India's Superfood Makhana Set to Take Global Markets by Storm

Image credits: PTI

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has revealed that he eats Makhana, also known as fox nuts, "at least 300 out of 365 days" and has called for the production of this traditional crop of Bihar to be taken to global markets. Makhana has emerged as a staple part of breakfast in cities across the country, and the Prime Minister has emphasized its importance as a superfood. The government has announced the formation of a Makhana Board to support Makhana farmers and enhance the production, processing, value addition, and marketing of Makhana.

The initiative to promote Makhana is part of the government's efforts to boost agricultural exports and improve the livelihoods of farmers in Bihar. The state is the largest producer of fox nuts in India, contributing 80 per cent of the country's supply. However, it has struggled to capitalize on the growing global demand for this nutritious food. The Makhana Board will focus on value addition, better marketing strategies, and improving the livelihoods of farmers in Bihar. The government has also announced plans to establish Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) to provide handholding and training support to Makhana farmers.

Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare Shivraj Singh Chouhan has also emphasized the importance of Makhana, saying that it will take over the world of superfoods in the future. He has announced plans to provide full cooperation in marketing, branding, and packaging of Makhana. The government has also decided to include farmers who cultivate Makhana on leased areas in Union government schemes. The Makhana Board will work to ensure that Makhana producers get the right price for their produce and that the crop is sold in global markets.

The promotion of Makhana is also seen as a significant step towards supporting farmers and strengthening regional agricultural practices. The government has set a target to create 10,000 Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) across the country, and this goal has now been accomplished. Bihar will host the 10,000th FPO, which will focus on crops such as maize, bananas, and paddy. The FPO has been registered in Khagaria district, marking an important step in supporting farmers and strengthening regional agricultural practices. Some of the key points of the government's plan to promote Makhana include: * Establishing a Makhana Board to support Makhana farmers * Enhancing the production, processing, value addition, and marketing of Makhana * Providing handholding and training support to Makhana farmers through FPOs * Ensuring that Makhana producers get the right price for their produce * Taking Makhana to global markets

The government's efforts to promote Makhana are expected to have a significant impact on the livelihoods of farmers in Bihar and the country's agricultural exports. With the growing demand for healthy and nutritious food, Makhana is set to become a major player in the global market. The government's initiatives to support Makhana farmers and promote the crop are a significant step towards achieving this goal. As the country prepares for the upcoming assembly elections in Bihar, the promotion of Makhana is seen as a key initiative to support farmers and strengthen regional agricultural practices.