THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

BHUBANESWAR/VARANASI, APRIL 28

Odisha has taken a major step towards ushering in a new era of smart farming and value-added agriculture, with the state government strengthening its partnership with the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI). In a high-level visit to the International Rice Research Institute – South Asia Regional Centre (ISARC) in Varanasi, Agriculture Secretary Sachin Ramchandra Jadhav underscored Odisha's commitment to harnessing digital innovation, geospatial technology, and advanced rice value addition to build a resilient, farmer-centric agricultural ecosystem.

Sachin Ramchandra Jadhav, Commissioner-cum-Secretary, Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment (DA&FE), Government of Odisha, visited ISARC on April 27-28 to deepen collaboration on sustainable rice systems, digital agriculture, and value chain development.

He was welcomed by Dr. Vikas Kumar Singh, Interim Director, ISARC, along with senior scientists and officials, who highlighted ISARC’s extensive work in Odisha and its pioneering initiatives in climate-smart, technology-driven agriculture.

A major highlight of the visit was the inauguration of a two-day workshop under the Innovative Project Scheme titled "Optimizing Agricultural Land Use and Rice Fallow in Odisha with Geospatial Technology and a Decision Support System." Moderated by ISARC’s Geospatial Intelligence Lab, the workshop has brought together 23 government officials from Odisha to explore the transformative potential of GIS and decision-support systems in data-driven agricultural planning and interventions.

During the deliberations, Dr. Swati Nayak, IRRI Scientist-cum-India Country Manager (Interim), presented an overview of IRRI’s work in India and ISARC’s ongoing research and development initiatives in Odisha. Senior Odisha officials, including the Additional Secretary and Joint Director, actively participated in the discussions.

The delegation also toured ISARC’s world-class research facilities, witnessing innovations in plant and soil science, remote sensing-based decision support systems, speed breeding for rapid varietal development, farm mechanization, and regenerative agriculture.

A key focus of the visit was the Centre of Excellence in Rice Value Addition (CERVA), where discussions centred on expanding Odisha’s rice and millet value chains through innovative product development, advanced processing technologies, and market-driven value addition.

The delegation also conducted an in-depth review of the project "Promoting Self-Help Group-Led Entrepreneurship through Rice Value Addition." The initiative aims to unlock the commercial potential of Odisha’s traditional rice landraces and popular rice varieties by developing premium value-added food products for domestic and international markets.

As part of this ambitious initiative, a Specialty Rice and Millet Factory-cum-Training Centre is proposed in Bhubaneswar. Equipped with state-of-the-art food processing infrastructure, the facility will foster entrepreneurship, skill development, and market linkages, particularly for women-led self-help groups.

Special emphasis was placed on promoting nutritionally superior low-GI, ultra-low-GI, and high-protein rice varieties developed by IRRI, alongside innovative rice-millet food products and rice bran-based nutrition solutions aimed at enhancing public health and nutritional security.

The project review was led by Principal Investigator Dr. Nese Sreenivasulu, along with IRRI scientists and the project team.

The visit concluded with a renewed commitment from both IRRI and the Government of Odisha to scale up geospatial and digital solutions, strengthen rice value chains, and advance climate-resilient agriculture, paving the way for a more prosperous and sustainable future for Odisha’s farmers.