Mukhyamantri Maka Mission: Odisha Hosts First Workshop to Boost Maize Cultivation
Bhubaneswar, Sept 26 — In a major push to diversify Odisha’s agricultural landscape, the state government hosted its first State-Level Consultative Workshop under the Mukhyamantri Maka Mission (MMM) at Krushi Bhawan, Bhubaneswar.
The initiative aims to elevate maize as the second-most important cereal crop after paddy, targeting 15 districts and 45 blocks.
Inaugurated by Dr Arabinda Kumar Padhee, Principal Secretary of Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment, the event saw participation from key stakeholders, including OUAT, ORMAS, and Mission Shakti.
The MMM adopts a whole-of-government approach, integrating multiple departments to streamline maize production, marketing, and farmer empowerment.
A key highlight was the signing of 10 Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) between Farmers Producer Companies (FPCs) and buyers from the poultry and ethanol sectors. These partnerships are expected to enhance market linkages and improve farmer incomes.
The workshop also spotlighted the upcoming maize-based starch plant by Vijayanagar Bio-Tech in Nabarangpur, and emphasised ethanol blending, speciality corn cultivation, hybrid seed production, and agro-service centres.
Technical support will be provided by the Indian Institute of Maize Research, CIMMYT, and OUAT.
Coordinated by ACCESS Development Services, the event concluded with a vote of thanks from Sri Bishnu Prasad Pattanaik, JDA (P&O)-cum-Nodal Officer, MMM.
