The visit focused on integrating geospatial technology, climate-resilient farming, and the development of specialty rice products to enhance Odisha’s agricultural economy
OdishaPlus Bureau
In a move to modernize the state’s agricultural landscape, Sachin Ramchandra Jadhav, Secretary of the Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment, Government of Odisha, conducted a high-level visit to the International Rice Research Institute – South Asia Regional Centre (ISARC) in Varanasi on April 27.
The engagement centered on deepening the partnership between the state government and IRRI to implement technology-driven solutions for rice-based agri-food systems.
A primary objective of the visit was the inauguration of a two-day technical workshop titled “Optimizing Agricultural Land Use and Rice Fallow in Odisha with Geospatial Technology and a Decision Support System.” The program, which runs through April 29, 2026, involves over 20 senior government officials from Odisha.
Managed by the Geospatial Intelligence Lab, the workshop aims to equip policymakers with data-driven tools to better manage land use, particularly in identifying and utilizing rice fallow areas, land that remains uncropped after the rice harvest.
The delegation also toured the Centre of Excellence in Rice Value Addition (CERVA), where scientists demonstrated advancements in speed breeding to accelerate the development of new rice varieties, regenerative practices for soil health, and nutritional research focusing on high-protein and low-glycemic index rice varieties.
Discussions highlighted the ongoing project, “Promoting Self-Help Group-Led Entrepreneurship through Rice Value Addition,” which seeks to identify traditional Odisha rice landraces with commercial potential for both domestic and international markets.
To support these goals, the Government of Odisha and IRRI reviewed plans for a Specialty Rice and Millet Factory-cum-Training Centre to be established in Bhubaneswar. This facility will serve as a hub for food processing infrastructure, aiming to foster local entrepreneurship and capacity building among farmers and self-help groups.
Dr. Vikas Kumar Singh, Interim Director of ISARC, and Dr. Swati Nayak, IRRI’s Interim India Country Manager, briefed the delegation on IRRI’s broader research footprint in India.
The visit concluded with a mutual commitment to scale digital solutions and climate-resilient practices, ensuring that Odisha’s rice value chain remains competitive and sustainable in the face of changing environmental conditions.
