The Government of Odisha marked a major milestone in agricultural transformation with the successful hosting of the first State-Level Consultative Workshop under the Mukhyamantri Maka Mission (MMM) at Krushi Bhawan, Bhubaneswar.
The event was inaugurated by Dr. Arabinda Kumar Padhee, Principal Secretary, Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment, and attended by key dignitaries including Dr. Pravat Ku. Roul (VC, OUAT), Sri Chakravarti Singh Rathore (CEO, ORMAS), Dr. Monica Priyadarshini (Director, Mission Shakti), and Smt. Litty Pattnayak (Additional Director, AG&FE).
The MMM aims to position maize as Odisha’s second-most important cereal after paddy, covering 15 districts and 45 blocks. It exemplifies a whole-of-government approach, integrating departments like Agriculture, Cooperation, Mission Shakti, and ORMAS to create synergy in maize production and marketing.
A major highlight of the workshop was the signing of ten Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) between Farmers Producer Companies (FPCs) and maize buyers from poultry and ethanol industries. These agreements are expected to strengthen the market framework and ensure better prices for maize growers.
🌽 Key Developments:
- Establishment of Vijayanagar Bio-Tech maize-based starch plant in Nabarangpur
- Emphasis on ethanol blending policy and specialty corn cultivation
- Technical support from Indian Institute of Maize Research, CIMMYT, and OUAT
- Promotion of hybrid seed production and agro-service centers
The workshop featured detailed deliberations on advanced maize technologies and market strategies. The event was coordinated by ACCESS Development Services, the programme secretariat of MMM. The vote of thanks was delivered by Sri Bishnu Prasad Pattanaik, JDA (P&O)-cum-Nodal Officer, MMM.
