Farmer groups, SHGs and FPOs to play key role in processing, marketing and exports
BHUBANESWAR , GTNS,SEPTEMBER 10, 2026: Odisha is planning a modern Rice and Millet Factory aimed at transforming the State’s traditional grains into value-added food products and stronger market brands while ensuring greater economic participation for farmers and rural producer groups.
The proposed project was discussed at a high-level meeting attended by senior State Government leaders, Agriculture and Mission Shakti officials and scientists from the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), Philippines.
Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, who holds the Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment and Energy portfolios, participated in the discussions along with Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida, Agriculture Commissioner-cum-Secretary Sachin Ramchandra Jadhav, Mission Shakti officials and IRRI scientist Dr. Nese Sreenivasulu.
The proposed facility will come up over an approved area of 3,845 square metres. The project is being conceived around a combination of farmer participation, FPO and SHG ownership, private-sector involvement and institutional support.
The larger objective is to create a direct connection between farmers and the market by taking traditional rice and millet varieties beyond raw-grain sales and into organised processing, branding and value-added food production.
29 INDIGENOUS RICE VARIETIES EVALUATED
A key component of the initiative is the identification and promotion of indigenous rice varieties with distinctive nutritional and commercial characteristics.
As part of the evaluation process, 29 traditional rice varieties have been assessed for parameters including glycemic index, protein content, milling efficiency, aroma and texture.
The findings are expected to help identify varieties suitable for specialised consumer segments, including health-oriented and premium food markets.
A dedicated Raw Rice Unit is proposed for farmers cultivating low-glycemic varieties and Kalajeera rice. The project also envisages a separate Specialty Black Rice initiative with an emphasis on developing export opportunities.
VALUE ADDITION AT THE CORE
The proposed factory will go beyond conventional grain milling.
Plans include production of multi-millet flakes, IRRI-147 rice flakes, jeera cookies and baked food products. These products are expected to be marketed through Subhadra Shakti Bazaars, while also being taken to markets outside Odisha and potentially to international destinations.
This value-addition model is intended to help farmers and producer organisations capture a larger share of the value generated after cultivation, processing and branding.
FARMERS AND SHGs TO DRIVE THE VALUE CHAIN
Farmer training, quality seed adoption and market integration are expected to form important elements of the project.
The proposed model will give FPOs and SHGs a greater role in the agricultural value chain, potentially covering processing, packaging, branding and marketing.
The participation of women-led Self-Help Groups could further strengthen rural enterprise opportunities and create additional avenues for income generation.
ODISHA EYES A GLOBAL IDENTITY FOR ITS GRAINS
The project reflects a broader attempt to position Odisha’s traditional agricultural products in premium domestic and international markets.
By combining indigenous crop varieties with modern processing technology, organised farmer participation and professional branding, the proposed factory aims to create commercially competitive products carrying an Odisha identity.
The initiative could ultimately connect farmers with consumers through a single value chain spanning cultivation, processing, food innovation, retail and exports.
For Odisha, the proposed Rice and Millet Factory represents an effort to move from selling agricultural commodities to building farmer-linked food brands, potentially giving traditional rice and millet varieties a stronger place in India’s growing health-food and premium-grain markets.