Bhubaneswar: Following a high-level meeting involving key state leadership—including Deputy Chief Minister,  Agriculture & Farmers' Empowerment & Energy, Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, Deputy Chief Minister, WCD, Mission Shakti and Tourism Pravati Parida and Principal Scientists from IRRI Philippines, Dr. Nese Sreenivasul and Commissioner-cum-Secretary, Agriculture, Sachin Ramchandra Jadhav, Mission Shakti, Mansi Nimbhal, senior officials from Agriculture and Mission Shakti—the Government has outlined an ambitious plan to establish a state-of-the-art Rice & Millet Factory. Operating under an approved area of 3,845 sq. meters, the facility is designed as a farmer-driven, FPO- and SHG-owned, private-driven, and institutionally-supported venture project.

The vision leverages healthier, high-yielding, traditional rice varieties by scaling up farmer training, seed adoption, and direct market integration to ensure that primary economic benefits flow directly back to local agricultural communities.
The project establishes a strong foundation in farmer participation and quality evaluation, directly engaging farmers.

Emphasizing sensory and technical excellence, 29 indigenous varieties have been thoroughly evaluated with ultra-low glycemic index, high protein based, milling efficiency, aroma, and texture. The venture targets specialized segments, including a Raw Rice Unit supporting farmers focusing on Low-GI and Kalajeera varieties, alongside a dedicated Specialty Black Rice initiative targeting export markets.

Beyond raw grain processing, the facility will produce value-added goods including multi-millet flakes, thick IRRI-147 rice flakes, jeera cookies, and baked items for retail distribution through Subhadra Shakti Bazaars & export to outside the state and country. By combining modern industrial infrastructure with community ownership, the initiative aims to build a globally recognized brand for Odisha agricultural products.