Odisha to Establish Second Regional Plant Resource Centre in Keonjhar

The Odisha government has announced plans to set up the state’s second Regional Plant Resource Centre (RPRC) at Sanaghagara in Keonjhar district, in a move aimed at promoting biodiversity conservation, research, and sustainable use of plant resources.

The decision was finalized at a high-level meeting chaired by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Tuesday evening in Bhubaneswar. Officials said the new RPRC will be developed over 134 acres of land and is targeted for completion by 2027.

Envisioned as a flagship initiative of the Chief Minister, the upcoming RPRC will serve as a hub for plant research, conservation, and propagation of rare and endemic species, particularly those native to the mineral-rich and ecologically diverse region of northern Odisha.

“The centre will play a key role in conserving the region’s unique flora, promoting eco-tourism, and supporting livelihood opportunities through the cultivation of medicinal and economically important plants,” said an official.

The first Regional Plant Resource Centre, established in Bhubaneswar, has been instrumental in advancing research on plant diversity and biotechnology. With the new facility in Keonjhar, the government aims to expand its green infrastructure and strengthen conservation networks across the state.

The project is expected to include a botanical garden, seed bank, tissue culture laboratory, and training facilities for students, researchers, and farmers, making it a significant step toward Odisha’s goal of sustainable environmental development.