Odisha Plans Integrated Rice and Millet Processing Factory

AI FEED

Odisha is planning an integrated rice and millet processing factory covering 3,845 square metres.
The facility will process indigenous rice varieties, millets and value-added food products for domestic and international markets.
Farmers, FPOs, women’s SHGs, private companies and government institutions will participate in the proposed processing model.

Bhubaneswar: Odisha is moving forward with plans for an integrated rice and millet processing factory that will turn the state’s indigenous grains into packaged and value-added food products for Indian and international markets.

The proposed facility will cover an approved area of 3,845 square metres and is being planned as a modern food-processing hub involving farmers, Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), women’s Self-Help Groups (SHGs), private enterprises and government institutions.

The project was reviewed during high-level discussions involving Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, who oversees Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment and Energy, and Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida, who handles Women and Child Development, Mission Shakti and Tourism.

Odisha Rice and Millet Processing Factory to Add Value

The proposed factory will have dedicated processing facilities for several specialised rice varieties. These include ultra-low and low-glycaemic-index rice as well as Odisha’s aromatic Kalajeera rice.

A separate processing line for black rice is also being planned, with the facility intended to meet quality requirements for international markets.

The state government has already assessed 29 indigenous rice varieties. The evaluation considered characteristics such as glycaemic index, protein content, milling efficiency, aroma and texture to identify varieties suitable for processing and value-added food products.

Millet Flakes, Cookies and Other Food Products

The factory is expected to move beyond traditional rice milling by producing a range of processed food items.

Planned products include multi-millet flakes, thick IRRI-147 rice flakes, jeera or cumin cookies and other baked products. This approach is designed to move agricultural produce into higher-value food categories rather than selling the grains only as raw commodities.

Technical inputs are being provided by Dr Nese Sreenivasulu, Principal Scientist and chief scientist at the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) in the Philippines. Mission Shakti Secretary Mansi Nimbhal and senior officials from the Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment and Women and Child Development departments are also involved in the discussions.

Farmers and SHGs to Play Key Role

The proposed processing model is designed around farmer participation. FPOs and women’s SHGs are expected to have ownership and participation roles, working alongside private businesses and government institutions.

This structure could connect farmers more directly with processing and marketing activities, allowing indigenous rice and millet varieties to enter higher-value markets.

The finished products are planned to be sold through Subhadra Shakti Bazaars and other domestic retail channels. Selected products will also be prepared for overseas markets.

Black rice, in particular, is being positioned as an export-oriented product.