The gola is a traditional and eco-friendly storing facility, once a very common sight in rural Odisha. It is made out of bamboo, then slathered in mud and cow dung and topped with a thatched roof. Paddy and other grains are stored in them soon after harvesting. But, these silos are slowly vanishing.

As of now, Gram Pradhans only have rights, but no responsibility. The Centre should act as a facilitator to resolve issues of farmers pertaining to irrigation, canal, tube wells, support prices and seed-fertilizers. The Gram Pradhans can be vested with statutory responsibility and some honorarium to supervise its functioning. There should be absolute decentralization of local administration till the level of Panchayat

Like our childhood, basant seems to belong to a bygone era. Now in just a couple of days the mercury jumps many degrees and the harsh Indian summer is upon us. From rajai and no-fan nights, we go straight into air conditioned rooms. And, more worryingly, the rising heat and disappearing spring is a direct threat to our granaries.