Scheme announced to revolutionise Makhana farming in Bihar

Adhering to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's promise during his election rallies to give a boost to 'makhana' (fox nut) cultivation and marketing in Bihar, Union Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan Singh today announced a scheme to revolutionise its farming.
"Our scientists at Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) have developed a new seed of makhana called 'Suvarna Vaidehi'. The special thing about it is that instead of being cultivated in just ponds and lakes, it can be used in the fields just like we cultivate paddy. The farmers can now integrate Makhana to their crop cycle," Singh told reporters.
The Union Minister said the Prime Minister has planned 'Kesar Kranti (Saffron Revolution) for Jammu and Kashmir, and 'Makhana Revolution' for Bihar to realise the goal of all- round agricultural development in the form of 'second Green Revolution' in lagging states, especially in eastern region.

"The ICAR scientists have tested this seed in over 103 hectares and it has been found to be very successful. The quality of the crop is very good. The seed has been notified for use in Bihar. We also plan to integrate pisciculture and 'singhara' (water chestnut) farming with it," Singh added.
The Union Minister expressed concern over the decline in the area of water-bodies over which makhana is cultivated in the state from 20,000 hectare in 2001-02 to 13,000 hectare in 2012-13 and said the new seed will liberate makhana farmers from dependence on ponds and water-bodies to cultivate it.

Makhana, though found in Eastern and Northeastern states, Jammu and Kashmir and Rajasthan, is mainly cultivated in Bihar.

The fruit considered rich in Phosphorus, Potassium, Iron, Calcium, Magnesium and amino acids is farmed in ponds and water bodies in districts of Mithilanchal area of the state including Darbhanga, Madhubani, Purnia, Katihar, Sitamarhi, Saharsa, Supaul, Araria and Kishanganj.
The current production of makhana in the state is pegged at around 25,000 tonnes per annum of which around 10,000 tonnes is processed. The market size of its trade is around Rs 300 crore a year.
"Much of makhana is lost in processing because there are no proper implements for processing and washing works. Our scientists are going to launch new implements for the purpose. We hope makhana's market to touch Rs 1,000 crore in a couple of years," added Singh.

He said condition of Makhana Research Centre established at Darbhanga was pathetic as only five scientists were working there against a sanctioned strength of 11, and just one residential quarter was available to them at the campus.
He said more scientists will be appointed at the research centre and eight new residential units will be built for them at the campus by December this year.
Singh said that he expects the state to provide irrigation facilities to the farmers so that they could adopt the new seed. He also said the prevalence of middlemen in makhana trade should to be done away quickly so that farmers can get the benefit of hard work.