representatives from the Embassy of Madagascar and commercial importing firms.
