Indigenous crops found in the hilly districts of the Far Western Province have been disappearing in recent years. With the introduction of improved seeds, local crops like sorghum, millet, kaguno, maize, and muduro have started disappearing.

The cultivation of indigenous crops produced in Dadeldhura, Baitadi, Darchula, Bajhang, Doti, Achham and Bajura has been declining in recent times. Agricultural experts say that the young generation does not understand the importance of indigenous crops, there is an increased attraction towards improved seeds and off-season farming, the labor-income ratio is not established and the lack of necessary promotion has led to the disappearance of local farming.

Prasad Dutta Awasthi, a farmer from Dadeldhura, says that the reason for the decline in farmers' attraction towards indigenous crops is the lack of yield, adulteration in seeds and lack of market encouragement. Awasthi says, 'We do not know what the seeds are like, and farmers have turned to other crops after feeling that there is no benefit in spite of their hard work.' It has been found that farmers have turned to other crops because they do not get the income they deserve. He said that the practice of growing millet, phapar, and corn is decreasing.

Similarly, another farmer Siddharaj Joshi, adding to the problems of the farmers, says, ‘Its production has naturally decreased since it is not profitable.’ But from a health perspective, phapar, millet, and kaguno are very useful. The state and other bodies should make a plan and promote them.’ He said that indigenous crops are being displaced and special initiatives are needed for their conservation.

Sudhir Jairu, a local of Khalanga, mentioned that there has been a shortage in market supply and said, ‘We hear about its health benefits, but it is difficult to find it in the market.’ As most farmers in rural areas have stopped growing millet, indigenous crops are being displaced.

In urban areas, there is increasing attraction towards dishes made from phapar, millet, kaguno, and muduro. According to nutritionists, these crops are also considered beneficial for children, pregnant women, postpartum women, and chronically ill people. Shyamraj Bohara, Public Health Inspector of Amargadhi Municipality, said that it is necessary to promote indigenous crops as these crops contain abundant nutrients.

According to Mahendra Saud, an agriculture graduate working in the agriculture department of Bhageshwor Rural Municipality, the local level is trying to attract farmers to millet farming by providing subsidies according to the cost of the farmers. He said that the rural municipality has subsidy plans to increase production and flourish farming.

Ramesh Bhandari, Technical Assistant (Agriculture) of Amargadhi Municipality, informed that programs such as seeds, barn improvement, training, and mechanization support are being implemented from the federal conditional budget.

Narendra Paneru, Head of the Agricultural Knowledge Center Dadeldhura, also said that collaboration is being done with various levels to promote millet farming. According to him, last year, millet was cultivated on 320 hectares in Dadeldhura and 568 metric tons were produced. He said that although the area and production are decreasing, the demand is increasing. According to him, millet is a crop that can tolerate diseases and pests and can be grown even in dry land. Since it is a seedling crop, it is also grown in dry land. However, Paneru says that millet cultivation is decreasing recently as farmers have increased their interest in seasonal vegetables and cash crops.