Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Healthier Rice Business Summit 2026, organized by the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), took place at the Lyfe Hotel in Bhubaneswar.
The event served as a major step toward advancing sustainable agriculture, empowering farming communities, and positioning Odisha at the forefront of global agricultural innovation.
The summit was formally inaugurated by the Deputy Chief Minister of Odisha, Shri Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, who holds the portfolios for Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment as well as Energy.
The gathering brought together a distinguished assembly of leaders, including Shri Sachin Ramachandra Jadhav, Commissioner-cum-Secretary of DAFE; the Vice-Chancellor of OUAT; the Consul General of Madagascar; and senior representatives from IRRI, the Women and Child Development Department, and the Panchayati Raj Department.
Dedicated local farmers, agricultural researchers, and agro-industry executives were also in attendance.
The conference highlighted Odisha’s rich heritage of indigenous, low-glycemic index (GI), and high-protein rice varieties, which are recognized for their distinct aroma, flavor, health advantages, and ease of digestion.
In his keynote address, the Deputy Chief Minister emphasized the necessity for collaborative action among all agricultural stakeholders to enhance rice yields and increase overall farm incomes across the state.
To turn these strategic goals into economic opportunities, landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) agreements were signed between local farming communities and agro-industrial enterprises.
These agreements aim to link rural production directly with broader commercial markets, ensuring sustainable growth and economic stability for the region’s agricultural sector.