Bhubaneswar, Sept. 9 (UDN): Odisha is set to intensify efforts to expand the cultivation and commercial potential of its indigenous specialty rice varieties, with the state exploring a collaboration with the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), Philippines, to promote Kalajeera rice as a key demonstration crop.
The proposed partnership was discussed during a meeting between Deputy Chief Minister and Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment and Energy Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo and an IRRI delegation led by Principal Scientist Nese Sreenivasulu.
Agriculture Commissioner-cum-Secretary Sachin Ramchandra Jadhav and senior IRRI officials, including its Odisha head Mukund, were also present.
Kalajeera Identified as Flagship Demonstration Crop
Under the proposed collaboration, IRRI will extend technical expertise to help preserve the distinctive aroma, genetic purity and quality of Odisha’s traditional specialty rice varieties, including Low-GI rice.
Kalajeera rice has been identified as the primary demonstration crop, with the initiative aimed at encouraging more farmers to take up its cultivation and secure better returns through improved market valuation.
The programme is expected to combine traditional rice conservation with modern production and marketing strategies to create stronger commercial opportunities for farmers.
Focus on Processing and Value Addition
The collaboration will also explore ways to develop value-added products from broken rice, while promoting local raw rice mills and regional processing infrastructure.
Such facilities could help reduce post-harvest losses, improve processing capabilities and create additional income opportunities within farming communities.
The initiative also envisages greater participation of women’s groups in rice-based enterprises, potentially enabling them to develop small-scale businesses around processing and value-added products.
IRRI Pushes Market Linkages
The IRRI delegation invited the Deputy Chief Minister and the Odisha government to participate in ‘Beyond the Bowl’, a national-level buyer-seller business meet aimed at strengthening market connections and bringing producers and buyers closer.
The visit also provided an opportunity for Odisha officials and IRRI scientists from the Philippines to exchange knowledge under the joint project ‘Promoting Women Entrepreneurship through Rice Value Addition’.
Discussions covered post-harvest processing, value addition and sustainable business models led by women.
Blending Heritage With Modern Agribusiness
The proposed Odisha-IRRI partnership seeks to give the state’s indigenous rice varieties a stronger position in domestic and commercial markets while preserving their traditional characteristics.
For farmers, the focus will be on expanding cultivation, improving processing and creating better market access, while women-led enterprises could gain new opportunities through rice-based value addition and agribusiness activities.
