Bhubaneswar: In an endeavour to expand market access and improve returns for rural producers, Odisha is showcasing 15 traditional rice varieties and rice products from eight districts at the India International Rice Conference (BIRC) 2026, being held in New Delhi from October 23 to 25. The initiative has been spearheaded by the Odisha Rural Development and Marketing Society (ORMAS) under the Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water Department. A total of 3,695 members from 85 community-based organisations (CBOs) are part of the initiative, which also seeks to preserve traditional farming knowledge.
The varieties on display include Sarala, Sona Masuri, Pooja and Samrat from Puri; Leelabati aromatic rice from Kendrapada; GI-tagged Kala jeera from Koraput; Mugei, Salaphula and Kalachampa from Mayurbhanj; Jasmine black rice from Baragada; Khanipaka and Labanya black rice from Ganjam; Kandera jhal and Machhakanta from Sundaragada; and low-gly caemic-index (GI) rice from Jagatsinghpur.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi said the conference offered an opportunity to introduce Odisha’s unique rice varieties to global consumers. “Our traditional rice varieties embody generations of farming knowledge and the identity of our regions. We aim to use this rich heritage to create greater market opportunities, strengthen rural livelihoods and promote inclusive development,” he said.
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