Bhubaneswar: Odisha’s role in the production of aromatic rice in the country is important. Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo mentioned that there is a market demand for aromatic rice produced from the state.
Speaking as the chief guest at a seminar on “Aromatic Rice: Organic Farming Methods and Marketing” held on the dais on the second day of Krishi Odisha-2025, Shri Singh Deo said that organic farming can meet the needs of sustainable food supply chain. He opined that the products provided by nature and the medicinal quality available in different trees are beneficial for the body. For this, he said, the State Government is encouraging farmers at various levels and taking decisions keeping in mind their interests.
Dr. Arainda Kumar Padhee, Principal Secretary of the Department informed that various agricultural produce of the state are being connected with the market so that a farmer can be benefited. The production of fragrant rice in the state has been promoted and rs 4,100 is being provided as minimum support price per quintal.
Director Agriculture and Food Production, Odisha, Prem Chandra Chaudhary co-ordinated the entire show.
Besides promoting organic farming, Odisha is the first state in the country to support farmers in this regard. He also informed that there is a plan to use organic rice in the preparation of Lord’s Avdha in Shri Mandir. Similarly, Dr. Padhee praised the farmer Sudam Sahu for conserving more than 1000 indigenous paddy species.
Prof. Prasannajit Mishra, Dean, Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology, Dr. Bijay Chowdhury, Dr. Sachin Kumar Sharma of WTO, Prof. Amar Kumar Nayak of XIMB were also present on the occasion.
On this occasion, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed with Kanak Bioscience Research Pvt. Ltd. with Smart Coffee and ImpactX. Prominent farmers were felicitated for their special contribution in the field of agriculture.
Director Agriculture Prem Chandra Chaudhary, Director Horticulture Nikhil Pawan Kalyan were present on the occasion. Along with this, 8 sessions were held in two seminar halls today in different subjects. It was attended by a large number of farmers and students. Dr. Rajesh Das finally proposed the vote of thanks.