Kalahandi, a cradle of civilization is located between 19°3’ N and 21°5’ N Latitude and 82° 30’ E and 83°74’ E Longitude. The region having rich cultural heritage has been recognized as repository of art & culture right from the dawn of history. In modern time, the landmass is always known in Odisha and India as “Kalahandi” or ‘Crucible of Art’.

Administratively, Kalahandi is having 2 sub-divisions like Bhawanipatna and Dharmagarh. The district is having 13 community development blocks which encompasses 310 GPs and 2253 villages. Kalahandi district is rural oriented district and there are only one Municipality and 3 NAC.

Kalahandi is largely an agriculture based economy. The Upper Indravati Irrigation Project has transformed the way people of Kalahandi approach agriculture activity. From a district infamous for drought, malnutrition Kalahandi has risen to become the second highest paddy procuring district thanks to irrigation projects like Upper Indravati Irrigation Project, Ret Irrigation Project, Megalift Projects etc. Kalahandi is also highest cotton growing district of Odisha. Its long staple variety of cotton is in huge demand.

At present, Kalahandi District has 20541 no’s of WSHGs consisting of 2,12,155 no’s of members, brining empowerment among the women and helping them sustaining their household economy. The WSHGs involved in an array of activities starting from Mushroom Cultivation, Vegetable cultivation to Goat rearing, Pisciculture, Paddy Procurement, MDM at schools, Collection of Electric Bill, Leaf-plate making, Production of Spices, Layer Farming etc.