Bhubaneswar: Organic farming is key to ensuring a sustainable food supply chain, said Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Empowerment Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo while addressing a seminar on “Aromatic Rice: Organic Farming Methods and Marketing” during the second day of Krushi Odisha-2025.
Singh Deo highlighted that Odisha plays a significant role in aromatic rice production in India, and the growing market demand for the state’s produce underscores its potential.
He noted the medicinal benefits of natural products and stressed the need to support farmers through initiatives that align with sustainable agricultural practices. The state government, he added, is committed to promoting organic farming and making decisions that prioritize farmers’ interests.
Principal Secretary of the Agriculture Department, Dr. Arabinda Kumar Padhee, elaborated on the government’s efforts to connect Odisha’s agricultural products to wider markets. He revealed that the state is offering a minimum support price (MSP) of Rs 4,100 per quintal for aromatic rice and is the first in India to provide direct assistance to farmers for organic farming. Dr. Padhee also announced plans to use organically grown rice in the preparation of the sacred Abadha of Mahaprabhu at Shree Jagannath Temple.
Dr. Padhee commended farmer Sudam Sahu for preserving over 1,000 indigenous paddy varieties, an achievement that reflects the state’s commitment to biodiversity and traditional farming practices.
The seminar brought together eminent speakers, including Professor Prasannajit Mishra, Dean of Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology; Dr. Bijay Choudhury, an expert working in the Netherlands; Sachin Kumar Sharma of WTO; and Professor Amar Kumar Nayak of XIMB. They shared insights on regenerative agriculture, organic farming, and international marketing opportunities for rice.
On this occasion, MOUs were signed with Kanak Bioscience Research Pvt. Ltd., Smart Coffee, and Impact X, strengthening the state’s focus on innovation and market connectivity. Prominent farmers were felicitated for their contributions to agriculture.
Director of Agriculture Prem Chandra Chaudhary, Director of Horticulture Nikhil Pawan Kalyan, and a large number of farmers and students attended the event. Eight sessions on various topics were conducted across two seminar halls. The program concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Dr. Rajesh Das.
