Smita Mishra 
In the heart of Odisha, a quiet revolution has been reshaping the landscape of tribal farming and sustainable agriculture for nearly two decades. Leading this transformative movement is Dr. Dipak Sahu, a change maker whose vision and dedication have empowered countless indigenous farmers while carving a global niche for Odisha’s agricultural produce.
Since founding Kanak Bioscience and Research Pvt. Ltd. in 2005, Dr. Sahu has committed himself to doubling farmers’ incomes, promoting eco-friendly practices, and linking tribal communities to global markets. His organization’s efforts go beyond agricultural innovation-they embody a mission to uplift marginalized communities, foster self-reliance, and contribute meaningfully to Odisha’s economic growth.
What began as a modest initiative has now expanded to an impressive 1,36,000 hectares across 15 districts in Odisha. Kanak Bioscience and Research Pvt. Ltd. focuses on cultivating indigenous crops such as aromatic rice, millets, spices, and coffee while promoting medicinal herbs and organic farming techniques. By engaging local farmers in cultivating and marketing their produce, the organization bridges the gap between small-scale farming and global markets.
Dr. Sahu’s direct-to-consumer model has empowered farmers to earn fair prices for their labor, bypassing exploitative intermediaries. This shift has revolutionized livelihoods, making sustainable agriculture both profitable and equitable.
Under Dr. Sahu’s leadership, Kanak Bioscience has brought Odisha’s indigenous aromatic rice onto the global stage. In a landmark development, the organization recently signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) with two Dubai-based companies and one company from UK, Cyprus and Mauritius for the export of 6,000 metric tons of aromatic rice and 100 metric tons of broken rice ever month, creating new international demand for Odisha’s agricultural heritage.
These agreements demonstrate Dr. Sahu’s remarkable ability to forge global partnerships that promote local farmers’ products, ensuring they benefit from lucrative international markets.
One of Dr. Sahu’s standout initiatives involves a proposal to the Directorate of Agriculture and Food Production, Odisha Government for establishing three state-of-the-art rice processing units in Mayurbhanj, Koraput, and Gajapati under the scheme “Promotion of Indigenous aromatic and non aromatic paddy with export promotion/ local market”. These facilities aim to reduce the high costs of rice processing for farmers, to check the contamination during the processing and enabling them to maintain export quality.
With access to advanced technology like Sortex machines and value-added processes for by-products such as bran and straw, farmers stand to earn significantly more from their crops. “This scheme isn’t just about processing rice; it’s about empowering the backbone of our agricultural economy,” says Dr. Sahu.
The use of by-products represents another innovative aspect of the project. For instance, rice bran can be processed into valuable organic aromatic bran oil, creating additional revenue streams for farmers. This holistic approach ensures that even waste from farming can contribute to economic growth.
Dr. Sahu’s pioneering spirit isn’t limited to Indian farmers. Recently, he discussed with the Congo Queen, representing over 20 tribal communities in Africa, to introduce traditional organic farming techniques to African farmers. This most possible collaboration aims to enhance agricultural self-sufficiency across continents, reinforcing the global relevance of Dr. Sahu’s work.
In another groundbreaking endeavour, Dr. Sahu has developed a line of herbal coffee targeting European markets. Retaining its original flavor and aroma, this innovative product blends Odisha’s medicinal plants with international coffee culture, unlocking a new export avenue. Kanak Bioscience is on the verge of signing a MoA with UK-based company, marking a significant milestone in the company’s global journey.
At the core of Kanak Bioscience’s success is its robust farmer consultancy services. The organization educates tribal farmers on government schemes, modern organic technologies while providing free seeds, biofertilizers, and organic certification. These initiatives have improved yields, enriched soil health, and ensured that farmers can access the resources they need without financial burden.
Moreover, Kanak Bioscience facilitates organic certification and documentation for farmers—services that are typically cost-prohibitive. This invaluable support allows farmers to gain recognition for their work and directly participate in organic markets. When verification teams visit farms, Kanak Bioscience experts are present to ensure a seamless process, further reducing barriers for farmers.
The ripple effects of Dr. Sahu’s work have been profound. Thousands of tribal farmers and their families now enjoy a stable source of income, better livelihoods, and access to modern farming techniques. This transformation is not just economic; it has social and environmental dimensions as well.
Dr. Sahu’s initiatives have promoted sustainable agriculture by reducing reliance on chemical fertilizers and improving soil health through organic farming practices. Additionally, Kanak Bioscience’s focus on medicinal plants has highlighted their potential in both domestic and international markets, opening new doors for innovation and entrepreneurship.
As Kanak Bioscience continues to push the boundaries of agricultural innovation, Dr. Sahu remains committed to exploring new possibilities. The company’s recent foray into herbal coffee and rice processing reflects a forward-looking approach that values sustainability, farmer empowerment, and global outreach equally.
With upcoming activities like the establishment of rice processing units and partnerships with international organizations, Dr. Sahu is shaping Odisha into a hub for sustainable agriculture and global trade. “Our mission is to create a sustainable and equitable future for all,” he asserts.
Dr. Deepak Sahu’s work exemplifies the power of vision and dedication in transforming lives and communities. His journey from a horticulture expert specializing in medicinal plants to the leader of an organization that inspires global impact is a testament to what one individual’s determination can achieve.
“We aim to cultivate more than crops—we aim to cultivate hope, prosperity, and sustainability for generations to come,” he says.
As Kanak Bioscience and Research Pvt. Ltd. continues to thrive under Dr. Sahu’s leadership, it stands as a beacon of hope for farmers and a symbol of Odisha’s potential on the world stage. Dr. Sahu’s efforts have not only uplifted tribal communities but also reinforced the importance of preserving the environment while fostering economic growth. His legacy will inspire countless others to join the movement for a more sustainable, inclusive, and prosperous future.
