Bhubaneswar, Oct 24 [UDN}:Odisha’s rich agricultural heritage and traditional rice diversity received a grand showcase at the India International Rice Conference (BIRC) 2026, held at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, marking a moment of pride and honour for the entire state. This landmark initiative by the Odisha Rural Development and Marketing Society (ORMAS) has brought the tireless efforts and contributions of the state’s farming community into the national and international spotlight, giving Odisha’s traditional rice varieties a distinctive identity on the global stage.
With the direct participation of 85 community-based organisations from eight districts of Odisha and approximately 3,700 farmers, the state presented 15 rare, nutritious and culturally significant rice varieties. These included GI-tagged Kalajeera, aromatic Lilabati, Mugei, Black Rice, Sarala, Sona Masuri, Pooja and Samrat, among others. The impressive display highlighted Odisha’s agricultural diversity, indigenous farming knowledge and the enduring legacy of traditional rice cultivation. It also reflected the pride, self-reliance and traditional wisdom of the farming communities that have preserved these valuable varieties across generations.
At a time when Odisha is actively promoting industrial growth and attracting global investments through its participation in India Chem 2026 in Mumbai, the state’s agricultural heritage is simultaneously capturing attention in the national capital. While efforts are underway to take Odisha’s industrial development to new heights by attracting investment from across the world, the distinctive aroma, nutritional value and cultural significance of Odisha’s traditional rice varieties are winning appreciation at the BIRC 2026 platform in New Delhi.
This parallel emphasis on industrial progress and agricultural prosperity reflects the state government’s vision of building a Samruddha Odisha (Prosperous Odisha). The initiative demonstrates the importance of pursuing economic growth while ensuring that farmers, rural communities and traditional agricultural practices remain central to the state’s development agenda.
The participation of hundreds of farming groups and thousands of farmers also underlines the potential of traditional rice varieties to create new market opportunities, strengthen rural livelihoods and improve the visibility of Odisha’s agricultural products. Through platforms such as BIRC 2026, indigenous rice varieties can gain wider recognition, while community-based organisations and women-led Self-Help Groups can play an increasingly important role in promoting local agricultural products and connecting producers with broader markets.
Extending heartfelt congratulations and appreciation to everyone who contributed to this significant achievement, the message recognised the dedicated farmers, empowered women associated with Self-Help Groups and the entire ORMAS team for their valuable efforts in making the initiative successful. Their collective contribution has helped showcase Odisha’s agricultural excellence and traditional knowledge to a wider audience, reinforcing the state’s commitment to inclusive development, farmer welfare and the preservation of its rich agricultural heritage.
The presentation of Odisha’s traditional rice treasures at BIRC 2026 is therefore more than an exhibition of agricultural products. It represents the hard work of farming communities, the preservation of indigenous knowledge and the growing potential of Odisha’s rural economy. By combining agricultural advancement with industrial development, Odisha continues to pursue its broader aspiration of creating a prosperous, inclusive and economically vibrant future for its people.
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