States » EastPosted at: Oct 24 2026 10:34PM


ORMAS bags BIRC Global Excellence Award 2026 for promoting Odisha’s rice heritage

Bhubaneswar, Oct 24 (UNI) The Odisha Rural Development and Marketing Society (ORMAS) has received the prestigious BIRC Global Excellence Award 2026 in recognition of its leadership in promoting rural enterprises, expanding market access for rural producers and contributing to the global rice industry.
The award marks a significant milestone in Odisha’s efforts to showcase its rich agricultural heritage and connect traditional rice producers with national and international markets.
Operating under the Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water Department, ORMAS has been working to strengthen rural livelihoods by connecting farmers and producer groups with wider markets. Its initiatives focus on improving product presentation, branding and value addition to enhance the market potential of indigenous agricultural products.
At the Bharat International Rice Conference (BIRC) 2026, being held at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, ORMAS is showcasing 15 traditional rice varieties and rice-based products sourced from eight districts of Odisha.
The initiative brings together 85 Community-Based Organisations (CBOs), representing 3,695 members, to promote the state’s indigenous rice varieties, highlight their unique identity and create new marketing opportunities for rural producers.
ORMAS CEO Dr Monica Priyadarshini received the award on behalf of the organisation. The recognition highlights the collective efforts of the ORMAS team and rural producer groups in promoting Odisha’s traditional agricultural products and strengthening rural enterprises.
Congratulating the ORMAS team on the achievement, Odisha Minister for Rural Development, Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water, Rabi Narayan Naik, said the award was a recognition of the team’s commitment and hard work.
“This award is a recognition of the ORMAS team’s commitment and hard work. We will continue to expand market opportunities for rural producers, take their products to national and international markets, and strengthen rural enterprises,” Naik said.
The recognition is expected to further strengthen efforts to promote Odisha’s traditional rice varieties, create better market linkages for rural producers and establish the state’s indigenous agricultural products in wider markets.
UNI DP
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