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General Studies 2 >> Governance

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MAKHANA- BLACK DIAMOND

MAKHANA

 
1. Context
 
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, while presenting the Union Budget on February 1, said that a “Makhana Board” will be set up in Bihar to boost the cultivation and marketing of fox nuts. The people engaged in Makhana cultivation will be organised in FPOs.
 
2. Makhana the black diamond
 
  • Makhana, also known as fox nut in English, refers to the dried edible seeds of the prickly water lily or gorgon plant (Euryale ferox). This aquatic plant thrives in freshwater ponds across South and East Asia. It is easily recognizable by its large, round, and spiky leaves, which can grow over a meter in diameter, along with its distinctive violet and white flowers.

  • The edible seeds of the makhana plant are small and round, with an outer shell that varies in color from black to brown. Due to their dark appearance and high value, they are often referred to as the "Black Diamond."

  • Once processed, these seeds transform into light, popped snacks known as ‘lava’ and are widely consumed. Makhana is highly regarded for its nutritional value, being an excellent source of carbohydrates, protein, and essential minerals. Owing to its medicinal, health, and nutritional benefits, makhana is utilized in various forms

  • Bihar is the largest producer of makhana in India, contributing nearly 90% of the total production. The cultivation is concentrated in nine districts in northern and eastern Bihar, namely:

    • Darbhanga, Madhubani, Purnea, Katihar, Saharsa, Supaul, Araria, Kishanganj, and Sitamarhi.

    Among these, the first four districts alone account for approximately 80% of Bihar’s total makhana production.

  • Besides Bihar, makhana is also cultivated in smaller quantities in states such as Assam, Manipur, West Bengal, Tripura, and Odisha. Outside India, it is grown in countries like Nepal, Bangladesh, China, Japan, and Korea

In 2022, ‘Mithila Makhana’ was granted a Geographical Indication (GI) tag. A GI tag is a certification given to products that are uniquely associated with a specific geographic region and possess distinctive qualities or a strong reputation linked to that area. The GI tag remains valid for 10 years and can be renewed thereafter
 
 
3. Makhana Board
 
  • The recent budget announcement regarding the creation of a Makhana Board in Bihar is a major development for farmers engaged in makhana cultivation. The Bihar government has long been urging the Central government to introduce measures to promote the crop. Additionally, the state has been advocating for the declaration of a minimum support price (MSP) for makhana.

  • Despite being the largest producer of makhana in India, Bihar has struggled to capitalize on the growing market demand. Although the state contributes 90% of the country’s total production, the leading exporters of makhana are Punjab and Assam, with Punjab itself not even cultivating the crop.

  • This challenge stems from Bihar’s underdeveloped food processing industry and lack of export infrastructure. One of the key obstacles is that none of Bihar’s airports have cargo handling facilities, limiting its ability to export. Moreover, low productivity in makhana farming remains a pressing concern, as the cultivation process is labor-intensive and difficult, resulting in high input costs.

  • Another issue is the slow adoption of high-yielding makhana seed varieties developed by agricultural research institutes, such as Swarna Vaidehi and Sabour Makhana-1. Farmers have yet to widely embrace these improved varieties, which could potentially enhance productivity.

  • The Makhana Board, with a budget of ₹100 crore, aims to train farmers to become export-focused, establish an ecosystem that attracts investment in food processing, and develop the necessary export infrastructure to boost Bihar’s makhana industry

  • Makhana (also known as Gorgon Nut or Foxnut) is an aquatic crop predominantly cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions. It is traditionally grown in stagnant water bodies such as ponds, lakes, wetlands, ditches, and land depressions where the water depth remains shallow, typically around 4 to 6 feet.

  • The ideal conditions for makhana cultivation include a temperature range of 20-35°C, relative humidity between 50-90%, and annual rainfall ranging from 100 to 250 cm. These environmental factors support its optimal growth and productivity

Roasted Makhana Recipe (5+ Flavors) - Whiskaffair
 
 
4.One District One Product scheme & ‘One Station One Product’ scheme
 
  • The One District One Product (ODOP) scheme is designed to promote equitable regional development across all districts in the country. The goal of this initiative is to identify, brand, and promote at least one unique product from each district, aiming to drive comprehensive socioeconomic growth throughout various regions.

  • States and Union Territories (UTs) choose the products based on the local ecosystem and products already recognized as Districts as Export Hubs (DEH) or those with a Geographical Indication (GI) tag. The finalized list of these products is then submitted by the respective state and UT authorities to the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT)

  • The One Station One Product scheme seeks to provide opportunities for local artisans, potters, weavers, and craftsmen to earn a livelihood through their craft. It also aims to offer them platforms for selling their goods at railway stations across the country.

  • This initiative also seeks to promote local handicrafts, handlooms, and regional food products that are unique to the areas surrounding the railway stations

 
 
For Prelims: Geographical Indication (GI) tag, Makhana
 
For Mains: GS II - Governance
 
Source: Indianexpress

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