Bhubaneswar, Dec. 10: Odisha Deputy Chief Minister and Minister of Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment and Energy, Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo on Wednesday reviewed the progress of the proposed Specialty Rice and Millet Factory at Baramunda, officials said.

The meeting was attended by senior officials including Principal Secretary Agriculture Dr. Arabinda Kumar Padhee, Director Agriculture Subham Saxena, and Director Mission Shakti Monica Priyadarshini.

🌱 Towards a new era of agri-innovation

Had an insightful meeting with Dr. Zachary P. Stewart, Vice President (Research) & Chief Scientist of the International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC), at the Lok Seva Bhawan chamber.

Discussions focused on the establishment of… pic.twitter.com/Ypt4Hkk4y7

— Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo (Modiji Ka Parivar) (@KVSinghDeo1) December 10, 2025

Focus on Low GI Rice

The project aims to develop ICAR rice varieties with ultra-low Glycemic Index (GI), producing rice with a protein content of 10–12 percent. Officials said the initiative would benefit diabetic patients and health-conscious consumers, while also catering to rice lovers seeking healthier alternatives.

Millet Factory Investment

With an estimated cost of Rs 91.22 crore, the millet factory is expected to be the first of its kind in India. Large-scale production of millet is projected to boost both health and the economy, given the rising demand for the grain nationwide.

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Empowering SHGs

Principal Secretary Dr. Padhee highlighted that the project would directly connect Self-Help Groups (SHGs), aiming to create more “Lakhpati Didis” by linking women beneficiaries to nutritional rice and millet production. The initiative is expected to strengthen rural livelihoods while promoting healthier food choices.

Key Aspects and Partnerships

The factory’s plan includes purification and release of low GI varieties, marketing strategies involving aggregation and cluster production, and profiling. A market study will be conducted by the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), while financial monitoring will be managed through CFMS. Representatives from ICAR, IRRI, OAIC, OUAT, IMAGE, and senior officers from the Agriculture Department also participated in the review meeting.

Deputy CM Singh Deo emphasised that the project would serve both health and economic goals, positioning Odisha as a leader in specialty rice and millet production.