Archive · 12 Jan 2026
Odisha Leads in Seed Multiplication with 11 Million Tonnes Paddy Yield
Odisha is a leader in growing rice because it produces a lot of paddy every year and has good science support.
Scientists and leaders met for two days to talk about special kinds of rice that are healthier and better for the environment.
These special rices have more nutrients like zinc and iron, and they are easier on the body.
The meeting helped make a plan to grow and sell more of these special rices.
Everyone agreed that working together is important to make this happen.
Odisha produces nearly 11 million tonnes of paddy annually and is a frontrunner in seed multiplication.
The state has a strong scientific ecosystem and proactive support for initiatives like participatory varietal selection and community seed multiplication.
A two-day national workshop was organized by IRRI and Odisha's Department of Agriculture & Farmers' Empowerment.
The workshop focused on scaling healthier rice varieties, including high-zinc, iron-rich, protein-rich, and low-GI rice.
Participants included policymakers, scientists, seed system experts, private-sector leaders, farmer organisations, and development partners.
- Who
- Agriculture scientists, policymakers, scientists, seed system experts, private-sector leaders, farmer organisations, development partners
- What
- A national workshop on positioning and scaling healthier rice in Odisha's agri-food system
- When
- Monday (specific date not mentioned)
- Where
- Odisha, India
- Why
- To chart a roadmap for mainstreaming speciality rice varieties and enhance farmer incomes, nutrition, and climate resilience
- Annual Paddy Production
- 11 million tonnes
- Initiatives
- Participatory varietal selection, on-farm trials, community seed multiplication, value-chain development
- Partners
- International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), other institutions
- Workshop Organizers
- IRRI, Odisha's Department of Agriculture & Farmers' Empowerment (DA&FE)
- Speciality Rice Varieties
- High-zinc, iron-rich, protein-rich, low-glycemic-index (GI)
- Workshop Duration
- Two days
- Key Outcome
- Strengthened collaboration among government agencies, research institutions, seed corporations, private players, and farmer institutions