Enhancing Decentralized Seed Production of Healthier Rice in Odisha
28 October 2025, Odisha: Farmers in Odisha are being trained to produce healthier and more nutritious rice seeds, such as high-zinc, high-protein, and low-glycemic index varieties, that can boost income, strengthen nutrition and food security, and open new market opportunities.
For many farmers in the state, access to certified and high-quality seed remains limited, especially for varieties that are new to seed chain actors in the region. The challenge is even greater for healthier rice varieties, where awareness is low, and seed availability is scarce. As a result, the adoption and scaling of these specialty rice varieties remain slow.
To help close this gap, the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) and the Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment of Odisha (DAFE) held two Training of Trainers programs in Bhadrak and Balangir. Participants included farmer producer organizations (FPOs), progressive farmers, and local agriculture officers.
In Bhadrak, 25 FPO members and 15 officials learned about scientific seed production, certification standards, and post-harvest management. In addition, participants also received Super Bags from IRRI for safer seed storage.
“Quality seed is vital not only for higher productivity but also for ensuring nutritional security,” said Chief District Agriculture Officer Dwijabar Sethy.
Meanwhile, in Bolangir, 35 farmers and local agricultural staff received training on specialty rice varieties such as CR Dhan 315, DRR dhan 45, BRRI Dhan 69, and Telengana Sona (released by Central Rice Research Institute (CRRI), Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI)- IRRI’s Seeds Without Borders, and Professor Jayashankar Telangana Agricultural University (PJTSAU)) and the seed production. Experts from the Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Regional Institute of Training and Extension (RITE), and IRRI also provided guidance on pest and nutrient management, enterprise development, and market linkages. These varieties are the outcomes of rigorous evaluation and scaling efforts under the Specialty Rice Project supported by DAFE, Odisha. In a similar training at Ganjam, another project district, 60 participants mostly from farmers collectives were trained as master trainers of quality seed production. These trained resources will further build the capacity of farmers to produce quality seeds of the preferred specialty rice varieties.
Officials said producing certified seeds locally will reduce quality seed shortages, expand the use of these new and improved specialty varieties, and offer livelihood opportunities through seed enterprises and market linkages for these value-added genetics. This initiative is one step ahead to scale healthier rice with increased seed availability.
“Quality seed is the foundation of resilience, especially as farmers face increasing climate variability,” emphasized RITE Principal Shri Sudhakar Nanda.
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