Promoting Self-help Group-led Entrepreneurship through Rice Value AdditionBetter Rice. Better Lives.
Illustration of Odisha women-led self-help groups working with rice products

Promoting Self-help Group-led Entrepreneurship through Rice Value Addition

Better Rice. Better Lives.

A Project funded by the Department of Agriculture and Farmer’s Empowerment and the Department of Mission Shakti, Government of Odisha​

Better Rice. Better Lives.Research · production · processing · enterprise · market
1,074 farmersparticipating in the programme
1,384 acresused for low-GI and Kalajeera production
706 womenparticipating as farmers, representing 76.6% of the farmer population
1,521 testersevaluated to fine-tune the products
76% willingto use low-GI products produced in long-term use
29 varietiestested and produced for sensory and mechanical properties
60 SHGSHG members trained in processing, packaging, costing, and marketing
13,798 quintalsof total produced rice
67.48 lakhsof DRR Dhan 81-linked sales
19.80 lakhsof Kalajeera-linked sales

One connected value chain.
More value stays with communities.

Promoting Self-Help Group-Led Entrepreneurship through Rice Value Addition is a holistic exercise in the production and marketing of nutritious rice.

01Leveraging Traditional Rice Varieties
02Establishing a Processing Facility
03Promoting Nutritional Rice Products
04Supporting Skill Development & Entrepreneurship
05Branding & Market Expansion

Odisha rice,
profiled for decisions.

Search priority records by nutrition profile, heritage identity or market proposition. This mock-up features 12 selected records from the FY 2025–26 portfolio.

From distinctive grain
to everyday foods.

The portfolio turns grain, broken rice and bran into convenient products—expanding demand while using more of every harvest.

Rice-based food product portfolio

Capability that stays
in the community.

SHG members build hands-on capability in processing, quality, packaging, costing, branding and buyer engagement—so value addition becomes a locally owned business system.

60SHG members completed intensive five-day programmes
See the capability pathway →
Women SHG capability for rice processing and enterprise

Field evidence. Factory readiness.
Market traction.

Map of six project districts in Odisha
Six districtsBalangir · Ganjam · Kalahandi · Khordha · Koraput · Puri
Production7,880.47 quintal

Kalajeera used in Koraput’s women-led production cluster.

View evidence ↗
Market linkage₹19.80 lakh

Recorded realization from 180 quintals of Kalajeera sold to a B2B buyer.

See market stories ↗
Bhubaneswar multi-line rice and millet processing facility
Platform for scaleBhubaneswar processing facility

Paddy · millet · flour · bakery lines