Bacteria isolated from the rhizosphere, the rhizobacteria, of sorghum, pearl millet, wheat, alfalfa and rice were screened for the production of exopolysaccharide (EPS). Nearly a quarter of the strains produced exopolysaccharides, either capsular or hydrosoluble slime. A majority of the isolates produced slime. Physico-chemical analyses have indicated the ability of certain diazotrophic Pseudomonas paucimobilis isolates from millets and sorghum to produce unique types of EPS, which are highly viscous and thermostable.