In significant recognition of its outstanding contributions to rural entrepreneurship and market expansion, the Odisha Rural Development and Marketing Society (ORMAS) has been conferred with the prestigious BIRC Global Excellence Award 2026.
The award honors ORMAS for its visionary leadership in building robust rural-market connections and its exceptional contribution to promoting traditional rice varieties on a global platform.
Congratulating the team on this remarkable milestone, Minister for Panchayati Raj, Rural Development, and Drinking Water, Rabi Narayan Naik, said:
“This recognition is a testament to the dedication and relentless efforts of the ORMAS team. We remain committed to empowering our rural producers, connecting them with national and global markets, and strengthening the rural enterprise ecosystem in Odisha.”
Operating under Odisha’s Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water Department, ORMAS plays a crucial role in creating sustainable livelihoods for rural producers and farmers by prioritizing direct market linkage, branding, value addition, and promotion.
The award was presented during the ongoing Bharat International Rice Conference (BIRC) 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, where ORMAS showcased 15 traditional varieties of paddy and rice sourced from 8 districts of Odisha. This initiative directly impacts 3,695 members across 85 community-based organizations.
Dr. Monica Priyadarshini, CEO of ORMAS, received the award on behalf of the organization. Calling it a proud moment for Odisha’s agricultural heritage and rural communities, she reiterated ORMAS’s vision to continuously expand economic opportunities for local artisans, farmers, and producer groups.
