Participants engaged in practical training covering paddy processing, cookie production, packaging, storage, and business development
OdishaPlus Bureau
The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) South Asia Regional Centre (ISARC) in Varanasi successfully conducted a significant training program aimed at rice cookie production and the development of micro-enterprises. This initiative, titled ‘Promoting Self-Help Group Led Entrepreneurship through Rice Value Addition,’ engaged 20 members from Women Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in Odisha, along with two officials appointed by the Department of Mission Shakti, Government of Odisha.
Over five intensive days, participants engaged in practical training covering paddy processing, cookie production, packaging, storage, and business development. They explored the creation of innovative products, such as Kalajeera rice and millet cookies, employing advanced techniques including wire-cutting and dropping machines. The program also emphasized branding, cost-benefit analysis, and strategies for achieving market success.
This initiative underscores the collaborative efforts of ISARC, the Department of Mission Shakti, and various partners aimed at bolstering Odisha’s agricultural economy through improved rice value addition and empowering women Self-Help Groups (SHGs) as pivotal agents of sustainable development.
“The knowledge acquired by SHG members should lead to significant advancements, transitioning from Self-Help Groups to Small and Medium Enterprises. The Government is committed to providing substantial credit support to facilitate this transition. I express my sincere gratitude to IRRI and the entire project team for equipping SHG members with essential training in rice product development.
In partnership with the Department of Mission Shakti, the Government is dedicated to progressing positively and continuing its support for IRRI’s initiatives. I encourage SHG members to effectively apply their knowledge and strive to establish facilities within their districts, thereby fostering sustainable development and economic empowerment,” stated Sailendra Kumar Jena, Joint Secretary of the Department of Mission Shakti.
Chief guest Prof. Anil Chauhan, Head of Dairy Science and Food Technology at Banaras Hindu University, also praised the initiative.
Participants expressed enthusiasm about the training’s practical benefits and their plans to transform local resources into market-ready products. The program, supported by IRRI resource persons Dr. Hameeda Itagi and Dr. Vikram Patil, spotlighted entrepreneurship as a pathway to resilient communities and livelihoods.
Dr. Sudhanshu Singh, Director of ISARC, emphasized the significance of such initiatives in driving inclusive growth aligned with sustainable development goals. He encouraged participants to leverage their newly acquired skills to establish thriving micro-enterprises, enhancing the value, particularly of locally sourced Kalajeera rice and millets.
The initiative reaffirmed the commitment of the ISARC Centre of Excellence in Rice Value Addition (CERVA) unit to provide technical guidance, capacity-building initiatives, and market linkages to bolster Odisha’s rice value chain. “Empowered women empower communities. The skills gained here will not only transform your lives but also contribute to the broader development of Odisha’s agricultural landscape,” said IRRI research lead for Consumer-driven Grain Quality and Nutrition and Head of CERVA, Dr. Nese Sreenivasulu.
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