Odisha’s Deputy CM Calls for Scaling of Healthier and Indigenous Rice

Odisha’s Deputy CM Calls for Scaling of Healthier and Indigenous Rice

November 13, 2025

BOLANGIR, India (October 25, 2025) — Odisha Deputy Chief Minister Sj. Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo expressed support for ongoing efforts to promote indigenous and healthier rice varieties cultivated through eco-friendly and low-input practices during his visit to the field trials jointly undertaken by IRRI and the Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment (DAFE) in Bolangir.

Deputy Chief Minister Sj. Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo during his field visit at trials of landraces and healthier rice varieties

At the Rajendra Experimental Farm, the Honorable Chief Minister reviewed 61 indigenous rice landraces from across Bolangir district being scientifically characterized and purified under natural farming system, which means completely free from synthetic chemicals. This is a joint initiaitve of IRRI and State Seed Testing Laboratory (SSTL).

Furthermore,13 healthier-rich rice varieties were also showcased for stakeholder evaluation and future scaling.

The Deputy Chief Minister holds locally processed, value-added rice products with improved packaging.

Deo met with IRRI Specialist Shri Dillip Kumar Rout and Chief District Agriculture Officer Shri Dhirendra Singh Bariha to discuss ongoing initiatives aimed at identifying and scaling attractive rice varieties that enhance farmer incomes, nutrition, and local market opportunities.

Cluster demonstrations across 300 hectares in Bolangir, Puintala, Agalpur, and Loisingha blocks are already promoting climate-resilient and healthier rice varieties. The Deputy Chief Minister also interacted with members of the Puintala Farmers Producer Company (FPC), commending their value addition initiatives and marketing of Telangana Sona (Low GI) and DRR Dhan 67 rice products.

Appreciating IRRI and DAFE’s collaborative work, Deo emphasized the importance of systematic varietal evaluation, scaling, and market linkage development for indigenous and specialty rice.

“We will advance the best-evaluated varieties and landraces for the benefit of farmers,” the he said, while reiterating the state’s commitment to promoting natural farming for long-term soil health and reduced production costs.

To strengthen the seed value chain, early-generation seeds of improved rice varieties have been distributed to the Odisha State Seeds Corporation (OSSC), private seed producers, and FPCs for wider access.

The visit was attended by representatives from IRRI, DAFE, KVK Bolangir, RITE, and local farmer groups.