Bhubaneswar, 03 October (H.S.): Odisha Government on Saturday unveiled a market-oriented strategy to promote healthier and nutritious rice, with the state targeting expansion of nutrient-rich rice cultivation from the existing 1,200 hectares to 10,000 hectares over the next four to five years.

The Odisha Healthier Rice Business Summit 2026, jointly organised by the Departments of Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment and Mission Shakti in collaboration with the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) and ORMAS, brought together farmers, FPOs, women-led producer groups, processors and research institutions.

Deputy Chief Minister and Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo said Odisha was positioned to play a key role in meeting future global food security needs. He said the government was working to shift rice production towards a value-driven, farmer-centric model by linking growers and FPOs with research, industry and markets.

The state is promoting low-GI, ultra-low-GI, high-protein and micronutrient-rich varieties, besides traditional aromatic rice such as Kalajeera. A specialised Rice and Millet facility is also being developed to support advanced processing and value addition.

The summit generated immediate commercial commitments, with four agreements covering around 1,000 metric tonnes of healthier rice valued at nearly ₹6 crore. The agreements involved industry buyers and FPOs, including KisaanSay, Bijaylaxmi Agro, Jaivik Sri FPC of Koraput and Loisingha W-FPC of Balangir.

Commissioner-cum-Secretary, Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment, Sachin Ramchandra Jadhav; OUAT Vice-Chancellor Prof. Pravat Kumar Roul; Indian Rice Export Federation Director General Mohammad Sultan; representatives of the Embassy of Madagascar and commercial importers attended the summit.

Technical sessions focused on supply-chain integration, traceability, quality assurance and market expansion, with an emphasis on connecting Odisha’s healthier rice with national and international markets while improving returns for farmers.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda