Balangir is a predominantly agrarian district with more than 70% of the population dependant on agriculture for their livelihood. Cotton plantation is another important bough of agriculture which has immense popularity in Balangir. Other than that of paddy, till, mustard etc which are also cultivated in the district. Most of the areas follow a single cropping pattern. According to 1997 survey, out of 4,14,749 house holds, 3,69,273 nos. are Urban and 45,476 nos. are Rural house holds in the district. Many poor migrate to cities like Hyderabad, Raipur to work there as “Dadan Sramik”. This is a major constraint for education of their children.50 percent of the women involve in agro based Activity and 90 percent of rural women supplement their income through NTFP (Non timbers forest produces) like Kendu leaf, Mahula, Broom and collection of various forest products. Since last few years, a number of SHG (Self Help Group) have been organised by both Government. & NGOs to supplement their livelihood. Apart from this, various Income generating programme for women like SGSY have been introduced by Govt.
Minerals and Industries
Graphite, Bauxite, Manganese, Zinc and diamond are the main natural resources of the district. Fresh water fish production M.T. is 3630.54. The production of milk and egg in 3392000 M.T. and 447.01 million respectively. The no of working graphite mines is 35, area covered 73 hector and no of worker employed is 722. There are 3 quartz mines covering 67 hector with 52 workers employed. Besides that, there are 105 small scale industries 1560 cottage industries and 12714 hand loom industries in the dist.
