Odisha Partners with IRRI to Boost Kalajeera Rice Cultivation and Value Addition : The Orissa Today

The Odisha government has joined hands with the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), Philippines, to scale up the cultivation, processing, and commercialisation of indigenous rice varieties, with Kalajeera rice chosen as the flagship crop. The collaboration aims to preserve the aroma, genetic purity, and nutritional qualities of Odisha's native rice, including Low-GI varieties, while ensuring farmers secure better market prices. IRRI will provide technical expertise in post-harvest processing, product diversification, and infrastructure development, including rice mills and regional processing hubs. A strong emphasis has been placed on women's entrepreneurship, encouraging self-help groups and farmers to become micro‑entrepreneurs through rice‑based enterprises. Odisha officials were also invited to 'Beyond the Bowl,' a national buyer‑seller meet, to strengthen market linkages and expand opportunities for indigenous rice products. This partnership is expected to conserve Odisha's rice heritage while creating sustainable agribusiness models, enhancing income generation, and empowering rural communities. Like this: Like Loading…