Orissa: Plan to set up mini rice factory in state

To promote nutritious and premium rice products, the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), in collaboration with the state govt, has decided to set up a dedicated mini-factory in Odisha.

The initiative aims to empower women-led self-help groups with the skills, infrastructure, and market access necessary to produce, process, and market low glycaemic index (GI), high-protein rice. It also aims to promote Odisha’s indigenous rice varieties into high-value products and foster entrepreneurship and economic growth.

An inception meeting for the project was held on Monday with key stakeholders involved to align expectations, objectives and implementation strategies. Senior officials from the departments of agriculture and Mission Shakti, IRRI and leading research and academic institutions participated. Private sector stakeholders, such as rice millers and food processing companies, also gave their insights.

Arabinda Padhee, principal secretary, agriculture, emphasised the transformative potential of Odisha’s indigenous rice varieties and their role in strengthening rural entrepreneurship. “Value addition is key to unlocking Odisha’s agricultural potential, and the initiative reflects our commitment to empowering women-led self-help groups, farmer producer organisations and agri-entrepreneurs,” he said.

Padhee stated that by leveraging Odisha’s unique rice varieties and IRRI’s expertise in research and value chain development, the initiative aimed to transform raw grains — particularly low-GI and high-protein rice developed at IRRI — into high-value, nutrition-rich products.

In a video message, Yvonne Pinto, director general of IRRI, highlighted the institution’s commitment to advancing research-driven, market-oriented solutions that benefit farmers and consumers. “This project is more than just about rice. It is about creating opportunities, building livelihoods, and ensuring that women, farmers, and small-scale entrepreneurs in Odisha have the tools and knowledge they need to succeed,” she said.

Pinto further said that at IRRI, they are integrating scientific advancements with traditional knowledge to enhance rice value addition, contributing to better nutrition and sustainable economic growth.

This article has been republished from The Times of India.