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‘GI tag a boon for makhana farmers’.
Aug 22, 2023

Thanks to its nutritional value, makhana is fast becoming a popular food product across the world. As Bihar is the largest producer of makhana, the state agriculture department has taken several steps to help farmers engaged in its production. State agriculture department secretary Sanjay Agarwal tells TOI’s Sheezan Nezami about steps being taken by the government to boost makhana production in the state. Excerpts:
Where does the state stand in the production of makhana?
At around 80%, Bihar accounts for the highest production of makhana in the country. Makhana is mainly produced in 10 districts in the state – Darbhanga, Madhubani, Sitamarhi, Purnia, Katihar, Saharsa, Supaul, Madhepura, Araria and Kishanganj. The area of makhana cultivation is expanding in the state every year. Farmers are shifting towards this crop, as profit per acre is almost double compared to paddy or other crops.
How has geographical indication (GI) tag for makhana helped farmers?
The government of India awarded the GI tag to ‘Mithila Makhana’ on August 16 last year, in a bid to help farmers get maximum price for their produce. This has helped this unique product in getting more recognition in the international markets.
What initiatives are being taken by the state agriculture department to promote makhana production in Bihar?
Various steps are being taken, right from pre-production to the post-production. We have the Makhana Vikas Yojana scheme for facilitating farmers. With the support of Bhola Paswan Shastri Agriculture College, Purnia and National Research Centre for Makhana in Darbhanga, seed production of high yield varieties is being done as well as distributed among the farmers. Our department also organises demonstrations on makhana cultivation in farmers’ fields or ponds, using the best method. In fact, a Centre of Excellence for Makhana is being established in Purnia district.
 
What are the challenges before makhana farmers?
Storage is a real challenge for them, as it needs a lot of space and dry surroundings. Small farmers usually sell their produce immediately. From this financial year, we have started providing hermetic storage bags to farmers in which they can store their produce safely for more than six months. We are also planning to extend assistance for constructing dedicated storage infrastructure for this produce in makhana-growing districts.
Tell us about makhana export
It is being exported to various countries, including the US, United Arab Emirates, Nepal, Canada and Australia. Annually, nearly 200 metric tonne of makhana is exported and we have around 85% of the share. Apart from other countries, we are also tapping the markets in other states, especially in metro cities.
    
timesofindia.indiatimes.com

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