States » EastPosted at: Oct 3 2026 8:45PM


Odisha opens new market for healthier rice

Bhubaneswar, Oct 3 (UNI) Odisha has set a target to expand healthier rice cultivation to 10,000 hectares from the existing 1,200 hectares, with the State securing market commitments worth around Rs 6 crore for 1,000 tonnes of the produce.
The commitments, formalised through MoUs, Letters of Intent and purchase orders at the Odisha Healthier Rice Business Summit 2026 here on Friday, involve industry buyers and farmer producer organisations (FPOs), including KisaanSay, Bijaylaxmi Agro, Jaivik Sri FPC of Koraput and Loisingha W-FPC of Balangir.
The initiative is aimed at shifting Odisha's rice sector from conventional cultivation to a value-added model by linking farmers and FPOs with processors, research institutions and markets.
The State plans to scale up production of low- and ultra-low-GI, high-protein and micronutrient-rich rice varieties, besides traditional aromatic varieties such as Kalajeera. Research and technical support is being provided by the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) and Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT).
A Specialty Rice and Millet facility is also being developed to support advanced processing and value addition.
Deputy Chief Minister and Agriculture Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo said the government would provide infrastructure, policy support and institutional convergence to create better market opportunities and improve farmers' incomes.
The summit, organised jointly by the Departments of Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment and Mission Shakti in collaboration with IRRI and ORMAS, brought together farmers, FPOs, women-led producer groups, private processors and research institutions.
Representatives from Madagascar and commercial importers also participated in the summit.
UNI MK MCR
Tags: #Odisha opens new market for healthier rice
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