ICAR-NRRI signs MoA for Export of Aromatic Rice from Odisha (arORIce)
ICAR-National Rice Research Institute (NRRI), Cuttack, signed a Memorandum of Association (MoA) with Agroplus Production and Solutions Pvt. Ltd. Nayagarh, Odisha for the export of small grain aromatic rice from Odisha. This MoA was signed as one of the activities of RKVY-Odisha sponsored project entitled ‘4S4R Model for Production, Marketing and Export of Odisha Aromatic Rice (arORIce)’. The project is implemented in Kanadhamal, Kalahandi, Koraput and Mayurbhanj on pilot basis. The MoA is regarding the commercialization of non-basmati aromatic rice landraces and varieties from Odisha. The non-basmati aromatic landraces from this region are majorly short grained that are finding a new market in the global trade. The foremost objective of the project is to promote the export of aromatic rice from Odisha. In first year of its launching the project is intended to produce 5000 tonnes of aromatic rice in designated districts through FPOs. ICAR-NRRI will be responsible for providing pure seed through seed chain to maintain the uniformity of the produce for its better marketing. The ICAR-NRRI will also be responsible for training of farmers in the established FPOs, regarding Good Agricultural Practices for seed production, grain production, crop management, post-harvest management, post-harvest processing and value addition for large scale production, marketing, and export of the produce. The project can set a good example of Public Private Partnership meant for betterment of the farming community.