Odisha Targets Premium Rice Market at Healthier Rice Business Summit 2026
Bhubaneswar: The state government has unveiled an ambitious roadmap to transform Odisha into a leading producer and exporter of healthier and speciality rice varieties, with a strong focus on improving farmer incomes and strengthening market linkages.
Speaking at the Odisha Healthier Rice Business Summit 2026, Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo emphasised the need to shift from a volume-driven agricultural model to a value-driven economy that rewards farmers through premium products and better market access.
The summit, jointly organised by the Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment, Department of Mission Shakti, IRRI, and ORMAS, brought together policymakers, researchers, exporters, farmer producer organisations, and international stakeholders to discuss opportunities in the speciality rice sector.
A key highlight of the event was Odisha’s plan to significantly expand the cultivation of healthier rice varieties, including low-GI, ultra-low GI, high-protein, micronutrient-rich, and traditional aromatic rice such as Kalajeera.
Research institutions including IRRI and OUAT are supporting efforts to improve varietal development and market readiness.
The state aims to increase the area under speciality rice cultivation from around 1,200 hectares to 10,000 hectares over the coming years.
To support this expansion, a dedicated Speciality Rice and Millet facility is proposed to enhance processing, quality assurance, branding, and value addition.
The summit also delivered immediate business outcomes, with four Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) signed involving approximately 1,000 metric tonnes of healthier rice and commercial commitments worth about ₹6 crore.
These agreements are expected to strengthen direct market connections between buyers and local producer organisations, including women-led farming groups.
Participants highlighted the growing demand for nutritious and speciality rice products in domestic and international markets.
Discussions focused on traceability, quality standards, supply-chain integration, and export scalability, with representatives from international buyers and the Embassy of Madagascar participating in the deliberations.
Officials expressed confidence that the initiative will help Odisha emerge as a major hub for healthier rice production while fostering sustainable agricultural growth and greater prosperity for farmers.
