Bhubaneswar: An upcoming Speciality Rice and Millet Factory in Odisha formed the core focus of high-level agricultural discussions in the state, aiming to advance local food processing standards, promote climate-resilient crop varieties, and enhance value addition for regional agricultural produce.
During a courtesy visit, a delegation from the International Rice Research Institute, headquartered in the Philippines, met with Chief Secretary of Odisha, Shrimati Anu Garg. The delegation was led by Dr. Nese Sreenivasulu, Principal Scientist and India Research Coordinator at IRRI Headquarters.
Shri Sachin Ramachandra Jadhav, Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment, joined the meeting to review ongoing strategic collaborations between the department and the international research body.
The proposed Speciality Rice and Millet Factory-cum-Training Centre in Bhubaneswar forms the centerpiece of Odisha’s strategic push to transform its post-harvest agricultural economy and scale up regional food processing.
The modern processing facility is designed as a pilot plant integrated with an on-site laboratory, dedicated to processing climate-resilient crop varieties, health-focused Low Glycemic Index (Low-GI) rice, and native landraces like the aromatic Kalajeera rice. Equipped with specialized machinery for rice milling, wire-cut technology, and millet processing, the unit enables the production of value-added products such as specialty grain cookies, ready-to-cook mixes, and nutritionally enriched food items utilizing broken rice grains.
Beyond industrial processing, the infrastructure functions as a central hub for capacity building and rural entrepreneurship. Developed in collaboration with the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) and state initiatives like the Odisha Millets Mission and Mission Shakti, the facility trains local Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) and Women Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in advanced post-harvest techniques, packaging, and commercial enterprise management.
The Government of Odisha reaffirmed its commitment to modernizing the state agricultural ecosystem, supporting farmer livelihoods, and expanding international technical partnerships through key infrastructure projects like the new facility.