The Bargarh district is known for its large area under paddy cultivation and maximum paddy production. It is popularly known as rice bowl of Odisha.
However, in a new development, mandia (finger millet) cultivation is catching up the fancy of farmers of Gaisillet area in Padampur Subdivision of Bargarh district,under the Millet Mission programme.
According to reports mandia (Finger Millet ) cultivation has been taken up by 238 farmers in 27 villages in 108 hectares of land in Gaisillet Block. It requires less amount of water to grow mandia crop. Besides, it is resilient to climate change.
"We hope to get a production of around 350 quintals this year," said Kanhu Charan Majhi of Debadutta Club of Gaisillet.