Makhana Set to Revolutionize Global Superfood Market with Government Support

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The Indian government has announced plans to promote makhana, a type of aquatic crop, as a superfood in the global market. Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Shivraj Singh Chouhan recently interacted with makhana producers in Bihar's Darbhanga district, where he announced the formation of the Makhana Board to boost production and exports. The board will provide training, resources, and financial assistance to farmers to adopt modern cultivation techniques and improve the quality of makhana. Chouhan said that makhana has the potential to become a leading superfood in the world, with its high nutritional value and growing demand in international markets.

The formation of the Makhana Board is a significant step towards promoting makhana as a major crop in Bihar, which accounts for 85% of the world's production. The board will focus on three key areas: production, processing, and marketing, to improve the livelihoods of makhana farmers and increase the state's GDP. The government has also established the National Institute of Food Technology in Bihar to provide a strong fillip to makhana processing activities. The Geographical Indication (GI) tag for Mithila Makhana has also been granted, guaranteeing the unique quality and place of origin of the product, making it more appealing to international buyers.

The agriculture department of the Bihar government aims to expand the cultivation area of makhanas to 70,000 hectares by 2035, with seed production expected to nearly double in the next three years. This growth will drive the production of popped makhanas from 23,000 to 78,000 metric tons (MT) over the same period. The sector's value at the farmer level is projected to rise from over Rs 550 crore to 3,900 crore by 2035. The market value for popped makhanas is anticipated to surge from Rs 2,000 crore to Rs 13,260 crore in the next decade, reflecting increased domestic and international demand. The creation of export infrastructure, such as airports, will also facilitate smooth cargo handling domestically and internationally, making it easier for makhana to reach global markets as a superfood.

Some of the key stakeholders involved in the promotion of makhana include: * Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Shivraj Singh Chouhan * Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary * Darbhanga MP Gopal Jee Thakur * National Institute of Food Technology * Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) * Bihar Rural Livelihoods Promotion Society * NABARD (National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development) These stakeholders will play a crucial role in supporting the growth of the makhana industry and promoting it as a major crop in Bihar.

The timeline of events for the promotion of makhana includes: * February 2025: Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan announces plans to promote makhana as a superfood * February 2025: Formation of the Makhana Board in Bihar * 2025-2035: Expansion of cultivation area of makhanas to 70,000 hectares * 2025-2035: Growth of seed production and popped makhanas * 2025-2035: Increase in sector's value at the farmer level and market value for popped makhanas The government's support for the makhana industry is expected to have a significant impact on the livelihoods of farmers and the economy of Bihar, making it a major player in the global superfood market.