IRRI partners DAFE & Mission Shakti for rice value addition

The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Empowerment (DAFE), and the Department of Mission Shakti (DMS), 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.

- STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE

The 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.

An inception meeting of the project titled "Promoting Self-Help Group-Led Entrepreneurship through Rice Value Addition" was held here on Monday.

Dr. Arabinda Padhee, Principal Secretary, Department of Agriculture & Farmers' Empowerment (DAFE), along with senior officials from the Department of Agriculture, Mission Shakti, IRRI, ICAR, APEDA and leading research and academic institutions were present. 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.