Singh Deo also stressed the need to connect farmers and FPOs with research institutions, industry and markets to promote healthier rice, strengthen value addition and improve farm incomes
Odisha pushes healthier rice cultivation to boost farmer’s income: Odisha Healthier Rice Business Summit 2026 was organised in the capital city here on Saturday. Odisha aims to expand the cultivation of healthier and nutrient-dense rice varieties to 10,000 hectares from the existing 1,200 hectares over the next four to five years, Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo said.
The summit was jointly organised by the Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment (DA&FE), the Department of Mission Shakti, International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) and ORMAS. Addressing the summit, Singh Deo said the state was moving beyond conventional rice production towards a value-driven and farmer-centric rice economy.
He also stressed the need to connect farmers and FPOs with research institutions, industry and markets to promote healthier rice, strengthen value addition and improve farm incomes. Odisha to play a key role in meeting future global food security needs he added.
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The event brought together key stakeholders—including farmers, Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), women-led producer groups, private processors, and research institutions. Singh Deo, highlighted state government’s steadfast commitment to empowering growers and enhancing rural incomes.
On the occasion, several key industry buyers and FPOs entered into agreements to buy around 1,000 tonnes of healthier rice from Odisha.
