IRRI partners with DAFE and Dept of Mission Shakti to empower women on rice value addition

Bhubaneswar : The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture and Farmer’s Empowerment (DAFE), and the Department of Mission Shakti (DMS), Government of Odisha, will set up a dedicated mini-factory to promote nutritious and premium quality products to empower the women-led Self-Help Groups (WSHGs) of the state in rice value addition

This initiative aims to equip WSHGs with the skills, infrastructure, and market access necessary to produce, process, and market low glycaemic index (low GI), high-protein rice. It also aims to promote Odisha’s indigenous rice varieties into high-value products, fostering entrepreneurship and economic growth.

Today, an inception meeting of the project titled “Promoting Self-Help Group-Led Entrepreneurship through Rice Value Addition” convened the key stakeholders involved expectations, objectives, and implementation strategies.

The event was graced by Dr. ArabindaPadhee, Principal Secretary, Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment (DAFE), Government of Odisha, as the Chief Guest, along with senior officials from the Department of Agriculture, Mission Shakti, IRRI, ICAR, APEDA and leading research and academic institutions. Private sector stakeholders, including rice millers, food processing companies, and agri-business leaders, were also present to explore collaborative opportunities in rice-based entrepreneurship and value chain enhancement. Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) Director General Dr. Himanshu Pathak and Dr. Sudhanshu, Secretary of APEDA joined the event virtually and addressed the gathering.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Arabinda Padhee emphasized the transformative potential of Odisha’s indigenous rice varieties and their role in strengthening rural entrepreneurship. He stated, “Value addition is key to unlocking Odisha’s agricultural potential, and this initiative reflects our commitment to empowering women-led Self-Help Groups, Farmer Producer Organizations, and agri-entrepreneurs. “By leveraging Odisha’s unique rice varieties and IRRI’s expertise in research and value chain development, we aim to transform raw grains—particularly Low-GI and high-protein rice developed at IRRI—into high-value, nutrition-rich products.. This partnership will enhance farmer incomes, strengthen food security, and position Odisha as a hub for sustainable rice-based enterprises.”

The program commenced with a video message from IRRI Director General, Dr. Yvonne Pinto, highlighting IRRI’s commitment to advancing research-driven, market-oriented solutions that benefit farmers and consumers. She said, “This project is about more than just 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. At IRRI, we are integrating scientific advancements with traditional knowledge to enhance rice value addition, contributing to better nutrition and sustainable economic growth. IRRI is proud to be a partner in this transformative journey, ensuring that Odisha’s unique rice varieties reach their full potential in both domestic and global markets.”

Dr. NeseSreenivasulu, Principal Scientist, Grain Quality and Nutrition Centre at IRRI headquarters, and project leader of this initiative, provided a comprehensive overview of the project’s objectives and expected outcomes. He emphasized the importance of leveraging scientific advancements in rice processing, such as low (GI) and high-protein rice varieties, stating, “‘In addition to direct health benefits, Low GI rice could provide economic opportunities for farmers by tapping into premium markets for health-focused rice products. Collaborations among governments, research institutions, and private sectors will be crucial to scaling up production, distribution, and consumer education. Low GI rice, with enriched proteins and nutritional density, could become a cornerstone in tackling the double burden of malnutrition and non-communicable disease.

A key highlight of the event was the unveiling of the project roadmap document by dignitaries, followed by a 3D model presentation of the upcoming processing facility and cafeteria (rice and millet mini factory) by the Odisha Agro Industries Corporation (OAIC). This state-of-the-art processing facility in Bhubaneswar will serve as a training and business incubation hub, where WSHGs will receive hands-on training and enable these stakeholders to take up activities pertaining to rice processing, producing nutritious high-quality food products, packaging, branding, and marketing.

The program also featured technical sessions focusing on enterprise development strategies, enhancing income through efficient marketing channels, and branding rice-based products. Women SHG members and Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs) shared their experiences and expectations regarding engagement in the rice value chain. Discussions also explored public-private collaboration opportunities, with private stakeholders offering insights into market expansion, investment models, and value chain integration.